75G SPS/ LPS Lighting?

[David Tobler]

I'm wanting to start a reef tank, but first I'm trying to research as much as possible. I'd like to start a 75G with various soft corls and LPS along with a few SPS. How many kelvins and watts would I need on some metal halides for this type/size tank? Do I need one or two lights?

Thanks for any help.

[wharyat]

Welcome to TRT David!!

Sounds like you have a good idea, research is one of the necessities of this hobby.

On a 75g, I would say 2 250 watt MH's would give you enough light for anything you would want to keep without any problem. 175's would also be sufficient if you are looking to save a few watts.

The Kelvin rating on the bulbs denotes the color. A 20,000k bulb will be a very blue color, as a 6,500 will be more on the yellow end. Generally you will be able to get more usable light out of a 6,500 or 10,000 than you will a 14,000 or a 20,000; so if growth is your primary goal go with the lower "temp" bulbs. I personally prefer the look and growth rate that I get with a 10kK bulb.

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!



when going with MH's heat will prolly be a problem. you will need to look into getting a chiller. this may also be the case with some flourescent setups also. it is just a good idea to start looking into chillers for a reef system from the beginning.

look around and see which tanks look good to you than ask what kind of lights they are running. you will quickly find a pattern on what K you like.

G~

[David Tobler]

Originally Posted by Geoff

Welcome to TRT!!



when going with MH's heat will prolly be a problem. you will need to look into getting a chiller. this may also be the case with some flourescent setups also. it is just a good idea to start looking into chillers for a reef system from the beginning.

look around and see which tanks look good to you than ask what kind of lights they are running. you will quickly find a pattern on what K you like.

G~

What if I have plenty of air movement over the top of the water, blowing the hot air away?

[ReelFreak]

I'm not going to spend alot of time discussing MH vs. other lighting, but.....Take a look and read up on T5 HO lighting w/ individual reflectors. Very few people who use these lights have to run chillers.

Tek makes a great fixture if you don't have a canopy, and they are perfect for 75g tanks. The 6x54w Tek light is a great and inexpensive fixture that you can grow just about anything under.

If you have a canopy, there are some great retro kits like Icecap that would work well.

Of course you will have to figure out how to live w/o "shimmer" Which doesn't bother me a bit!!

If cost of operating the lighting (CA isn't cheap) and the frequency of changing bulbs plus cost of the bulbs is a concern....you might find it's a good choice for you. They tend to cost less to buy initially, cheaper to run and cost less in bulbs in the long run. It's a great alternative for those of us on a "budget" that want nice corals.