What type of lighting??

9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
I am going to be setting up a 180....upgrading from a 55
......what type of lighting would be good for this tank?? I am looking on having a FOWLR setup with the main concentration on fish, but I also would like to add some corals later on.
I like the "real" daytime look of Metal Halides and the blue glow of actinics later on in the day/night cycle. I also like the idea of lunar lights to be able to see the nocturnal life.
The tank is 72x24x24......should I look at a complete fixture like the Sunpod at 72" or should I look into fabricating my own lighting??
All suggestions welcome.....Thanks!!
 
gatorwpb

gatorwpb

Active Member
For one, the sunpod doesnt have actinics. i have the 36" 2x150 and had to rig some actinics on the sides of it.
Also, if you have a canopy, and you can afford and want a MH and actinic system, youd be better off with something like 3x250w in reflectors with a set of t-5 retrofits for the actinic.
Plus, once you catch the coral bug, youll be set for lighting

But a t-5 only system would be a more economical option that would still allow you to do some corals down the line.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by 9supratt4
http:///forum/post/2660235
Not quite sure yet. Want to keep my options open as I have seen alot of corals I really like, but I haven't done much research on them yet.
If you want to keep all option open then I'd suggest a 6' commercial fixture with 3X 250 MH and 4X actinics (any fluorescent type).
If you're willing to exclude animals that require intense light then a full fluorescent fixture would work fine and cost less.
 
9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
Originally Posted by Bang Guy
http:///forum/post/2660743
If you want to keep all option open then I'd suggest a 6' commercial fixture with 3X 250 MH and 4X actinics (any fluorescent type).
If you're willing to exclude animals that require intense light then a full fluorescent fixture would work fine and cost less.
By a commercial fixture....are you talking about something that I can buy like the Outer Orbit or the like??
I also do like the look of the MH's when they are on, so they are definitely something I want.
 
9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
So will a 72" Coralife Aqualight Pro w/ 3 150W MH and 4 96W PC actinics allow me to keep a good amount of corals?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Yes that is a really really good lighting system, but 250 MHs would allow you to pretty much keep anything you wanted and there are many more bulb options for 250 watt.
 
9supratt4

9supratt4

Active Member
Originally Posted by Bang Guy
http:///forum/post/2714522
Yes that is a really really good lighting system, but 250 MHs would allow you to pretty much keep anything you wanted and there are many more bulb options for 250 watt.
Yeah I know the 250's would be better, but I'm getting this setup for $350.
 
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