Lighting for 180

[The Saltman]

HI guys,

Just got a 180 gallon tank drilled. Dimensions are 72X24X24. It has a canopy. I am having a tough time deciding what kind of lighting to get. I plan to have it sps dominated with sps and clams. I've read a lot of good things on the new Lumenarc reflector pendants. I also want T-5 lighting to use for dusk/dawn simulation. What would be a good lighting combination to get for this? I would appreciate any links, info, or advice on what would be best.

I appreciate your response

 

[The Grim Reefer]

You can use the Lumenmax reflectors. They will leave you more room for the T5s. The 60" 80 watt T5's will be fine for dusk/dawn. Reefgeek.com has the T5 stuff and Lumenmax reflectors. Good deals on halide lamps too but you might want to shop around for ballasts.

 

[The Saltman]

I seen the retro T-5 60" kits on reefgeek. Do these bulbs run over open water without a protective shield?

 

[drummereef]

Are you planning on using SE or DE bulbs?

 

[The Saltman]

I plan on running 3-250Watt Hqi. With some T-5 for dusk/dawn.

 

[The Saltman]

Double ended

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9447746#post9447746 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Saltman
I seen the retro T-5 60" kits on reefgeek. Do these bulbs run over open water without a protective shield?

Yes.

 

[The Saltman]

I'm not a big fan of running the T-5's over the water without protection. Is there anything I can do?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

How close do you plan on having them to the water? Anything above 4" or so will keep salt spray off of them. You could use Plexiglass strips over the reflectors.

 

[The Saltman]

They will be at least 4" above the water, but for peace of mind, I never like running open bulbs over water without protection. You never know when a fish might create a splash and then you have a little explosion in your tank. I've seen a tank ruined because of this. I like the plexiglass strip idea, but how would I mount them to the reflectors? Also, how many of these T-5's would you run? If I just want them for dusk/dawn simulation, would 2 work fine?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

IME T5's dont get hot enough to shatter from water even when overdriven. 2 will be fine. To mount the plexiglass you could probably just zip tie them to the reflectors.

 

[gasman059]

I run a similar setup- My lights are 3 400se MH's 20k with actinic supps. Really like the display . BTW regular ballasts.
I really like this etup.

 

[alanmorehead]

I am also looking at lighting for a 180g AGA reef tank. I would like to have a couple of clams/sps, but it will not be clam/sps dominated. I am looking at the following options:

1) 3x250w MH (Possibly Coralvue ballast/SE Bulb/Lumenarc from ReefExotics.com) + supplements (Icecap 660 - Either 2x60" T5 or 2x72" VHO)

2) 4x160w 72" VHO (2x Icecap 660 ballasts)

3) 6x80w 60" T5 (2x Icecap 660 ballasts)

If I went w/ all fluorescent, will I be better off w/ the 4 bulb VHO setup or w/ a shorter, staggered 6 bulb T5 setup?

Will the fluorescent only be enough for a 180g or do I need to seriously consider the MH?

Also, how often should I plan on replacing the bulbs on each system? I have heard that the T5s can last 2 years. Is that right? Do the bulbs need to be replaced more often if they are overdriven by the Icecaps? Can I get 18 months on the metal halides and VHO bulbs?

 

[The Saltman]

If I plan on running the Lumenarc 3 reflector pendants, what would be good ballasts to run with these?

 

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9449104#post9449104 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alanmorehead
I am also looking at lighting for a 180g AGA reef tank. I would like to have a couple of clams/sps, but it will not be clam/sps dominated. I am looking at the following options:

1) 3x250w MH (Possibly Coralvue ballast/SE Bulb/Lumenarc from ReefExotics.com) + supplements (Icecap 660 - Either 2x60" T5 or 2x72" VHO)

2) 4x160w 72" VHO (2x Icecap 660 ballasts)

3) 6x80w 60" T5 (2x Icecap 660 ballasts)

If I went w/ all fluorescent, will I be better off w/ the 4 bulb VHO setup or w/ a shorter, staggered 6 bulb T5 setup?

Will the fluorescent only be enough for a 180g or do I need to seriously consider the MH?

Also, how often should I plan on replacing the bulbs on each system? I have heard that the T5s can last 2 years. Is that right? Do the bulbs need to be replaced more often if they are overdriven by the Icecaps? Can I get 18 months on the metal halides and VHO bulbs?

I would say you can get between a year and 18 months on the T5's. They will give you more light than the VHO's.

If you want clams the halides would probably be better.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9450547#post9450547 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Saltman
If I plan on running the Lumenarc 3 reflector pendants, what would be good ballasts to run with these?

Well, if you do DE bulbs then you are going to have to go with the Lumenarc Stealth DE (or Lumen Max / Reef Optix) pendant and an HQI ballast. Either PFO or Blue Wave 3 ballasts will work. You could do an electronic ballast but you aren't going to get the PAR you would with HQI. It's a small difference, but par is par I suppose.

If you go SE, that's a whole other story. I'm planning my 180 right now too and am going through the same headache. I can't decide between SE or DE either...

 

[Baalz]

I have 3 of the stealth DE luminarcs in my hood along with 3 160w VHOS.