I am starting up a new aquarium that is cycling currently. The tank info is:
72"x24"x24" 180G with 2 center braces and 2 reef ready overflows. I have 2 holes drilled in the back for the two return pumps. My plan is to do some SPS up top but not a SPS dominant..maybe 20-25% SPS if i had to give it a number? The tank is in a basement that is 16'x32' well ventilated. I'm in Nebraska so there is only 2 months that it is crazy hot and the basement usually gets up to maybe 65 at those times. (That might be important later)
---Also i currently have 3 AI Hydra HD 26's, in case that would influence your decision/choice---I would be willing to sell those if needed, they are brand new in box, never used---
My options are:
1. Metal halide setup (Probably 3x 250 watt pendants) - I know they get hot but that won't be an issue, plus I would rather pay electricity in this case over running a couple heaters even more. At least this would cut down on heater kicking on as much.
2. LED's only
3. LED/T5
4. T5's only - If I go this route i would likely get 2 36" fixtures with 6 bulbs each.
I know those 4 choices would each be successful but what would your choice be?
72"x24"x24" 180G with 2 center braces and 2 reef ready overflows. I have 2 holes drilled in the back for the two return pumps. My plan is to do some SPS up top but not a SPS dominant..maybe 20-25% SPS if i had to give it a number? The tank is in a basement that is 16'x32' well ventilated. I'm in Nebraska so there is only 2 months that it is crazy hot and the basement usually gets up to maybe 65 at those times. (That might be important later)
---Also i currently have 3 AI Hydra HD 26's, in case that would influence your decision/choice---I would be willing to sell those if needed, they are brand new in box, never used---
My options are:
1. Metal halide setup (Probably 3x 250 watt pendants) - I know they get hot but that won't be an issue, plus I would rather pay electricity in this case over running a couple heaters even more. At least this would cut down on heater kicking on as much.
2. LED's only
3. LED/T5
4. T5's only - If I go this route i would likely get 2 36" fixtures with 6 bulbs each.
I know those 4 choices would each be successful but what would your choice be?
