Lighting help for 5 ft tank

[blmeier7]

My brother just bought a 100g tank that is 60" in length and we are trying to get some ideas for lighting. He really wants an open top so we aren't looking for a retro/canopy setup. The tank will be mostly FOWLR but he may add a few low light corals later on. Any help or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[artful-dodger]

A 4' fixture will light your tank just fine. Power Compacts will be the cheapest to purchase but T-5 will give you a better bulb life and operating costs. They will also reduce the chance of having to upgrade later.

Here is one example from ReefGeek but you can easily find other similar units from Drs. Foster Smith or MarineDepot or other RC sponsors.

If you elect to go T-5, make sure the fixture has individual reflectors for each bulb.

Look for a fixture that has at least two separate circuits so that you can run at half power initially and go to warp speed when/if he decides to add corals. (Four 54w T-5s will give him enough light to keep lots of choices among the LPS corals. The six bulb variety will give even more options.

 

[KAKLANGLEY]

You could use a pendant lighting or make free standing canopy to hold the retrofit above the water and still have an open top. much like an awning for a door or window

 

[blmeier7]

Thanks for the ideas, both of the above posts are our two main considerations: either two MH pendants or a 48" T5 fixture.

Any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks