*******Current Outer Orbits right for my tank?*********

[Dustint21]

I was wondering if 72'' 3 x 150w MH will be enough light for a 72''x 24''x 18'' (LxWxH) tank. I want to keep a fully stocked SPS tank. I would normally run 250W MH over anything this size, but only being 18'' deep Im just not sure.

Thanks
Dustin

 

[acropora1981]

If it were my tank and I wanted to keep mainly sps I would definately go for the 250W halides even on an 18" tank. 150's simply aren't that powerful... Of course I would just avoid the whole thing and put 8x54W HO T-5's

 

[Dustint21]

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[Dustint21]

Thats what I thought, but I couldnt pass up the deal! I like T5's, but the fixture I like are well over $1000. Also you say 54w bulbs? Those are only 48'' long. My tank is 72'' long. That leaves 3ft of tank with no light.......???????

 

[jmjohnson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15035000#post15035000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dustint21
Thats what I thought, but I couldnt pass up the deal! I like T5's, but the fixture I like are well over $1000. Also you say 54w bulbs? Those are only 48'' long. My tank is 72'' long. That leaves 3ft of tank with no light.......???????

I believe that would be 2ft. But more than likely he meant to stagger the 48" bulbs. You could also go two sets of 8 bulbs at 36". That is alot of bulbs. Do not forget about bulb replacement cost and the total operational costs for different types of fixtures.

 

[acropora1981]

Sorry I didnt read the post properly. In any case I would use a T5 fixture...you can get them 72 inches long they ues a LOT of bulbs though.