Lighting a 72x48x30 SPS tank

[Ryan Reefs]

Need some thoughts and ideas for how to get good coverage in the tank I'm planning. What do YOU feel would be some good configuration options?

Trying to get away from the idea of doing 6 400's. I want to stay with halides as the primary source, but wanted to throw the question out there to get some fresh ideas.

Thanks for any thoughts/advice

 

[nyvp]

save some money, I would do 3x400w radium 20k in lumenarc

I used 4 on my 120x36x30

 

[Ryan Reefs]

thanks for that. Gorgeous setup!

how high above the tank do you feel i should raise em to get adequate coverage for the 48" width?

Suppose i should really figure out my aquascape first, but I'm thinking about supplementing the edges with 4 72" VHO's.

What do you think?

 

[oscarslr]

I am going with T5's on my 72/30/30 80watt 60inch I am using 8 over driven by Ice cap 660s you could probably use 10-12

 

[masharp1126]

My tank is the exact same size. I'm using three (3) 400w radiums in lumenarc reflectors, as already mentioned above. Lumenarcs are supposed to offer 36" of coverage, so the only area losing some light is the front 6" and back 6". Here's a rough shot of mine.

 

[nyvp]

thanks for that. Gorgeous setup!

how high above the tank do you feel i should raise em to get adequate coverage for the 48" width?

Suppose i should really figure out my aquascape first, but I'm thinking about supplementing the edges with 4 72" VHO's.

What do you think?

if your going to use vho's i would go 3-xm 250/w and then vho's save the money.
depending on how many panels you have viewable you wont care about the few inches you lose. the light doesn't need to be coming right up to the edge.

a xm 250/w run by a pfo ballast is 187 par at 375/w & runs @ .49 efficiency
vs radium 400/w run by a pfo ballast is 147 par at 471/w & runs @ .31 efficiency.

I dont think the radiums need added supplements at all.

Now if you want to save the wattage of having to use VHO or t5's and just run the radiums like i did then you'll save wattage and equipment too by just going the 3x400/w radium route.

 

[lowbudget]

that light rail is pimp

 

[Ryan Reefs]

My tank is the exact same size. I'm using three (3) 400w radiums in lumenarc reflectors, as already mentioned above. Lumenarcs are supposed to offer 36" of coverage, so the only area losing some light is the front 6" and back 6". Here's a rough shot of mine.

Well then... NICE dimensions! How's that working out for you? I've considered going with a longer tank at 36" depth, but I believe I've settled on the 72x48. :thumbsup:

 

[Ryan Reefs]

if your going to use vho's i would go 3-xm 250/w and then vho's save the money.
depending on how many panels you have viewable you wont care about the few inches you lose. the light doesn't need to be coming right up to the edge.

a xm 250/w run by a pfo ballast is 187 par at 375/w & runs @ .49 efficiency
vs radium 400/w run by a pfo ballast is 147 par at 471/w & runs @ .31 efficiency.

I dont think the radiums need added supplements at all.

Now if you want to save the wattage of having to use VHO or t5's and just run the radiums like i did then you'll save wattage and equipment too by just going the 3x400/w radium route.

Very good points. However, I'm planning to run the halides on a limited schedule, and have supplemental lighting take care of morning/evening. Thinking also of 400 Ushio 14K's for initial growth burst over radium 20k's. Thoughts?

 

[syedjilani]

Subscribed...

 

[amore169]

This is the lighting I bought for my tank with similar dimensions as yours;

http://www.aquaticselite.com/Infinity_DSE_6x250w_p/in-dse-6250.htm

 

[Ryan Reefs]

This is the lighting I bought for my tank with similar dimensions as yours;

http://www.aquaticselite.com/Infinity_DSE_6x250w_p/in-dse-6250.htm

Yeah. That is just a drop dead gorgeous fixture. How's it performing for you? are you using the ALCS ballasts with it? What width is your tank? how's the coverage from its reflectors?

 

[nyvp]

Very good points. However, I'm planning to run the halides on a limited schedule, and have supplemental lighting take care of morning/evening. Thinking also of 400 Ushio 14K's for initial growth burst over radium 20k's. Thoughts?

I had no problem at all growing huge sps under the 400/w radiums but if your in love with the 14k ushios go for them . From what i remember the 20k radiums have actually similar or MORE par then a lot of the 14/15k bulbs due to them being overdriven.

 

[LifeAquatic]

sfiligoi

sfiligoi

Yeah. That is just a drop dead gorgeous fixture. How's it performing for you? are you using the ALCS ballasts with it? What width is your tank? how's the coverage from its reflectors?

I have that same fixture on a 30" deep tank. The reflectors are quite large but I dont think you will get the front to back spread you are looking for on a 48" deep tank. Depending on your lighting budget sfiligoi can make you a custom light with bigger reflectors. Talk to Tim at AcuaticsElite. The ACLS work great but you need one ballast for each bulb. I use the ACLS ballast on my setup. The light performs great and the ACLS ballast compliment it well. You will not be dissapointed if you go the Sfiligoi route.

 

[Ryan Reefs]

I have that same fixture on a 30" deep tank. The reflectors are quite large but I dont think you will get the front to back spread you are looking for on a 48" deep tank. Depending on your lighting budget sfiligoi can make you a custom light with bigger reflectors. Talk to Tim at AcuaticsElite. The ACLS work great but you need one ballast for each bulb. I use the ACLS ballast on my setup. The light performs great and the ACLS ballast compliment it well. You will not be dissapointed if you go the Sfiligoi route.

Thanks for the feedback. I'd love to go with a custom Sfiligoi fixture if cost were no object, but, alas, it is. They put together a tremendous product, though.

 

[Ryan Reefs]

I had no problem at all growing huge sps under the 400/w radiums but if your in love with the 14k ushios go for them . From what i remember:thumbsup::thumbsup: the 20k radiums have actually similar or MORE par then a lot of the 14/15k bulbs due to them being overdriven.

That's good to know. Yeah, looking at your tank...I'd say things are working quite nicely for you. Beautiful spectrum of those bulbs. Gotta love em!