Lighting opinions

[reiverix]

I'm looking to upgrade the lighting on my 75g reef. At the moment I've got 8*65w PC lighting. It's a mix of 10000k, 6700k and actinic. For what's in my tank it does the job, since I'm keeping the easier corals. Well, ok I do have a derasa clam that sits on some live rock about 6 inches from the surface. It's been going strong for the last eight months but I know that for it's long term survaval I need more light. There's also the fact that I want to at least get to the stage where I can keep some more demanding livestock, if I want to go that route in the future.

What's really frustrating is my lighting is made of two separate units so I have to take one off whenever I need to get into the tank. So let's say money isn't a problem (heh, if only), what would you go for? I was thinking 2*250w MH with a few actinic PCs. If all goes to plan, mission control (wife) may be persuaded to go for something second hand, or even brand new if I get out the persuasion gas.

I'm also looking for some base rock if anyone has some to sell.


Thanks folks. I appreciate your advice.

 

[Jordan55]

I have a 250 watt T-5 canopy. Two atinics and 2 daylights.

200$.

Let me know if you are interested.

 

[jh2pizza]

I have a oak 36" light containing 2-175mh and 2 96wpc. fpr sale.
$225.00

 

[Sloth]

Well I think you'd be happiest with metal halide in the long run. I would go with a couple of 250 watt mh and some actinic like you said. But 175 watters will work. I'd go with mogul bases. Just because double ended ones are kind of a hassle (protective glass, not touching the bulb, etc..). You could get away with 20K bulbs and no actinic but it will be hard to find a bulb you really like. If you just go with metal halides you can have an open top and not worry about access to the tank.

btw - where do I get this persuasion gas?

 

[hollback]

I have 2- 250w SE on a standard magnetic ballast. I use hamilton 14k bulbs. I also have 2- 110w VHO actinics which I'd recommend over the PCs. They'll give you more punch than the PCs will. I'd stay away from the 175s. They will not give you much penetration in a 75. I might be looking to get rid of my lighting in the near future. Let me know what you decide.

 

[reiverix]

Hollback, I'm interested. That's pretty much what I'm looking for. I'm in no great hurry so just let me know when you're wanting to sell.

btw - where do I get this persuasion gas?

Sadly, discovered women are immune. Typical.

 

[cadams]

you're existing lighting is in a canopy?

keep in mind that if you go for MH .. you got heat to deal with, and you might need them as high as 8 to 12" off the water.

my 2Ã"šÃ‚¢

 

[reiverix]

Nah I've got a 4*65w Coralife and 4*65w Orbit fixtures. It's a bit of a squeeze on the tank.