Lights over a 120

[TanksDad13]

I'm putting together a 120 (4X2X2). As of now I have one XR15 over my 28 Nano and need to wait to get another. I have been able to grab a few lights for the interim. I have 2- 24" 2 bulb T5 and 1 - 36" 4 bulb T5. If I position them like so...

Will that be enough to keep SPS alive and see some growth? Should the 2' fixtures go in front or in the back? Your advice is appreciated.

 

[M3P]

What is the overflow situation and how do you plan to scape?

If the overflows are in the back corners, I'd set up how you have the diagram. If the overflow is back center, I might swap the positions since 4x39w > 4x24w and you'd be wasting more light over the overflow.

Aquascape may play a role too. Big rock pile against back glass or islands with negative space? Depending on this, how you decide to light may make a difference, but honestly I think either way you'll be fine.

 

[TanksDad13]

What is the overflow situation and how do you plan to scape?

If the overflows are in the back corners, I'd set up how you have the diagram. If the overflow is back center, I might swap the positions since 4x39w > 4x24w and you'd be wasting more light over the overflow.

Aquascape may play a role too. Big rock pile against back glass or islands with negative space? Depending on this, how you decide to light may make a difference, but honestly I think either way you'll be fine.

The overflow is in the right, rear corner. As far as aquascaping goes we're going to have the rock islands and a bridge sort of thing going on...

 

[Mr D smack]

Doing it right the first time will save a bunch of time aggravation and money. At minimum a quality 6 bulb 36 inch fixture with individual reflectors will work if your wanting to go with T5s.

Mixing the fixtures as you have IMO is nothing but trouble and costly waiting to happen. What bulb combo are you planning on running? Bulb placement is a big factor for the look/color you desire

 

[TanksDad13]

Doing it right the first time will save a bunch of time aggravation and money. At minimum a quality 6 bulb 36 inch fixture with individual reflectors will work if your wanting to go with T5s.

Mixing the fixtures as you have IMO is nothing but trouble and costly waiting to happen. What bulb combo are you planning on running? Bulb placement is a big factor for the look/color you desire

Never really used T5 before, suggestions on colors? These fixtures all have individual reflectors. Also, it's very temporary, like my only a month or 2, then I'll hang the radions.

 

[Mr D smack]

Never really used T5 before, suggestions on colors? These fixtures all have individual reflectors. Also, it's very temporary, like my only a month or 2, then I'll hang the radions.

My suggestion is to just wait it out till you get the radion. There is so many different bulb combos to achieve the color your eye likes to start with. And look at what the cost of good quality T5s are just for temporary

 

[makeshift101]

My suggestion is to just wait it out till you get the radion. There is so many different bulb combos to achieve the color your eye likes to start with. And look at what the cost of good quality T5s are just for temporary

I have to agree, I had a quad t5 setup, replacing the bulbs every 9-12 months came out to be expensive. I ended up getting some cheap led lights which cost the same amount as replacing the bulbs 2 years in a row. I didnt get radions or anything fancy like that. but if you plan on getting radions in the future, you mine as well just "splurge now"

 

[TanksDad13]

My suggestion is to just wait it out till you get the radion. There is so many different bulb combos to achieve the color your eye likes to start with. And look at what the cost of good quality T5s are just for temporary

I have to agree, I had a quad t5 setup, replacing the bulbs every 9-12 months came out to be expensive. I ended up getting some cheap led lights which cost the same amount as replacing the bulbs 2 years in a row. I didnt get radions or anything fancy like that. but if you plan on getting radions in the future, you mine as well just "splurge now"

Fair enough, sounds like good advice. Plus the $200 or so to put new bulbs in will get me pretty close to the Radion.

 

[Aqua Man 07]

You can usually find used gen 2s for a decent price and then upgrade them to the gen 3s down the road.

 

[TanksDad13]

You can usually find used gen 2s for a decent price and then upgrade them to the gen 3s down the road.

Any idea what the upgrade price is?

 

[Schplitter]

any idea what the upgrade price is?

175

 

[Scubareefman]

I know gateway has some used Gen 1's for sale.