Help with lights

[reefin_with_jesus]

Ok, after seriously considering my lighting options for my 90 gallon tank, I've narrowed it down to this:
1. IceCap 660 running 4 VHOs = 440 total watts
2. 2-55w PC Bright Kits w/ 2-175w MH = 460 total watts
3. 4-55w PC Bright Kits w/ 1-175w MH = 395 total watts
4. 6-55w PC Bright Kits = 330 total watts
Not real narrow, huh? I really just kind of threw that last one in there. I'm interested to see if anyone uses PC exclusively on a tank that size. Everyone's input/suggestions/experience is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[nacl-h2o]

I like option #2, but would prefer option #3 with 2 175W MH. JMO

 

[reefin_with_jesus]

Thanks...anyone else?

 

[richard rendos]

Is this a standard 4 foot 90 gallon tank? If so, it is rather tall. I would go with option #2 but replace the 2 X 175 W MH with 2 X 250 W MH. Better for deeper tanks. If I remember correctly, a 90 gallon is 24 inches tall.

 

[reefin_with_jesus]

Those dimensions are correct, Richard. That's what I was worried about was the height of the tank. Thanks for the input.

 

[y2says]

How about VHO and MH combo?

 

[volitan]

Yah, I agree with Y2SAYS. I'm just not a big pc fan. PC, IMO, is great for a smaller tank, but I would definitely go with vho on a 90. I would run a three-bulb icecap 660 (cap off the other two wires for the refugium you might someday add) and 2 175 Watt mh. Just my opinion.

 

[reefin_with_jesus]

The only problem with that is that it's not very cost efficient. The 660 retrofit alone is $350. If I go with MH on top of that, I'll be adding another $250. I was hoping PC's would get the job done to help the wallet out. Do you guys think that PC is inufficient for a 90 gallon?

 

[blondenaso1]

I would go with the 660 ballast running 4 VHO's, then throw the either two 175 or 250 MH. I am probably going to put that setup on my new 125 that I am planning for. I just got a Icecap 660 ballast new off ---- with 2 sets of double endacaps for $190, and I know for a fact that there are 2 more selling right now. I also got 2 110watt new VHO lights shipped to me for $40. I know that that is not much less, but saving a few bucks here and there really adds up.

 

[randolph]

if the depth of the tank is a problem i guess that means your putting ALL your corals on the bottom?

 

[randolph]

seems to me that alot of folks make more problems for this hobby then there really are, quote from a micro biologist friend of mine . don't worry be happy. if they need brighter light move them half way up.

 

[reeflooker]

What are you going to use for a canopy?? I have a 90g and just ordered Icecap 660 with 4 VHOs. My canopy is too close for metal halide. I figure that if the VHOs don't work I can always switch to PCs. The Icecap can power PCs as well as VHO.

 

[reefin_with_jesus]

One of my favorite creatures is the derasa clam. From what I understand, they like ALOT of light and they also need to be at the bottom of the tank. Correct? I want to make sure I have at least enough light to sustain this one. I think I've decided to go with the 660 IceCap running 4 VHO's for now. As my tank progresses I'll add an MH or two. Thanks all.

 

[reefin_with_jesus]

Oh, and about the canopy...I have a canopy already that I plan on retrofitting the VHO's into. When it comes time to add the MH, I'll probably build a new one that has more room in it.