Lighting Recommendations Please

[revrick3]

I have 90gl mixed tank, fish, zoas, soft coral, anemone. I have one 48 inch 260 watt light, half actinate and half daylight. Apparently this isnt enough, I need some recommendations on what to get, or add to what I have. I cant spend another fortune as I already have on current set up. I know MH are very expensive and pull some power, Can you guys tell me how much watt I need and what would be best. Want to keep fish and Zoa and soft coral, peaceful fish in tank. Thanks

 

[fishfreak1242]

Get yourself a good individually reflected 6-8 bulb t-5 setup. They aren't incredibly expensive like metal halides, and go for $300-400. You also don't have to replace the bulbs as often which is also a plus. Some good brands are TEK, Nova Extreme (the pro not the regular one) and if you have the cash Aquatinics. These lights will allow you to keep softies and maybe SPS.

 

[bizzmoneyb]

if you dont want to spend alot check out the 48 Nova Extreme Pro. its 6 x 54 watts. that will work better than your PC's. its around $350 new.

 

[revrick3]

When you go with the 6 or 8 bulb set up what would be best combination of bulbs, what type and output? also can a light this size go under my canopy or does it have to be hung. Aquarium is in family room where wife would not like hanging a light from ceiling and no canopy.

 

[groupergenius]

Just as a heads up. They are now making the Nova extreme with individual reflectors. Just like the pro series. And the regular extreme 8 bulb 48" is German parabolic which I'm told is better reflector than the regular individuals.
T5 has so many choices in bulb (kelvin) colors. Personally I like to use Super Actinic, Fiji Purple and 10K bulbs.

 

[revrick3]

Need more advise before spending money, can I use the 260 watt PC I have and add a new one beside it, or do I need just a new set? Also how many actinic bulbs and how many daylight bulbs in a 6 to 8 bulb set up.

 

[teresaq]

are your pcs retroed into a wooden canopy?? If so then I would just add a couple of retro t5s or VHO. any pictures of your tank
T

 

[revrick3]

no photos, friend dropped our camera and its dead, current pc lighting is freestanding on legs on top of tank, have room to add another set on tank if it is a 4 light system. would this provide enough light, also should all 4 bulbs be daylight and just have the 2 actinic from my old light?

 

[mr_x]

metal halides are not that expensive. about the same as a quality t-5 unit, and will not use a ton more electric either.
a 2 x 250 watt halide fixture will work fine and look great.