Lights for a 60" tank

[Octoberfest]

I have a 125 gallon tank but it's 60" wide from left to right. I have been looking at power different lights and was wondering if I was to go with PC's or a T5 setup should I get to 30" fixtures or one 60" fixture? My only concern would be the heat on the center black plastic strip that goes across the middle? Also any other advice would be great.

 

[bertoni]

The heat won't be an issue. What animals do you want to keep? The T5 fixtures with individual reflectors are higher cost, but will allow a wider range of animals, for example.

 

[Octoberfest]

well right now I have a FOWLR tank but would eventually like to get an anenomie or two but I know I will need T5s or MH setup, from what I've read I can't use just PCs.

 

[bertoni]

I would go with T5 or MH for that tank, then, to keep the widest range of animals. The only T5 setups I'd likely consider are the ones with individual reflectors for each bulb. I chose MH, so I don't know much about T5. They seem fine; I just didn't like the colors.

 

[Octoberfest]

So would I need to MH set-ups, one for each end of the tank or more? Basically I'm trying find out what I'd need for the size tank I have? I also don't have a canopy so I'd either have to build one or hang them from the ceiling

 

[bertoni]

Well, you could try lighting it with one central bulb, but the illumination might not be very even or efficient. The usual rule of thumb is one MH every two feet, but the reflector choice is also important. The LumenMax pendants, for example, can cover a broader area, although they're pricy.

T5 fixtures are likely a fine choice; I just can't help you there.

Have you seen any setups in person? Lighting has a lot of personal taste issues involved, and seeing some setups in person is very handy.

 

[NCreefwannabe]

I told you I would come talk to you about lights lol. That and I can bring my setup over so you can see what the deal is with them. I still say a retrofit mh/vho combo would be your best bet.

When I bring mine over ill bring my ballast, so you can get a jist of what the mh can do. Ill bring 1 each 12k bulb and 10k bulb that I have. At least then you can see one aspect.

 

[Octoberfest]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7275229#post7275229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NCreefwannabe
I told you I would come talk to you about lights lol. That and I can bring my setup over so you can see what the deal is with them. I still say a retrofit mh/vho combo would be your best bet.

When I bring mine over ill bring my ballast, so you can get a jist of what the mh can do. Ill bring 1 each 12k bulb and 10k bulb that I have. At least then you can see one aspect.

I know that part what I'm getting at is how much I need for a 60" tank. What you bring over may or may not be enough for what I have so I'm trying to get an opinion of other people that may have the same size tank and what their set-up is.

 

[NCreefwannabe]

well unless you want sps, what i have would be enough. Except I have 2 mh, you would need 3. Every 2 feet, your tank is 6 foot. or you could go with the t5's, with individual reflectors. That about the only options. Didnt know if youde want to see what the mh would be like. The shimmering effect is awesome.