Lighting for the 125 reef - 175 hqi mh x 2 and some t-5 's?

G

gtoon159

[We are moving forward with getting te 125 set up. We have rock coming later today and we are going to need some lighting pretty quick.

So here is the idea. The tank is a standard 125 Oceanic 6 foot.

I am considering putting two 175 X 20000 MQI MH lamps on on each end and a few T-5's (3 foot) in the middle.

I am going to arrange the rock in a V patter to get the Clams and Stony Corals closer to the MH lamps.

So I suppose what I am looking for is a discussion on if this is a decent plan.

What do you guys think? Lights are expensive and I would like to make the right decision out of the gate.

George]
 
[I have an Oceanic 90 which is 25" deep (yours is 23" according to Oceanics Product Guide) and it was heavily recommended that I get 250W MH lamps instead of 175W MH's.]
 
[I'd go for at least 250w lamps as well. Not THAT much more expensive, and you'll just want 250's after a few months anyway! I have a 120 that is 24" deep and the 250's are nice. I have 110w of actinic PC in the middle.]
 
[Its recommended to use 1 MH per 2' of tank, so for a 6' tank you would be best off with 3 bulbs.

My 125 is getting setup with 3, 250w 14000k MH's and no suppliments.]



Edited By mwolek on 1099846824
 
[How much hotter will the 250's be? I have a mandate from Pam to make sure everything goes in the stand and or the hood. I am afraid the difference between the 175's and the 250's will make a chiller required.]
 
[You will want 250w bulbs if you use 20,000K because the PAR is less intense. I have a 400w 20,000K in the center of two 250w 10,000K and the lighting looks evenly matched imho.

I have never needed a chiller on any of my tanks. Cooling fans are the way to go.]
 
[I think I will go look at some more tanks before I make a final decision on what to buy. The mushrooms coming on the live rock today will have to survive with whatever light I can give them until I take a look.

When is the next Tank Tour?

Gt]
 
[If so, let me know. I have the same challenge for my 120 tank.

I am thinking 2x250 MH 10k bulbs with 2x96 actinic.. The question is SE or DE ( the $$ is the issue). And which buld to get.

The good news is the 120 tank project has officially begun. I have torn out one of the glass overflow out.]
 
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