need lighting ideas for 120 gal mixed

[Mr..Tang]

I wanted to post this to get an idea on what the best light combo would be for my 120 gallon mixed reef tank. I will have lots of softies,lps's, and some sps,and of course some fish. I have now 220 watts of VHO's. Open to any and all suggestions as long as they are right!!

Thanks

Mike:smokin:

 

[kodyboy]

how about a solar flare from aquactinics? 4 foot, 6 T5s 80 watts each, excellent reflectors, fans (runs cool). Would grow anything you want.

 

[hatfielj]

I'm using the maristar 2X250watt HQI + T5's fixture. Thats a nice option if you want a complete fixture.

 

[Mr..Tang]

so the old saying abut watts per gallon isn't true? If I went with a solar flare, thats only 540 watts. What do you think of 4 vho's and one mh around 150 watt

 

[Mr..Tang]

Is this all this great forum has to offer? Two people? Guys, thank you for responding. I will look into both suggestions.

 

[kodyboy]

the old saying of watts per gallon is really just an old saying. In reality you need to look at PAR and spectrum in addition, if not more. The solar flare would actually be more "usable" light than three 250 watt metal halides.

 

[brianbigoats]

i have a 90 gallon with solar flare sps tank it a great fixture if you decide to go w/ MH some good reflectors such as lumenarc

 

[Mr..Tang]

brianbigoats

thanks for the input, I will need these lights inside a canopy so I will need to do some investagating. Maybe a retrofit would work? Maybe I could build a light tray inside the canopy with the same setup as the solar flare?
What do you think?

 

[kodyboy]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...:_8-54W_T5_HO_Fluorescents_by_Sunlight_Supply

Look at the above retrofit at reefgeeks.

 

[kodyboy]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5..._Retrofit:_8-54W_T5_HO_Fluorescents_by_IceCap

here is an icecap retrofit. I believe this one can overdrive the lamps like teh solar flare.

P.S. don't forget the fans for cooling!