150 Cube Lighting for SPS?

[Medicine Man]

I set up a 150 gallon cube that is a mixed reef but about %75 SPS and was wondering about lighting. I have both coralvue 250 watt and 400 watt metal halide sets that I can use. Since the tank is 36x36x27 I thought I could get away with using a single Lumenarc Large reflector and it over the tank. I also have two 36" VHO actinics that I was going to use for better coloration in the display. So what do you think? 400 watts or 250 watts with the VHOs? Thanks for any help! Just an odd sized tank to light.

 

[Qhoang]

i have the same tank and use a single 400w in a lumenmax reflector. Nice coverage.

 

[troynel]

curious as well. I use a 250 over my 36x36x24.

 

[dadonoflaw]

if you do 400 watt do 20k if you do 10k do 250 watt

 

[Medicine Man]

Thanks for the advice. The 400 watt bulb is a Reeflux 20k. Would you guys use the actinics or would that add too much light? If there is such a thing.

 

[shaggy14]

The actinics might make it a little too blue with the 20k bulb. Maybe an actinic sun and an actinic

 

[aquariumclown]

Too blue? no. Too much light? no. Be prepared to deal with heat issues tho.

 

[scaryperson27]

Medicine Man, if your rockwork is going to be central, then a 250 will do. If your rockwork is going to be assorted throughout the tank, then I would go 400w with supplementation on the four sides of the light.

 

[eros]

400 watt Radium or Aquaconnect. Lumenarc Large or Lumenmax Elite. I'm going to run a Lumenbright on my 30x30 but you will want more spread.

 

[Medicine Man]

Changed the ballast and bulb over to the 400 watt system last night. I think it looks much better! I actually like it without the actinics the best. More shadows and reef character that way. I am going to use my actinics for a dusk/dawn effect but have them off when the MH kicks on. Thanks for the help!

 

[tgriffin]

I set up a 150 gallon cube that is a mixed reef but about %75 SPS and was wondering about lighting. I have both coralvue 250 watt and 400 watt metal halide sets that I can use. Since the tank is 36x36x27 I thought I could get away with using a single Lumenarc Large reflector and it over the tank. I also have two 36" VHO actinics that I was going to use for better coloration in the display. So what do you think? 400 watts or 250 watts with the VHOs? Thanks for any help! Just an odd sized tank to light.

I am in the process of setting up that exact tank. Post some pics if you don't mind. I am wanting to use all T5's. There is a guy in my town with a 240 cube and he has 10 T5's. It looks amazing!!

 

[sabodish]

i have a 36x36x30 and im running two 400W 14k halides without supplementation in mini lumenarc reflectors.....i get awesome coverage and can keep sps anywhere. i have been trying to find a way to cram in some actinics, but cant find the space in my hood!

 

[kmu]

I am in the process of setting up that exact tank. Post some pics if you don't mind. I am wanting to use all T5's. There is a guy in my town with a 240 cube and he has 10 T5's. It looks amazing!!

Sorry to hijack this thread...

Does your friend have pics of his set up? any extra info? webpage?

THX