Lighting Opinions

sessydude · 04-25-2003, 11:25 AM

Ok......here goes......decided to upgrade the new tank to a 90 instead of 75.....just wondering, on this one I am going to use a combination of MH/VHO or MH/PC.....it is AGA w/internal overflow, 48 x 18 x 24, should I go with 2 175w MH or 2 250w MH, and what degree bulbs to use........

Also some help on which actinic bulbs to put with it.......I am almost there on understanding the lighting but want this to be the perfect tank............

Thanks !!!

Reedman · 04-25-2003, 12:26 PM

Definitly go with at least the 250W MH. The 90 is a deeper tank. Are going to have a DSB? If you are not going with a DSB, then you may want to step up to the 400W. It's the intensity of the light that will allow it to penitrate deep into the tank. You should consider what you will keep in the tank.

1) Do you plan to keep medium to high light specimens up top and low light specimens in the bottom? (250W)

2) Are you going SPS? (go 400W IMO)

3) How are you planning to cool the tank? If you are going to have a chiller get the 400W setup, if just fans you probably want the 250W.

It really depends on what you will keep in the tank. Just remember that if you get something now thinking that it will do until...you'll spend much more time and effort than just getting what you know you will need eventually.

Clear as mud I'm sure, but we are talking lighting.

-Reed

David Grigor · 04-25-2003, 12:28 PM

There are pro/cons to every lighting setup. There is no such thing as perfect. Before the question can be answered need to know what types of corals that are a must have and which ones are a nice to have. Once that is decided then can answer the question better.

Generically speaking, if you want a community tank with softies/lps/ and possibly some of the lower light SPS then 175W in the 10K bulb range is probably a good choice.

If wanting more of SPS / Clams dominate then probably want to step up to 250W minimum or higher. keeping in mind that the higher wattage typically have to be to willing to give up some of the softies and lps as they generally ( always exceptions ) don't expand as well with higher wattages...........

sessydude · 04-25-2003, 03:10 PM

so........we are also talking about two bulbs for the MH are we not ?

David Grigor · 04-25-2003, 03:25 PM

Yep, not much options there.

Sometimes you can get away with 1 MH for 3' but 4' is too long. Plus the fact that the center brace would block light placed in the center.....

As far as supplemental actinics, VHO is much prefered. URI brand in particular. VHOs are easier to mount with MH plus can get in 4'L vs PC max of 3' or 2 PC for every 4' VHO would make PC bulb replacement costs more.

Reedman · 04-25-2003, 03:26 PM

Unless you want some dark areas I would go with 2. I have 2 250W on my 75 gallon and love the look. The down side to the 250W is that is you like the blue tint that 20K bulbs give off. You really can't get the same look out of 250W 20K bulbs that you can out of 400W 20K bulbs.

I have 10K bulbs on mine with VHO actinic supplement and the tank looks really crisp white with a hint of blue.