New 90 Gallon.

[Mainelandreefer]

I am in the process of setting up my new 90 gallon (48" X 18" X 24"). I plan to go with t5 lighting, i will be keeping a mixed reef tank.... softies, sps, maybe a clam in the future. Originally i was going with Current's 8x54 watt setup, but i have been doing some thinking and may possible go with a 12 x 54 watt retrofit. My question is, does this seem like extreme overkill on a 90 gallon? If not, can anyone suggest where to buy the retrofits/ ballasts at a fair price? TY in advance!

 

[james3370]

give the guys at www.reefgeek.com a call.....excellent prices, bulb selection & customer service

btw....there is no way you are gonna get 12 bulbs in a 18" wide area. each bulb takes 2.5-3" by the time you factor in endcap & reflector width

 

[hansmatt]

my 6x54 powermodule is super strong on my 90g...it can support anything...clams on the bed, high light acros...though my acans are not as happy with the high light on the sandbed. Save the money on bulb replacement & get a powermodule/sunpower and don't look back. The high quality reflectors and active cooling make a HUGE difference in PAR.

 

[DarG]

Not only do you not need 12 X 54 watt T5 over a 90, you will never get a 12 lamp retro to fit. Even building the lighting in an arc pattern ... 2" wide retro reflectors (and most are wider) X 12 is 24" minimum and I think the endcap mounts alone are 2 1/2" wide so you are looking at even wider than 24" over an 18" wide tank which is actually closer to 16 1/2" wide measuring front to back INSIDE the top trim (assuming a standard tank).

Something like the 6 X 54 watt Powermodule that hansmatt mentions would easily allow you to keep anything you wanted.
And, because the reflectors are better and the unit overall is better designed, it will put more light into the tank, and at depth, than the Current USA 8 lamp unit

 

[ddinox64]

I just installed my 6x54 on my 90. Without any sand to reflect light back, and a blue background, I was amazed at the light emitting from the tank.

Then I turned on the other two bulbs and was blown away. I believe I missed an opportunity to save some money, but then again I don't need to always run all six but they're there if I need/want to.