most ideal set-up, for 125 reef? -what do you use, whats your dream to use-

[adee]

What is the most ideal lights to use for a 125 gallon reef tank? so far we have some easy corals (hammer, gsp, zoos) but we want to step it up a bit for our tax return... also what about beneath the tank in terms of sumps/refug? thoughts... what do you use personally?

 

[jackri]

I would go with 3 x 250w halides w/t-5 supplemental lighting and a 35-60g sump (large as practical) with a section to hold a nice skimmer and a section for macro algae like chaeto.
Basically what I have for my 90 (2 x 250w with t-5's and a 26g sump) and I really like the set up. Wish I had more room under my stand though.

 

[eric b 125]

adee, i have a 125 but mine has a center cross brace. since i couldnt have a 3 light MH system which would put a light right on top of the brace i had to go w/ two 36" fixtures. i opted for single MH in each since i felt that 4 X 250 would be overkill. in person, the lighting is very even throughout the tank and it will allow me to keep some of the lower light demanding corals away from the 'hot spots'. in pictures, however, you can see the hot spots under the halides

 

[adee]

mine has a center brace too.. thanks you two please keep them coming!
Can you please share pictures?

 

[spanko]

72" Giesemann Infiniti Light Fixture (3) 250W HQI + (4) 80W T5
$2,999.99
Second choice
Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 12X39 Watt, 72 inch
$729.99

 

[bmkj02]

I have 2 x 400w MH plus 4 x 65w actinics T5HO but mine doesnt have a center brace. 20g glass aquarium sump and a 29g glass aquarium refugium