135 gal stage Two

[savage21]

Got everything setup and ready to go water was tested at LFS. I added my fish from my 75gal. and all the rock I had in it about 60 or 70 lbs. got a friend with about 80lbs. been sitting in a bucket for about 1 mo. I’m planning on putting it in the 75gal. to cure it again before I take it down. Btw the rock is free
1 yellow tang
2 clowns
1 diamond goby
1 Koran angel
1 red leg crab
1 Hawaiian puffer
1 Bangii Cardinal
I know I need to work on a clean up crew. Here’s the question will this light be enough for soft corals and Anemones.
ARO 72" 4 Lamp VHO Retro Kit
72" 4 Lamp VHO Retrofit kit for 640W of power!
Lamps are not included
Included in PRE-WIRED Retrofit Kits:
•Electronic ARO Model 4L VHO Ballast
•Ballast Dimensions: 11 3/4"(L) x 3”(W) x 2”(H)
•German 3 piece moisture resistant endcaps.
•Polished mirror aluminum reflector.
•Quick Disconnect Cable: 7’ 1Ú2”
•Power Cord: 7’ 1Ú2”
•Wire Harness: 6’
•Assembled dimensions with endcaps and bulbs: 70 1/2"L x 10"W x 2 3/4"H
•This VHO Retrofit Kit is pre-assembled and wired on our Polished Aluminum Mirror Reflector to save you time. All you have to do is insert bulbs, mount it into your existing reflector, canopy or hood, and turn it on. That’s it! No complex and confusing wiring diagrams.
•Polished Aluminum Mirror Reflector reflects up to 99%! These reflectors come with a thin blue protective film to prevent scratches. Be sure to remove this film before you mount and light up the unit.
•Extreme intensity and reliability is guaranteed. Backed by a 3 year warranty on the ballast.
•Exceptionally energy efficient electronic ballast with potted design for cooler and moisture resistant operation.
•3-piece german Endcaps.
•Ballasts are not dimmable.
•VHO ballasts are not compatible on X-10 systems.
QuantityItemYour Price
ARO 72" 4 Lamp VHO Retro Kit
$328.90
72'' VHO URI Actinic 03
$29.00
72'' VHO URI Actinic White
$31.00
72'' VHO URI Aqua Sun
$32.00

 

[pwnag3!!]

I would try and fit another 4 bulbs under that hood.
that way you could get away with 1280w
And i would not get the aquasun bulbs... the best bet is to 6 actinic whites and 2 03's

 

[savage21]

I can only aford 1 retrofit this mo. So you are saying just get different bulbs and if i do get 2 of the retrofits like you said will i still need halides lights

 

[pwnag3!!]

with lights its just dependant on what you want to keep.
If you want an SPS dominated tank then go with the 2x 250w halides and the 4 VHO... that would be enough for any coral you want to keep in there.
if you are doing softies and LPS then i would just go with the VHO.
If i were you i would start off with the 4x72w vho using the actinic white bulbs...
this gives you a nice pinkish/whitish color to the tank. Then when you can save up to get another retrofit.... use 2 more actinic white and 2 actinic 03.
If you do plan to upgrade down the line i would reccomend planning ahead by spacing out your bulbs so you can just plug and play the next set up....
now.... If you want to add halides to the mix i think a nice 2x25w 10k set up with 2 actinic whites and 2 actinic 03s would look nice.

 

[savage21]

i want to keep soft and Anemones maybe some clams not sure where they fit in soft or what. what can i keep with the one retroft for now i have time for now i'm useing reg. light that came with my 75gal. fish and live rock only in the tank now. i know i need lights

 

[pwnag3!!]

well anemones should really only be left to experienced hobbyists.
Their survival rate in the aquarium is low... and by survival rate i mean the fact that they can live for huindreds of years in the ocean and seem to last just a fraction of that at home.
For clams you will need MH at the minimum.
Right now you should be able to get away with all softies and some LPS... tank is big so some LPS may not thrive unless placed high up.

 

[tony detroit]

I think you should think this out a little bit more. You can get a 3 light MH setup for a bit more, pay less in electricity, and have a wider range of things you can keep, and no worries of is it enough. You can't beat the intensity of MH, and by the time you look at running that many VHO's you'll have spent more money, plus electricity and bulb changes.
Do it right if you can.

 

[squidd]

MH...:yes:

 

[savage21]

Sounds like a plan. Looking for some MH now

 

[savage21]

How about this
PCMH 60'' 2x175w Retro
2X175W 10K MH, 2X65w Blue PC Reflector, Sockets, and remote ballasts 59''x12.25''x5''
$599.90

 

[savage21]

ok what about this
NOW ONLY $419.99
72" x 4-160W VHO 640 WATTS
INCLUDES REFLECTOR, 2 ELECTRONIC BALLASTS, WATERPROOF END CAPS, WIRING HARNESS, 2 BLUE AND 2 DAYLIGHT BULBS
make my job easier :help: can anyone kick me some sites with the lights i need i got about 600 i can spend

 

[squidd]

For $600 you can get MH... and some actinic supplement if you want...:yes:
Probably even a dual 250 MH if you look around...

 

[savage21]

Squidd
I have been looking you are a Vet at this point me in the right direction I only want to do it once. Well thats what the wife is saying

 

[squidd]

I can not post any direct link on this site...
However if you do a search on aquarium lighting...and then eliminate the "general fish stores" and limit your search to "lighting specialists" you should find decent pricing...

 

[savage21]

Hey Squidd how about this
2 of these
250 watt Kit w/ 250W 4300K Bulb
Product Details Stock #: MHR250-4K
250 watt Kit w/ Ballast, Socket, Bracket, Cord & Plug and 250W 4300K Bulb
Price: $ 96.00

 

[squidd]

Sounds like your looking in "industrial" lighting...
The 4300k bulbs are not "appropriate" and would have to be replaced with something "useful" like a 10K or 20K bulb...
And the "fixture/hood" may not be appropriate for tank use, but if your into DIY you can strip the ballast and base for a retrofit, buy a couple appropriate bulbs and save a bunch of cash...

 

[savage21]

Squidd,
509.00 for this do i need to run any other light ? what will the tank look like with just MH what type bulb should i have?
Sunlight Supply's Blue Wave II Dual 400W is a complete Aquarium Lighting kit. This metal halide aquarium light system has two pulse start ballasts in one enclosure. Each ballast runs a 400W Metal Halide Light Bulb. The fully assembled ballast also has rubber feet, a back lit on/off switch, louvers for cooling, heavy duty key-way handle, high temperature 100° capacitor and 6ft. power cord. Includes everything you need: Dual Ballast, two retrofit reflectors with sockets & lamp cords and your choice of two 400W Ushio 10K , Radium 20K, Venture 10K, Eye Iwasaki 6.5K, or Ushio Blue 20K Metal Halide light bulbs. Integrated Intermatic Timer available.
More Info Accessories Aquarium

 

[savage21]

bump
will that be 800 watts:notsure:

 

[hurt]

Google DIYReef

 

[squidd]

Dual 400 means 2x 400 or 800 watts...
They give you a couple of good choices in bulbs, so you can color it in the way you prefer, weighing growth against coral coloration, against tank coloration, against adding actinic supplementation...
There is no "Best" bulb for all aplications or all tanks...And with a little "searching" you should be able to find "Par" comparison charts and color picture comparisons on the net...:yes:
As far as "shoppping around" I just saw a 2x250 MH with 2x 96 PC actinic for under $500...kit form...