Lighting Suggestions for 140g 60x20x27 mixed reef tank

K

kresDFW

I've been working on a buildout and budget for a new reef tank and I think I'm almost settled on a 140g 60x20x27 tank. One thing that has me stumped is figuring out the right lighting solution for a 60in heritage canopy.

I was originally planning on a 48x24in 120g tank which the AquaticLife 6-bulb T5 set was at the top of my list. But what do I do for 60in? AquaticLife makes a 4-bulb set, but I'm not sure that's going to have enough light for a few SPS's.

I've also considered LEDS, like the radeons, but I'm not sure if I'll need 2 sets or 3 to get full coverage. With 3 sets, that really stretches the budget.

Any suggestions?
 
Just as a though since you mention a budget. You can most likely find a retrofit kit around here or the "other" places for less than $200 total I'm sure. That would include 1 or 2 MH pendants/ballasts and 2 actinic T5s.
Its old school, but its also cheap and I hear you can grow SPS with it. :) You can resell it later, or just toss it for LEDs down the road as they improve.
 
LEDs are an option but I think I would follow Howard's(shse666) recommendation here and look for a retrofit kit with 2x250w MH and then add some T5s or LEDs for actinics.
 
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