4FT light on a 5Ft tank?

BCOrchidGuy · #1 03-10-2003, 05:06 PM

If I were to go to a 5 foot long tank and suspend my 4ft fixture over top of it, wouldn't lower light corals etc... be fine on the outside areas of the LR? I have a 4ft fixture with 2 175 MH and 2 NO actinics..... maybe I should upgrade the ballasts and bulbs to 250s?..lol
I may be moving at the end of the summer and I figure it would be easier to move everything into a new tank rather than try to move everything and then move the tank set it up and then get everything back in.

Jack · #2 03-10-2003, 06:18 PM

You'll be fine. This is the exact thing Lee here on the board does and his tank is amazing. He uses a nice 4' hamilton box with dual 175w 10k's w/ 2x110w VHO suspended over his 5' long tank and it works great. And he keeps SPS :shock: It works awesome.

What is your tank depth? That's the question with going to 250's you may not need them with a shallow tank. But, personally, I would keep SPS under at least 250's.

BCOrchidGuy · #3 03-10-2003, 08:39 PM

Tank depth will depend... I keep Montipora and it does fine under the 175s, it is actually doing really well.

BCOrchidGuy · #4 03-10-2003, 09:46 PM

I think a 60 x 24 x 20H tank will be almost perfect I may go for a 22 High. The 20-22 inch height will give me lots of room to work vertically but the 24 inches front to back will give me more show (fish) room. The height will also mean no need to upgrade the lights as they are pretty repsectable on the 24 inch height.

20 inch Height makes it a 125 gallon

22 inch Height makes it a 137 gallon

Just for sake of thinking out loud, if I went with the 22 inch height and a 30 inch front to back, ..... 172 gallon..... hmmmmmmm

ldzielak · #5 03-13-2003, 02:36 AM

BCOrchidguy,

Are you planing on puchasing a tank or do you have one? Mine is 60x24x18h and I would consider parting with it. After building my stand and all the maple wood, I will have to stick with the foot print but I'm thinking of maybe going higher.

Lee

BCOrchidGuy · #6 03-13-2003, 04:22 AM

No I don't have one yet but I won't be getting another until either the fall or the new year. I can get my tanks at cost + shipping, and I like the SeaStar tanks, had one for 8 years and 4 moves with out a leak.

ldzielak · #7 03-13-2003, 04:35 AM

I have a Seastar and I like it, but could always got bigger!!! I'm in no hurry, we can talk when you are ready, mine is drilled and has 4 bulk heads, I would give you a good deal I'm sure.

Lee