Lighting Situation?

[mmslue79]

Well I just bought a 120 XH 60*18*26.
Now I am wondering on lights?
I am going to build a canopy and would like a few questions answered.
A. How much space between light and top of the tank?
B. I would like to have a actinic on for two hours before the main light comes on and two hours after mail light goes off. To simulate sunset. My cousin has a setup that runs it that way and it is sweet looking.
C. What recommendations for a main light/s?
Thanks for the help

 

[smalltimer]

Ushio, in my opinion makes the best bulbs...I have Ushio PFO HQI pendent cut into my top hood, light goes down, heat goes up and out, cut the chiller running in half. I would recommend at least 2 mh, and either 2 vho actinics, or 2 65 watt Custom Sea Life actinics, reason I say custom sea life is that they are as close to actinic as you can get in a power compact, they do have a long burn in though, took about 2 weeks for the bulbs to stop making brown algea, which you will get with any light increase or change in intensity.
email me if you need any more assisitance that you feel I can help you with...
spitlerbrian@rhtc.net

 

[broomer5]

mmslue79,
What do you plan to keep in this new 120 tank ?
Your lighting choices are many, and it's always best to start with the tank creatures first when selecting your lighting.
Fish only tank ?
Fish only with live rock tank ?
Reef tank with corals ?
If going reef .. what type of corals ?
Knowing your long term vs short term plans, and selecting your lighting around these plans may or may not save you some money - and may prevent you from "wanting" later on down the road.

 

[mmslue79]

Well I want a FOWLR and LS. Not sure of the compatibility of these fish or with corals, anenomes and such. But here I go!
Emperor Angel
Porcupine Puffer
Pair of Clowns
Feather Dusters/ Fan worms