mh for 90 gallon

[onegreenray]

was wondering what type of lighting youguys think would be sufficient for my 90 gallon. i am thinking of converting my fresh water 90 gallon to a reef. i was thinking of putting 2 250 watt metal halides on it. the tank is 24" deep. or would three 250 be better?

would my clams have enough light on the sand bed? i have four squamossas and three maximas. would it be better to put maximas on the rock work. this is all theory. haven't done it yet.

 

[SeanT]

I like your 2 x 250 mh idea.
Adding 2 x 110 watt VHO actinics would be the icing to me.
JMO

 

[onegreenray]

i will have four 55 watt pcs laying around i was thinking of supplimenting with.

 

[ADS]

Hi Ray-
For a 90g I would recommend 2- 250W DE 10K w/actinic supplementation. This will reduce some of the heat. These will require pendant or fixture. This can be costly.
Another good option is Mogul 400W 20kx2 on HQI ballasts. This is an excellent setup that doesn't require actinics IMO. It is hot however. You'll need a well ventilated hood or pendants.
These setups are versatile for sps and clams. They will allow for variation in placement of your clams as well.
Lighting is really a preference issue. Most quality bulbs give adequate spectrum for our livestock. The cost and aesthetics drive most people to choice.
I have dual 400W 20K on my 90g display and think it looks great-others may hate it because it's too blue.
Adam

 

[onegreenray]

hey adam,
do you have any pics of your 90 gallon set up? also what type of filtration do you have on it? sump? also if possible could you take pic of sump? what to research as much as possible before i go threw with seting up.
thx

 

[onegreenray]

also what type of 20k do you use? xm

 

[ADS]

Hi Ray-I thought I responded-must have erased my reply.
I can email you pics later-
I have 150g sump. I use both Ushio and radiums-prefer the Ushio color. Adam

 

[onegreenray]

ok cool.
thx