Lighting for my 125 reef? help fellow chi-towners

[Motohead]

I am looking for a lighting system to start a reef with a 6ft tank. 125gal.

i want it all in one.

but man!! there are soooo many to choose from. i am well aware i will be spending $800-$1200 for lighting or am i thinking to much?

would a retro kit be better? then a allready pre built fixture with fans ect ect?

i want the MH;s as well as the PC's all in one.

what are your thoughts?


thanks

Joe

 

[Ladipyg]

YHPM

 

[Douglas LEHMAN]

Hello Mr. Moto
I have a 72" CSL hood to sell. It has been stripped of it components, and awaits someone to rebuild it. It had 3-175 MH and a pair of 96 watt PC at one time...

 

[Teremei]

What I did for my 125 is go to rods reef and get 2 sets of ARO ballasts those only cost $150 total and they handle up to 440 watts total.

I put 4 bulbs total of VHO lighting (my favorite: Very High Output) so I have 440 watts but the bulbs are only 4 feet instead of 6 feet so they overlap. But I'm only keeping softies and LPS and some acros at the VERY TOP. So really if you shop smart you can get a nice retrofit set for under $400.

I can understand if you want more lighting though. You can also get some reflector sheeting on the inside of your canopy to help broaded the lights as well as some eggcrate to help to disperse and strengthen the lighting. You don't have to spend $1000 if you think smart.

www.hellolights.com great place for bulbs very cheap. But also good quality.

 

[theedudenator]

What do you mean by egg crate??

What does that do?

 

[TangWhispr]

I pm'd you..I think I have an almost new coralife 72" mh fixture. PM me if interested

 

[Motohead]

thanks everyone for your replys, i am still uncertain which way i am going thus far,

il check my pm's sorry didnt know i had any.


joe

 

[TheCoralReef731]

I don't think 3 175w will be enough. You should get 250w at least.

 

[whiirly]

Call Rod at Rods-reef I am sure he can help you out

 

[Motohead]

Thanks guys!

The plan is 3 250w MH's and T5's

but should i do 8-36" T5 or 4- 72" T5? oh wait do T5 even come in 72" like VHO?

i also think im going to scrap this 125 and bump it up to a 180 RR seeing the stand and canopy are for a 180 anyways, and this 125 is OLD!! not something i feel safe with either way.


Joe