Setting up tank

[osprey3883]

Hello,
I am setting up a tank from scratch with the goal of hosting an S Gigantea sometime late next year. I wanted to get some input on lighting. The tank is 120g. I want to go the MH route supplemented with PC's. Some configurations I have been thinking about are-
2 x 400 MH and 4 x 65 PC
3 x 250 MH and 4x 65 PC
I am also open to using 4 x 96 PC's if needed.

The canopy I have sits about a foot off the top of the tank. It is well vented and there are fans.
Is there any benefit to the 400 MH vs the 250 MH in realms of light coverage or heat?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[garygb]

What is the depth of the tank? How far would the anemone be from the light?

 

[GSMguy]

use t5s to suppliment its much better than PC

what are the tanks dimensions

your canopy sounds kind of shallow for MH have you considered going all t5?

 

[osprey3883]

Hello,
The tank is about 24 inches deep, so after mounting plus sandbed I would guess 24 to 30 " from the lights.
I don't know much about T5's. I am definitely open to an all T5 setup if it would be sufficient for the Gigantea.
About what wattage would I be looking at for an all T5 setup?

Thanks!
Matt

 

[davocean]

So many options.
But for an example I would maybe go w/ 2x 250MH and T5's staggered.
Or 3x 250MH w/ or w/out T5's additionally.
Or just T5's
250w is good for 24"deep, no need for 400w
MH = heat
T5 more efficient/less heat, but lacks the shimmer.
A general guidline is 3-5watts per gal but that changes w/ type of light as well (par values)
I saw a cool LED light bar at Current USA that adds shimmer to T5 only units similar to halide look, another cool option.

 

[osprey3883]

Hello,
Thanks for the feedback. I am definitely aware of the Watt/g ratio, but the info on the T5's websites is a bit vague.

Matt

 

[osprey3883]

Hello,
Since this is somewhat Amemone related and mostly light related I asked some questions on the t5 thread, if anyone has anything to add please do. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=11287712#post11287712

Thanks again for your help,
Matt