Lights for 150g Tank

[AcuraCl1]

I have been trying to decide between T5s and MH lights. Right now I have a 75g tank with T5s. The colors are ok, but its most likely the color combination I have. I like the T5s due to the low cost of energy and the combination of bulbs. But I love the look of the MH lights on different tanks I have seen.

My new tank that I am setting up is 59.5 x 25.5 x 25.5 with an oak stand and canopy. The tank has 2 internal overflows that are on the sides of the tank. The tank was built to go in a wall. If I went with MH lights, would 2 Ice Cap 250 Watt SE MH work. I have a friend that has 2 of them for sale and would I need a third one. I know they say one bulb for every 2ft, and I have 5ft, but I figured since the overflows are on the side of the tank, that would comensate for only needing 2. Plus if I went with MH, I would be looking at adding 2 T5 bulbs to the canopy also.

 

[Kenzy]

You shouldn't have any problems with 2x250MH and the T5's. Don't skimp on reflectors.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks, my friend has spider reflectors, are those any good. They also have some lumenarcs, but they are too big for the canopy to hold with some T5s.

As far as adding T5s with the MH, is it better to go with 2 60" T5s, one in the front and one in the back or some smaller T5s.

 

[das75]

I have a 145g with the overflows on each end.

Using 2x250W MH and 2x54W T5 (fnt/back). No problem growing SPS, but could easily add another 250W pendent if wanted.

 

[Kenzy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14541064#post14541064 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AcuraCl1

As far as adding T5s with the MH, is it better to go with 2 60" T5s, one in the front and one in the back or some smaller T5s.

On my tank I ran 48" lamps because I don't like to have LR up against the side glass. Even then I still had some SPS reaching over and growing on the sides. 4' lamps are cheaper than 5' lamps to replace and the difference is only 6" on each side, roughly just wider than the palm of your hand.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks