Potential Lighting

[ambaratur]

Hey

Would something like this:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ICK724

Work well enough over a 125 gal if I wanted to keep some softies and maybe some easy LPS?

This kit comes with 2 ice cap 430 balasts. It also has a possible upgrade to ice cap 660 balasts - is there any reason to upgrade the balasts if I have no intention of using anything but 4 VHO bulbs?

 

[shoddyk]

Go with T5's or MH lights. They are alittle bit more money but it will be worth it. Learning from my experiences it is best to spend the extra money up front to get the best stuff because your going to end up wanting other corals and more powerful lights down the road and then you will spend the money anyways.

 

[kraze3]

Im going to agree, Im looking to upgrade to T5s.

 

[ambaratur]

Yea T-5s would be cool but I am having difficulty finding good solutions for using T-5s over a 72" aquarium.

I know I can use 2 36" fixtures, but I was hoping to do it with single bulbs.

I wish they would make 72" T-5s!

(oh and for reasons out of my control MH lighting is out of the question for me)

 

[shoddyk]

Stagger 6-8 T5's. I have a 125 gallon 6' tank also.

 

[ambaratur]

Ahh good idea. So just mount them from the ends and have them overlap in the center?

That would be cool because then I could mount moonlights in the extra space on the ends.

Thanks for the great idea!

 

[kyleka.]

I did the same thing

 

[ambaratur]

kyleka - which fixtures did you use to do this? And do you have any pictures of your setup?

 

[xrobbx03]

i would def take the metal halide plunge

 

[bmallia82]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7303510#post7303510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xrobbx03
i would def take the metal halide plunge

A plunge in your bank account as well when you pay off that Electrical Bill.

 

[ambaratur]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7303919#post7303919 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bmallia82
A plunge in your bank account as well when you pay off that Electrical Bill.

That and the spousal unit is afraid of the heat and fire danger with MH lighting.

 

[Silencer]

I agree with xrobbx03. MH is the way to go. For just a little more money you could get three 175w lights that would use less power yet give you more effective and much more visually appealing light. You could even use three 250w lights for essentially the same price as long as your setup can handle a little more power and heat.