ATI Sunpower

[krzyphsygy]

So I just upgraded my tank and stand from a 90 gl to a 125 gl. The tank is 72Lx18Wx22H. I had my heart set on a 48in 6 bulb fixture for my 90. This 90 was never set up, I bought the tank, but decided to go bigger. Anyway ATI does not make a 72 inch fixture and I do not want to use two 36's. I do really like the look of a smaller light fixture, hung over larger tank. I really like the look of it and am gonna go for it.

So 60 inch is the plan, but how many bulbs? The tank is only 22 inches so I am thinking 6 bulb...Suggestions??

 

[jack.lai.83]

My tank is 72Lx24Wx20H and I have an ATI PM 6x80 which I feel is the perfect fit. I would suggest you get a 4 bulb fixture since your tank is 18" wide.

 

[krzyphsygy]

I have read from the Grimreefer that 1 bulb every 3 inches of tank with is a good minimum. Thats why I was thinking 6 bulb.
How is the coverage on the ends of your tank? Got any picsof the set up?

 

[Michigan Mike]

Six bulb for 18" front to back. Four bulbs for 55g tanks or 12-13" front to back. It really depends on what corals you want to keep, if you want SPS and clams then six. You could get away with a lot with the our if corals are properly placed in the tank....also from what understand you get more par with a six than a four, you get the same par as a six if you go bigger like an eight bulb fixture it's only spread further in the tank but no more par than the six.

 

[Donkeykong]

I would think a 6 bulb, should give you good coverage, I have seen the 60" over 72" tanks and as long as you hang them up a bit higher they look good, just dont expect to be able to be 6 inches from the water line.

 

[krzyphsygy]

I would think a 6 bulb, should give you good coverage, I have seen the 60" over 72" tanks and as long as you hang them up a bit higher they look good, just dont expect to be able to be 6 inches from the water line.

So do you think a 8 bulb would be more sufficent?

See, I want to be able to keep my acros just about anywhere except the ends...not to concerned about the 6 or so inches on the sides. I can put low light corals over there and sps in the center areas.

Good lighting is what I am looking for, not really excellent coverage on the ends.

 

[Donkeykong]

I would think the 6 is going to be plenty. with an 8 bulb fixture you are going to get a lot of light spilling over the front of the tank. From how I understand it, you dont really increase par by going from 6 to 8 bulbs you just get better front to back coverage which is needed on tanks that are +24 inches front to back. I meantioned having it higher because of the length but if you are not worried about that then you will be able to hang them where ever you want.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I would go with the 6 bulb fixture - it will be plenty. I run a light that is a foot shorter than the tank and it works well. In fact, I just upgraded to an ATI SunPower and stayed with the foot shorter fixture (48" over a 60" tank).