Planning new tank - 280g

[racermike27]

Hey guys,

I am planning a new tank as I will be moving into a larger house in the coming months.

The basic dimensions of the tank will be as follows: 72"x36"x24"tall

Now my question is this. What would you recommend for lighting?
Would it be better to use 6 - 250w in lumenarc minis? Or should I just use 3 - 400w in Lumenarc regulars?
I have 3 brand new unopened mini already plus I have a crap load of 250W icecap ballasts around the house, I think 5 in total.

This has been beating my brain for some time as I am not sure what to do. I know the 400 will use less wattage by a substantial amount but will it be overkill for a 24" tall tank? Plus how good is the spread from a lumenarc regular with a 400 in it? I know it is something like 2'x2' or something. But since the tank is 36" wide will it be enough spread to get to the front and back panes?

So please help out all you large tank guys LOL.

-Mike-

 

[ReefWreak]

3 400s. Maybe even 3 250s.

The luminarc standards I believe are either 21" or 19" across, but either way, you just raise them a few inches higher, and it'll fill the whole tank. If you're going from spider reflectors to luminacrs though, it'll blow your mind the ammount of light leakage you had before, and how little leakage there is now. By light leakage I mean like how bright your canopy, and back wall, and sides of the hood were before and after you install luminarcs. It's insane.

Again, just raise the luminarcs a bit and you shouldn't have a problem. Rogger would be a good candidate to ask, since he's got the 350-375 and I believe it's 36" wide, but he uses standard sized luminarcs with 400w bulbs and ballasts. I believe his tank is taller as well.

I would definitly go for full sized over a bunch of smaller ones. Also should allow more room for actinic supplements if you were looking to go that way.

 

[gasman059]

Mike no doubt in my mind u should run 400!

Like we spoke about take your time do it right from the get go.

I run 3 400 over my 72/24 and would have kicked myself if for some strange reason used 250.

The only drwaback as u know is FPL.

BTW call me for the pills!

 

[ahoyhoy239]

imo i would run the teh 3 400w form the get go b/c it keeps things simple, even though you already have a bunch of other stuff already. also you will be saving 300w which will probably save you money in a few months. judging by some pics ive seen, running a 400w 20k bulb you wont need any actinic supp and still have enough par imo

 

[macawmagic]

yo mike! I can't wait for you to get a tank that big! it's gunna be sick!

 

[Rogger Castells]

3-400w in luminarc will do the job fine. I am very happy with my new lights

 

[racermike27]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies! I think I am going to go with the 3-400s.

Manny, are you using 3-400 reeflux 12ks now? I will give you a call tomorrow morning about the pills as I was super busy today.

Thanks again everyone.