Lighting Needs for Large Reef

john5

john5

New Member
I'm installing a 12ft reef tank that is 42in tall and wide. I have an unlimited budget and wanted to get some opinions on lighting such a large, deep reef. I was going to go with 8x400W pendants, using 4x20Ks in the front and 4x10Ks in the back. But I'd like like to get some feedback on what others would do. Thanks!
 
9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
OMG!!! 1100 Gallon tank?!?!?! With 8 400 Watt Halides you are onlu around 2 Watts a gallon. You are going to NEED a lot more light than that to penetrate 42 inches.
 
nissan577

nissan577

Active Member
watts per gallon is the thing any more. he can do that plus some t5 or pc. John what i would do is this the following.
8x14k 400w MH with 4 130watt power compacts 460nm/420nm or t5s that should be good
 
nissan577

nissan577

Active Member
Originally Posted by 9supratt4
http:///forum/post/3113970
That's enough light to penetrate 3.5 feet??
my tank is 2feet deep. and i have 150mh with 2 130w pc. and i get amazing light down there. so im sure if he has 400w mh and 4 130w it should be enough
 
9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
Wow awesome!! Then my tank should be fine as well!! Good luck John!! I hope you post a build thread so we can see this monster take shape!!
 
john5

john5

New Member
Thanks Nissan577 and 9supratt4! Good info so far! As for the MHs, any opinions on a brand would be great as well.
 
gio28

gio28

Active Member
+1 on the phoenix 14K...it makes my tank look amazing under its light. hopefully it comes in 400watt for you cause they are great!
 
9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
If I had no cost restricyions I'd go with 400W Radiums in 20K. I'd go with the Hamilton Technologies ReefSun Pendant w/ 2 MH's in one fixture.
 
oceansidefish

oceansidefish

Active Member
Honestly if you have a 12ft tank that is going to have a canopy this is what I would do....IF you are handy or know someone who is or can hire someone.... Rig the whole inside with T5 ballasts at the front and backside of the canopy with reflectors for additional light then I think you should have no problem using the 8 400w 20k MH fixtures, you might actually be able to get away with 7...I would zigzag them across the tank....I would look into a 20k as opposed to a 14K because of the depth issue
 
salt210

salt210

Active Member
can you imagine the heat in that room? for the OP, I would go with a staggard as someone mentioned above
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top