Need help with lighting for my 150 gallon Reef aquarium

[benztech858]

I have been researching lighting for my 150 gallon reef tank but I still need some advice. The tank I purchased is 25" deep and 60" long. I am planing on having corals and anemones. I have been trying to find some reliable advice on whether or not I can buy a LED lighting system for my future reef setup. I know the Metal Halide combination kits are not cheap. Please help thank you.

 

[acrylic51]

Good LED setups store bought are still super costly... If your handy you could build a nice LED setup for your tank. MH's IMHO are cheap compared to LEDs, but everything has it's pros and cons. Your biggest expense with MH's is a quality reflector, but bulb replacements get a bit insane. T5's should/could be considered as well in your decision.

 

[1snapple]

I completely agree with shawn, But i noticed that ecoxotic.com has modular lights, im not sure the wattage of the LEDs but heres a link
http://www.ecoxotic.com/products/modular-led-lighting/stunner-led-strips.html
DIY LEDs is pretty simple, hard to figure out the colors your going to get.

 

[benztech858]

Because of the price of the latest LED's I have decided to go with a Metal halide combination. Do you have any suggestions for my 60" tank?

 

[acrylic51]

2 LumenBright reflectors and running 250w MH's you'd be golden......

 

[benztech858]

Awesome, do you have any name brands that you would recommend?
Does a lighting system like that one need a cooling fan?

 

[benztech858]

After doing some research, I have been looking at the Hamilton Light
http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/item/5-Cebu-Sun---2-Metal-Halides-&-4-80-Watt-HO-Super-Actinic-T5-1940
I also like the Marineland 24 hour lighting system (more expensive)
The Hamilton light gives you the option for 10K, 14K, and 20K in the 250W range. What is the best option for a 150 gallon reef aquarium. 61"X25X25
Another question, is the Electronic Ballast a necessity?

 

[acrylic51]

My suggestions for best money spent. LumenBright reflectors, (2) 250w ballast, either IceCap or CoralVue, and choice of bulbs is up to you depending on the color your looking for....

 

[acrylic51]

A large majority of the ballasts you see on the market today are electronic. Suppose to be more energy efficient as well.

 

[benztech858]

After inspecting my new 150 gallon setup it looks like a 60" metal halide lighting system will not fit because the front of the tank is rounded.
Do you think a 48" metal halide setup will be fine?
the overflow in back of the tank takes up about 8"
The total tank length is 59"
from the front of the overflow to the front of the tank is 51"

 

[acrylic51]

I'm going to assume the tank is acrylic???? What is the width of the euro bracing on the top of the tank? I wouldn't worry much about lighting it end to end....I would light the area unobstructed by the euro bracing on the top. Independent reflectors might be an easier fit, than a solid unit.

 

[cmil5]

You can mount the light hanging from the ceiling above the tank the SunPod unit and several others give this option