Ideal Lighting for a 75gal?

kerriann

kerriann

Member
So my boyfriend's 75gal set up is a used set up and we're thinkin it's time to get some new lighting before we get into some of the serious corals. i've heard the cardinal rule is 3 1/2 watts per gallon of water but i was wondering what is everyone's thoughts on what is the more ideal light for this? This part of the tank is all confusing to me and i'm assuming we're going to have to get new ballasts/strips or whatever as well because i don't think anything will fit the ones he has...any suggestions??
 
kerriann

kerriann

Member
I want to say 18" - i just text him to double check but I believe 18" deep, 12" wide and 36" long - does that sound right?
 
juice_1080

juice_1080

Member
Thats the right dimensions. I have a 75gallon as well that I am trying to find sufficient lighting for. I will be sure to follow this to see what people suggest for you.
What are you looking to keep? Just softies or SPS, LPS, and Clams?
 
kerriann

kerriann

Member
we've started small with just some mushrooms and GSP but we'll probably be looking to challenge ourselves more over the next year or two once we understand what all these corals are/need. just trying to get the tank up to par first!
 
juice_1080

juice_1080

Member
I would suggest not skimping on the lighting and get something that will keep all. I am regretting the lighting on my 29gallon and having to stick to the lower light corals. I personally am looking for a good T-5 setup that isn't outrageously expensive and will be adequate to keep everything. I know people recommend 6bulb individual reflector setups for 55gallons but they are not quite as deep as a 75 gallon so I don't know. Otherwise Metal Halides would be a good choice as well.
 
moprint

moprint

Member
Do you want a fixture? Or do you have a canopy? For a fixture check into the Nova Extreme Pro or a Tek fixture by sunlight supply. Both of these are T5 HO fixtures. Or if you a canopy look into a retro kit with at least 6 bulbs.
 
moprint

moprint

Member
A 55 is the same depth as a 75, the 75 is wider. Most retro kits that are 48" are actually 46.8". Reefgeek has a good selection of retro kits. From 2 bulbs up to 8. 6 bulbs would be the most you could put on a 75 that kit is 18" wide.
 
ecooper

ecooper

Member
I also have a 75g and have a coralife aqualight pro light system (2-150 mhs and the acintic blues and moonlights). I really like it and it's convenient. I think you can grow just about anything under this, but it is expensive.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
I'd recommend getting a couple MH reflector/ballasts and T-5 retrofit kit, since he's got a canopy. Coralife has an all-in-one Aqualight retrofit kit with 2 MH and 2 PC lights which would do the trick, though I'd got the route of getting the MH reflector/ballasts and adding a T-5 retrofit since you could almost certainly get more power for less money. I think 2x 250w MH and a single Actinic T-5 kit with 2x 54w bulbs would work out great.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
I came up with this for another thread, might help here:
"If this is going into a canopy, get all the pieces for your MH setup individually and add a T-5 retro-fit for Actinics. With a 75, I'd personally get 2x 250w MH (get the reflectors for like $15 a piece, IceCap ballasts for around $150 a piece, and a mogul end bulb for about $50 a piece) then a Nova T-5 retrofit kit with 2 52w bulbs for $160. Total for that setup, plus some wiring odds and ends, around $600+."
 
kerriann

kerriann

Member
so you're basically saying the tax refund is already out the window??
i could kill him for getting us into this hobby since i've virtually given up all shopping to support this addiction but if i'm going to do this, i'm going to do it right...thanks for the input everyone!
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
Originally Posted by KerriAnn
http:///forum/post/2471800
so you're basically saying the tax refund is already out the window??
i could kill him for getting us into this hobby since i've virtually given up all shopping to support this addiction but if i'm going to do this, i'm going to do it right...thanks for the input everyone!

Look at it this way, everyone has their vice. This is a much healthier one than other expensive hobbies.
 
groupergenius

groupergenius

Active Member
I have 2-250 single end MH over my 75 in a 18" tall canopy. Some canopies out there are fairly short and may be too short for using MH. Personally I like it taller so it disperses out the light better and keeps from getting salt splash on the bulbs.
But again, just my opinion.
 
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