How to light my 225g reef tank

[Salty dog]

Setting up my 225 R tank and was woundering if the pro's would help me with a lighting question. Im looking for something that I will not have to up grade for a while and strong enough for all types of coral to live. My tank is 72"L X 26DX30W.

thanks Bill

[crvz]

I'd probably look at three 250W metal halide or even 400W bulbs. the coverage of a 250 is usually claimed to be a 2 foot square area, so your width makes it a little tricky, but I'd think those bulbs centered over the tank would be ok. You could suppliment with some fluorescents of some sort. Do you want a fixture or something to retrofit into your canopy?

[Salty dog]

Originally Posted by crvz

I'd probably look at three 250W metal halide or even 400W bulbs. the coverage of a 250 is usually claimed to be a 2 foot square area, so your width makes it a little tricky, but I'd think those bulbs centered over the tank would be ok. You could suppliment with some fluorescents of some sort. Do you want a fixture or something to retrofit into your canopy?

Chris,

I am one of you guys that can diy, so if I have to make my own mounting system along with a larger canopy Thats what I will do. I just dont want to buy twice. Thanks for helping

Bill

[Loverotties]

3 250w MH with a couple T-5 actinics.

[crvz]

No problem. Either way, you can get something that works. A fixture would probably cost a bit more for the lights, but if you build a canopy just for lighting it may break even. A fixture with three 250W MH bulbs and a couple fluorescents for actinic supplementation will range from $850 to $1250, depending on the quality of fixture you choose. A retrofit will save you a couple hundred dollars for comparable hardware, and give you the flexibility to mount it however you want, but either way you'll be spending a good chunk. With the retrofit, you'll probably be able to piece it together pretty cheap if you hunt for used equipment.

[Salty dog]

Not really that concerned about the cost since the LFS wants $2,200 for there basic MH 3 150w with no lunar. I was just woundering if the complete fixture was as good. Any links?

[crvz]

I actually was going to post a few options in my last reply, but thought better of it. Mostly because I don't have any experience with them, but here's a couple to look at.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...2~vendor~.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...HMTMDMLM8.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html

Any of these would suffice, and they each of their benefits/drawbacks. I like the T5 bulbs more than VHO for supplements, but those do get more expensive. Compare those prices with other places, though, like premiumaquatics.com. I've never earnestly shopped for a MH fixture, so I don't know who's going to be the best price (though marinedepot does have killer customer service, so i wouldnt worry about paying an extra $20 or so there).

[Salty dog]

thanks Chris ordering light this week.

Bill

[crvz]

Originally Posted by Salty dog

thanks Chris ordering light this week.

Bill

Well which did you choose?!?

[Hendersonracing]

I like my 400 watt reeflux 12k powered by coralvue ballast! you don't need supplementation with these bulbs! you could get the lumenbright reflectors! Id recommend 3 for a 225 here is what they look like!

[Hendersonracing]

[Salty dog]

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...HMTMDMLM8.html


Chris,

this is the light I got from Marine Depot

[crvz]

Hey, looks good Bill! That's a serious setup that should handle just about anything you put in the tank. Hope it works out well for you.