Lighting for a 180 gallon

[soh15]

I am gettting a used 180 soon and was wondering if a Current Nova Extreme Pro with 468 total watts T5 would let me keep anything I wanted. The other option is a used MH system with 3 150 watt bulbs and CF actinics. Wanting the T5 setup overall but did not want to be wishing for the other in a few months. Thanks

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! The Mh would be nicer!

[crvz]

so is that twelve 39W bulbs in the nova pro? That may do well, they don't have the best of reflectors, and penetration may be a worry at the bottom of the tank (for high-light clams or SPS), but with strategic coral placement it will suffice. 150W metal halide setup probably has even worse penetration, so I'm sure you won't be hoping for that, but if you did a 3 x 250W metal halide you would be in even better position to keep anything you wanted.

[soh15]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Welcome to TRT! The Mh would be nicer!

Thanks

[soh15]

Originally Posted by crvz

so is that twelve 39W bulbs in the nova pro? That may do well, they don't have the best of reflectors, and penetration may be a worry at the bottom of the tank (for high-light clams or SPS), but with strategic coral placement it will suffice. 150W metal halide setup probably has even worse penetration, so I'm sure you won't be hoping for that, but if you did a 3 x 250W metal halide you would be in even better position to keep anything you wanted.

Correct, 12 39w T5's. I was thinking it would work if I kept the SPS and any clam I get higher. If anyone has a Current Nova Extreme Pro over a 180 please let me know how it works for you and thanks to all.

[motorslave]

3 x 250 watt MH would remove all doubt and limitations.

[customshopguy]

How long is the tank? how deep is the tank? With a 180 you might save some money and just run 2 250W halides and be done with it. With the right reflectors they can cover a pretty wide area.
--
Clint

[Reefjunkee]

IMO that wouldnt be enough.Especially SPS`s lower in the tank.

[diggler]

+2 on the 3 250 mh you can pick them for verry cheap nowa days if you keep your eyes open.