Next, Lets talk what my lighting specs should be

[Old Man Of The Sea]

The tank is 8'x2'x2' and the sump at this time is 48"x18"x17"

This tamk is to be dominated with SPS corals, with some clams.

Light set #1................................................ ..

4x250w MH.
Two Reefoptic 3 on Icecaps with 14K Phoenix.
Two Aquamedic pendants with 14k Phoenix.
8x54w T5 on Icecaps
4 total Blueplus
2 Aquable specials
2 6500
It went 2 Bluepluses in the front
Then the MHs
1x blue plus
1x6500
1x blue plus
1xAquablue
It drew about 1200 watts at the MH ballasts
And 800 or so watts for the T5s
So around 2000 watts total for 1600 watts of light.
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Here is another lighting on another 240 gal reef tank that I found> Light set #2

Lighting - All main tank lighting is contained within the DIY aluminum light box that measures 8" tall X 15" deep X 8' long. Four Hamilton 250-watt Double Ended 14k Kelvin metal halide bulbs in four PFO mini-pendant fixtures and driven by four IceCap 250 electronic ballasts. Eight 46.5" super-actinic URI VHO bulbs on two circuits drive by two IceCap 660 electronic ballasts, one controlled by a Niche Engineering 500 Dimmer to simulate dawn/dusk. Three 25-watt incandescent blue "party" lights as moonlights. One each 150-watt Iwasaki 6500 Kelvin metal halide bulb on both the sump/refugium and grow-out tank, both driven by IceCap 150 electronic ballasts.
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I can not honestly say I know everything im looking at here, after all, I did say that im no expert when it comes to lighting, all I know is that I need to get the best lighting possible I could afford.

You will see here that I not changed or moved away from that lighting specs (Light set #1) except that I wanted to be able to change a little of something on the #1 pick to have much more blue at cool down, prior to the lights shutting down. I like to get the exact and best of the line ballasts, and would you suggest if I shouldn`t look to buy used on this equipment item..

Being I decided to get a all new tank stand with canopy, im also wondering that if I should do the same in getting the exact type of all glass custom build sump!? It would the once again become more of a reality of the possibly dream SPS reef system. I was thinking around the parameters of 60"x20"x20" which would make the sump around 103 gallons. But on the skimmer side, the water linge I think will be around 8-10" somewhere. I need to go to the link of the manufacture of the skimmer o get more detailed facts on what is the best water line level for the MR4 skimmer.

I will go to Lowes to replace all new tubing lines. I much to talk about with my new aquarium person being that things are changing in staying parts of the tank itself hen it was setup by another, the only thing I would then be keeping of the 240 setup, is only the tank itself, that is if I go head with the new thought to get a all glass custom build sump. I will have to check on what the cost will be with James.

A matter fact, I think I will send James a email of questions a long the lines of doing just that, what extra cost would I be looking at, for im also looking to run me a refugium.

The idea on the above lighting is to get a full complete specs to the lighting I would have, again I need to remind you all that im no idea what im looking at here, other then I would like to have the best possible lighting i could afford to run.

If it be a good idea that if much of the parts become available due to others selling their equipment, I would require links for the complete indentification of each piece of equipment, and please do suggest that if it will be far better to buy simply new. Thanks for your assistance in this matter.

Buddy

[Fat Tony]

My suggestion, Skip the PFO and Aquamedic pendants, spend you money on better reflectors such as the LumenBrights, Lumenmax Elites (or Lumenmax 3's for that matter) or the Lumenarcs. There are far better reflectors out there for the money than the PFO's or Aquamedics. It all comes down to reflector design and efficiency. The better the reflector the more light makes it to the tank. There is a downside to the LumenBrights and Lumenmax Elites, then need to be mounted high to get the proper spread from the (think 18" to bulb center)

Can't go wrong with the Icecap ballasts. Whichever reflector you decide to go with, make sure you get the proper adapter cables to attach to the ballast and reflector. Cutting any of the connectors off usually translates into voiding the warranty.

As far as the T5's If you plan on using them, go with all Actinics as you will already be getting plenty of PAR from the MH's. You may also find that you will not need them with the 14K bulbs as they are usually blue enough without actinics. I have a pair of 54w T5's over my tank only to simulate dawn/dusk, they do not run when the MH's are on...

[Old Man Of The Sea]

I need to get me one solid lighting to stick with, for if im too have some type of reflectors that will hand low if the canopy it build only 18 high. Im still time here on this, for i not gotten my second price quote on a 38" tall stand, I already however email James on a new custom build sump, and I want to be able to get the lighting specs together to were there will be no changes. I will look for the other suggestion that was giving to me a long time ago, might take a while to find it. But else where its being highly suggested to go with all T5 lights.

Buddy