Lighting Question

[aquaman3680]

I am looking to upgrade to a 120 48" from my 60. I want to be able to keep SPS and anenomes. So Im going with halides, I mot sure which would be better 2 400 watt MH 10K with 2 36" 96 watt PC, or Coralifes 2 250 20K watt HQI with 2 96 watt PC. The Coralife system is alot more expensive and i was wondering if it was worth the extra $300 to have them be HQI's. Let me know your thoughts on this.
Matt

 

[jeffbrig]

I would look for a lighting setup with 2 x 250w HQI and T5's to supplement. Aquamedic probably has the cheapest option if you're looking for a pre-build hood. Personally, I like retrofits for the added flexibility they provide.

 

[Blown 346]

I agree with Jeff, I have never used T5's but have heard they last longer than any other bulb and give out great light.

 

[aquaman3680]

The thing is with the corallife system i wouldnt have to buy a canopy. And i cant hang anything from the celing because the celings are too tall. I am 15 and i work at a fish store so i can get things at the owners cost. The 2 400 watts i can get for $300 complete and the corallife i can get for $700. Would it really be worth that for the HQI's?
Matt

 

[jeffbrig]

$700 sounds ridiculous if that's at cost. You can buy an aquamedic 2x250 HQI + 2x54w T5 for $639 at marinedepot.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AQ1831

If you can't hang anything from the ceiling, put a wall-mounted shelf (or just brackets) over the tank and hang the lights from that.

To understand just how much of a bargain the aquamedic is, look at other HQI/T5 combos like the SLS Maristar ($1000+), Geissman, or any of the other euro brands.

 

[Blown 346]

I would say that the two 400 watters would be too much and you might have to get a chiller to keep your tank cool.
I have 2 250 watt halides over my 90 and I have SPS,LPS, softies, clams, etc.

 

[aquaman3680]

im sorry i ment 600 internet gets it at a much lower price. I would mount fans on the canopy to keep it cool if i went with the 400's. But wouldnt i also have an issue with heat if i got the 250 watt MH? or do you not think so? Blown have your clams grown at all? and do you have 10k bulbs. If so do yiu have any supplimentary lighting?

 

[Blown 346]

I have the 2 250 watters but I also have 2 4" fans in my canopy to keep things cool. The 400 watt halides will generate alot more heat then the 250's do.
If you have fans that are on while the halides are on you will be fine.
My clams have grown a great amount, from the old lighting of PC's to halides, they are much happier.
I have 14 K Aqua Cool bulbs, with 2 110 watt VHO actinics.

 

[RichConley]

My oppinion, 2 x 250SE with lumenarc reflectors. Will out do the 2x250DE any day of the week.