Educated lighting question...

jake15

jake15

Member
I am wonder what would be best for 75 gallon. I am getting a 75 and want to keep what ever i want in it. I have been researching sps and their requirements for a couple months now. I need help in what to go with; dual 250 MH and 2 VHO 110 super actinics, dual 175 MH and 2 110 actinics and 2 110 super actinics, or a 400 MH with 2 110 super actinics. VHO would be URI bulbs and not sure about the MH brand yet. All litghing i think is suitable to be able to keep what i wish to ranging from 9.6 watt/gallon - 11.2 watt/gallon.
I am leaning twards the 400 MH and 2 super actinics. This would give me 8.2 watt/gallon. I think that is enough light. If not let me know. I can save money going this route as well. Then only problems i have thought of is two things heat and shadow. I know i will probly need a chiller and if you guys could fill me in about chillers that would be much appreciated. As for the shadow if i mount the MH as shown in my pick then wont the cross-bar plastic thing at the top of a 75 half way in the tank cause a shadow on my metal halide. This would just drive me crazy and i cant have that. Please let me know asap so i can start arranging my lighting
Thanks alot,
Jake
 
sou812

sou812

Member
I would think 2 175 watt halides would be plenty with 4 110 vho's 4 that size tank 400 would be way over kill and u will burn the corals
 
sou812

sou812

Member
make sure u run 2 fans 1 blowing and the other sucking out across from each other. Also build the canopy as big as u can. Start with that and u can always add a chiller if needed they just plumb inline.
 
elvictre

elvictre

Member
I have a 75 gal oceanic mixed reef. I have 2 250 watt MH 10,000k with 4 110 watt actinic. I have great growth and my anemone loves it. You have to remember all that light doesn't mean you throw it on all at once. I gradually light my tank with timers in a sequence that works well for me. Also IMO you need to go with 2 MH's to get light to both sides of the tank. The one 400 wont work.
Vic
 
elvictre

elvictre

Member
Forgot to add I have the lights 18" above my water in a canopy with 2 4" fans blowing across the surface. My chiller practically never goes on. I mean practically never. You wouldn't believe how well fans work.
Vic
 
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