Need help with new lighting.

[pchromis]

I am either getting a 118g 36x24x31 or a 95g 36x24x25. It will be a reef and would like to have all types of coral...I am having a rough time trying to figure out which lighting is good enough...I will need a retrofit due to a canopy. I saw a Coralife Aquapro Hqi/ retrofit with a 150w METAL HALIDE bulb and 2x65w pc with cooling fan seperate ballasts and moon leds..for a total of 280w...
Due to depth if i go with the 31",,,,will i need at least 400w?
Would T5 be enough?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[nycbob]

t5 would work if u get 6-8 bulbs with individual reflectors. if u go with the mh route, go with a 250w mh and 2 pc. a 25-inch deep tank isnt too bad for t5. i run my t5 with a 24 inch depth tank.

 

[pchromis]

Originally Posted by nycbob
http:///forum/post/3112132
t5 would work if u get 6-8 bulbs with individual reflectors. if u go with the mh route, go with a 250w mh and 2 pc. a 25-inch deep tank isnt too bad for t5. i run my t5 with a 24 inch depth tank.

Thanks,,,the other concern was heat build up with mh...

 

[pchromis]

So an 8x39w T5 retrofit is not suited for a 31" depth?

 

[bulldog123]

IMO for 31" you would need MH. Im not sure if the 250w are going to penetrate deep enough either. You may need to go with 400w and man do they put off the heat. And dont forget about the electric bill.

 

[pchromis]

thanks,,alot to consider with lighting...maybe stay with the 25" depth....and go with 8x39w t5 or would 6x39w do?

 

[pchromis]

Any opinions on getting two 150w mh smaller round pendants....This is also for aesthetics outside the tank as well. Im looking for a good balance.

 

[pchromis]

I went with the 95g 36x24x25 tank. I'm ready to purchase lighting which will be installed in a canopy. Would like to keep mostly soft corals.
i will make the top of the canopy slotted for ventilation. I want to use 250w mh with a Lumenmax Eilte reflector.
My question for this setup is will this be sufficient lighting or do I need to supplement?
As for the standard question of MH lighing heat, will the heat be a big factor with this reflector mounted 12" high even with the use of a cooling fan(s)?
Or can I go with a t5 8x39w option even with the 25" height?
My only concern is the heat issue, not the cost issue. But I do not want to have to need a chiller.....
If i do go with tek t5 option, what combination of bulbs would be suitable for a slighly blue effect?