Lighting a 48" 120 gallon

[dwculp]

I think I found the perfect tank in terms of size and cost for me right now. It is a 48 x 24 x 24 120 gallon tank and stand combo. It is this same tank with a nice stand and canopy: http://www.petsr4u.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2010120

I will have to drill the tank for overflows but no big deal.

I will be keeping predomintly soft and LPS coral and a clam. I am seriously thinking about a 48" 8x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs from Reef Geek:

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...y_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

What do you think? Too much light? Not enough light? Better options?

 

[Falcao]

you should try thr T5 thread. I have the same size tank, but been on the fence on which light. from what I have gotten on the T5 forum. 8 bulbs is the way to good.

 

[moo0o]

You don't need the icecap ballast retrofit, just get the normal ballast that will drive the bulbs normally.

 

[dwculp]

So ditch the VHO ballast and just get a standard ballast?

 

[scubasteve06]

Is there a cost difference between the VHO ballast and the retro fit ballast? What are the differences?

 

[EdMan71]

Clams require alot of light. I would use 2 MH and perhaps 2 VHO supplement. Most everyone seems to always upgrade light because they want to start keeping other types of corals that require light.

 

[jbechel]

I have the same tank dimensions I'm running 2 250w MH 14k phoenix bulbs amazing looking tank under the mh keeping 3 clams and mixed reef really considering LEDs though to save on electric bill but don't want to sacrifice the look

 

[Johnny C]

If you plan to keep soft corals and LPS, I certainly wouldn't use an 8x54w T5HO setup. Depending on the quality of the ballasts/reflectors, you should be able to keep anything you'd like with a 6-Bulb setup. Just trying to save you money and frustration. HTH

 

[dwculp]

If you plan to keep soft corals and LPS, I certainly wouldn't use an 8x54w T5HO setup. Depending on the quality of the ballasts/reflectors, you should be able to keep anything you'd like with a 6-Bulb setup. Just trying to save you money and frustration. HTH

Actually, this is exactly the type of advice I am looking for. I am not that experienced when it comes to T5 lighting, I just haven't used them. A 6 bulb HO setup is MUCH cheaper than an 8 bulb VHO setup.

 

[goober35]

I just got done doing a lot of searching on this very subject. The workhorse ballast and the icecap ballast where never made for T5 bulbs but they run them perfectly fine. Kind of like computer fans are not made to cool fish tanks but they work. I found LET Lighting and they use ballast that are made for the T5's. You might want to look into them. I got mine from reefgeek.

 

[Nereaga]

My choice: 48" ATI Sunpower 6x54w

I run this on my 75g and is a TON of light, more than enough for a 48" 120g, JMO.

Brad

 

[andresp]

I own a coralife pro with 2x 250 watt metals phoenix 14ks and 2 96 watt actinics they r great