PLEASE!! Help with lighting

lennon

lennon

Member
HI everyone.
Ok, well I am new to this and wanted to do the right thing.
I have research tons..but want to get your opinions since you all are hands on.
I am getting a 75 gallon tank which is 4ft wide 18" depth.
From the LFS..I was recommended to get the 4x65 orbit PC lights.
This was with the idea that I was doing F with LR, LS and soft corals and such. Is that enough? Or should I do the 36" 4 x 96 watts power compacts?
I just found out I cannot have anemones with that type of lighting.
So my question is..how much lighting do I need to be enough for anything I may want to keep in the future? Is there something I can get so that I can have the option later on once my tank is established? I just don't want to get lights and then have to get different ones later. They tend to be quite costly.
I also have a canopy and would prefer not to get MH if possible. I get too nervous about fires and heat issues not to mention the mercury vapors released.
And I don't want to have to add a chiller if possible.
Please help with any suggestions on watts, brands..ANYTHING!!!
thanks everyone!!
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
Hi, how are you. I have 4x65 wtts pc on my 4 ft tank, but its only a 55 gal. I have most soft corals. you have a wooden canopy right? dose the canopy open on the top, or have doors in the front. are you doing a retro kit?? I dont think you can put one of those units under a canopy.
have you checked on vho. they are or have stronger lighting then pc.
 
lennon

lennon

Member
Originally Posted by TeresaQ
Hi, how are you. I have 4x65 wtts pc on my 4 ft tank, but its only a 55 gal. I have most soft corals. you have a wooden canopy right? dose the canopy open on the top, or have doors in the front. are you doing a retro kit??

I knew someone would eventually help.
Thanks for being so nice!!!
Anyway, I am getting a 74 gallon 4ft by 18inches... So not too deep.
I have to get the 36" lights instead because the canopy would cover the side fans on a 48". Many said that would be fine and just to put low light items on the sides where there is no light directly above.
My canopy is an oceanic and yes wood but with the top that flips open.
I am not doing retro kit. I am not handy at all...I was going to get orbits of some sort.
but being that it will be a FOWLR and some soft corals..i wondered if I should go for a more energy efficient system for now since It would save alot of money..
I'm confused as to what the right move would be...
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
I'd go ahead and go with the 4x96 wtts. that gives you 5 wtts per gal, and i think you will be happier with it.
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
or check on the vho, and have someone at your lfs intall them for you. you can get 3 or 4 bulbs in your canopy.
 
lennon

lennon

Member
Originally Posted by TeresaQ
or check on the vho, and have someone at your lfs intall them for you. you can get 3 or 4 bulbs in your canopy.

Do those get hot like the MH?
I don't want to deal with the whole heat thing. I get nervous about fires and such...
 
celacanthr

celacanthr

Active Member
t-5's are basically really strong flourescent bulbs, but they are ususally used in conjunction with metal halides, and are very expensive.
 
W

wrz0170

Guest
Hi Lennon!
I think I mentioned the Tek T5s a couple weeks ago. Since then, I just got my own 48" Tek T5 hood
Came in last week. It is the 6 bulb x 54w
From one newbie to another, this is what I have learned so far about the Tek T5s. They put out some serious lumens. Some say comparable to some lower wattage MH.
The Tek does have individual reflectors which results in brighter look. Do not get a T5 with just the single reflector.
The *best* T5 setup is actually a retrofit of Icecap, T5 Ballast and Icecap reflectors. The Icecap ballast will overdrive your lights.
Bulb choice is important. Another nice thing is that you can actually configure this light to your own liking.
It has two switches and two plugs. One switch lights the two outer bulbs, the other fires the inner 4 bulbs.
For example, I chose from front to back
FRONT:
Aqua Blue
Blue +
Sun
Blue +
Blue +
Aqua Blue
BACK
Those are the names of bulbs that I chose. I am going to put both on timers. The two Aquablues will give me my bluish look that I like in the morning and evening (Dusk/Dawn).
When the other 4 fire up in addition, it gives me a nice bright look. If for some reason, I don’t like the look, I may swap out the sun bulb and put in another aquablue or maybe a blue +. I don’t know.
Eventually, I will add moonlights because the aquablues are way to bright for night.
Some have reported minimal shimmering effect if you have the right water agitation. Obviously nothing like MH, but you may get some.
If you want, you can email me and I can tell you some places to purchase with great prices.
wrz0170@ptd.net
William
 
bseth90

bseth90

Member
The vho lights do not get very hot. I have mine under a wooden hood and I have kept my glass tops on my tank with no heat buildup. As for installing them it is extremely easy to do. Pretty much just follow the wires.
 
lennon

lennon

Member
Originally Posted by TeresaQ
Hi, how are you. I have 4x65 wtts pc on my 4 ft tank, but its only a 55 gal. I have most soft corals. you have a wooden canopy right? dose the canopy open on the top, or have doors in the front. are you doing a retro kit?? I dont think you can put one of those units under a canopy.
have you checked on vho. they are or have stronger lighting then pc.

Yes, Ihave a canopy which is completely covered on the top with an open lid..but the back is open.
The reason I like T'5 are because I was told they do not get hot like the others and are more energy efficient.
I was looking at some retrofits...I have another thread with some I found..but you get to pick the bulbs and I haven't got a clue. I do want moon lights too though.
VHO i heard get really hot as do MH...
Iamso confused...
 
chrissocal

chrissocal

New Member
They make a T5 light that is actialy a moon light all you do is just install it where you install a regular bulb.
Glad to help.
 
W

wrz0170

Guest
Originally Posted by ChrisSoCal
They make a T5 light that is actialy a moon light all you do is just install it where you install a regular bulb.
Glad to help.

Thanks
I would have to scratch my head for a bit on how to retofit that in. One of the caveats of the Tek hood, it is a space hog on top of the tank.
I found some great moonlights that would simulate a lunar cycle. Just a matter of finding a home for them in/on the thank
 
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