Lighting for 72"x 30" x 24" reef

[AlphaSig]

I just purchased a new aquarium and am debating what lighting options to go with. I currently have a 48" 6 bulb t5 on my 75 gallon mixed reef and I was considering using that light with a 60-72" t5/metal halide combo fixture. In total there would be 10 t5 bulbs and 3 250w metal halides on the tank.

What are your thoughts on this? I do not have experience with MH but like the results I see on other individuals tanks. Not too sure about switching to LED's just yet.

 

[ReefCowboy]

Seems like you have the right idea. Im assuming the metal halides would be single ended(mogul base)? If so, throw Radium bulbs, and you are set. The T5's would ensure perfect coverage and color to your taste.

 

[AlphaSig]

Yeah they would be single ended. Does anyone have photos from a similar setup?

 

[AlphaSig]

For a 72" tank would people recommend a 60" or 72" light fixture?

 

[ReefCowboy]

For a 72" tank would people recommend a 60" or 72" light fixture?

For my 60" i heard many saying a 48" woukd work fine. After doing more researching with people who owned similar type of light dimensions and tank, they told me regreted not going 60"(same size as tank)..

That being said, If I were you, would go 72", so you wont have darker tank ends in case ypu plan on having corals at those same spots.

 

[AlphaSig]

I had considered that as well. I was told that with the 3 MH's that they should each cover a 2x2 area and there wouldn't be any dead spots, but I am unsure because I have zero experience with MH's.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

3 - 250 W MH will light that up no problem used it on my 220.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I had used 3 of the 250 watt MH and 4 48" t5 bulbs over my 6' long 180g tank until I switched to leds. The MH will cover just fine.