Three lamps over 8' tank?

[law086]

Hi folks,

I'm curious if anybody is running three MH lamps over an 8' tank. I'm planning out my next setup and I'm going with something 8' and not planning to keep any super light hungry coral, so I was hoping to get away with three lamps with good quality reflectors such as Lumanarc, Lumabright, etc. My biggest concern is that I'd have shaded areas.

Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[mike660r]

The typical coverage provided by a large reflector is going to cover a 2'x2' area. There are other factors involved there, height and type of the fixture. You will not get good coverage from 3 lamps.

 

[law086]

I assumed that height was the key. I thought that if the lights would be high enough from the water surface that the spread would be wider and hence give me good coverage.

 

[mm949]

i usually do w/o issues....if u cant get the reflector high enough use lrger reflectors.....i have 6 Lrg lumenarcs over 18' span w/ great coverage

 

[Jar*Head]

Re: Three lamps over 8' tank?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15643212#post15643212 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by law086
Hi folks,

I'm curious if anybody is running three MH lamps over an 8' tank. I'm planning out my next setup and I'm going with something 8' and not planning to keep any super light hungry coral, so I was hoping to get away with three lamps with good quality reflectors such as Lumanarc, Lumabright, etc. My biggest concern is that I'd have shaded areas.

Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

It is possible to get a good coverage with 3 MH as long as you don't mind spending a bit more on the reflector and the time to replace the socket lol. My tank is 96x48x24 and i used to run 3 x 400w with Sfiligoi exaggerate pendant over it. I don't have to keep my pendant 2f off the water to get the spread either. My pendant is approx 10" from the water surface and my 3 MH cover the tank from end to end. I add T-5 because i want to suppliment the 14K color spectrum.

Another examble is Sanjay's 450g 84x48x30 with 3 x 400w on Lumenarc ballast without any T-5 or VHO.

 

[reef2]

im running 3 lumenarc III reflectors over my 8' tank and get great coverage.bulbs r about 10" off the water.

 

[law086]

Thanks a lot guys. It sounds like it's worth a shot for me.

 

[crvz]

Especially if you're running a retrofit lighting setup, I'd try it. You can always add a fourth if it becomes necessary.

 

[roktsintst]

I know tfp runs 3 250's on an 8' 30" deep tank and he has one of the most amazing tanks i've ever seen!

 

[nyvp]

the lumenarcs III are good for a 3x3 area I used 4 on my 120x36x30 with no problem.

 

[huskerreef]

96x54x28 deep, running 3 400w MH 14k, good growth and look. Should be no problem at all.

 

[law086]

Thanks again folks. I appreciate the input!