Super noob light augmentation question.

[DasCamel]

I'm looking at lighting a 96" l x 36" w x 24" h tank.

Going to reverse course, thinking of adding some bulbs to the front and back to augment 4 Hydra 52 light fixtures. Heat and electricity are a lesser concern now.

I know LEDs but have no idea how to go about augmenting them. What fixture/bulbs w/o breaking the bank please.

Mainly to give corals more coverage at different angles, thinking of using them
4-6 hours daily.

 

[jayball]

If you have a canopy than you can use any retrofit, most recommend the LET lighting one or a piecemeal kit based on phillips advantage ballasts.

If you are hanging it than this is probably the nicest option http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/razor-t5-retro-kit-giesemann.html

Heck... if you have the room throw a 4 bulb ATI fixture in front of it angled back. With 36 front to back you should be able to swing it.

 

[DasCamel]

I was thinking of hanging two 48" fixtures in the front and back to cover the entire length.

Over kill or do I need only really need two 36" per side?

Going peninsula, so the front back and one side will be visible.

Regarding canopy, designing it myself. Probably going to leave the top open and hang lights. Ceiling isn't very high.

Either have doors for access or a couple panels that pop off for cleaning and access.

 

[DasCamel]

My budget is limited in a sense that I just moved and still need to build up the fish room.

Gieseman look nice, but are expensive. At that point I could use more Hydras.

More hanging options and ideas please!

 

[DasCamel]

Sun Blaze T5 HO 42 - 4 ft 2 Lamp??

Thinking about 2 of these for 80 each after shipping.