Too much light? Or Just right?

[Jay1982]

My tank dimensions are:

59 long
24 deep
22 high

I'm replacing my old lightning with: 2 250W Metal Halide
7 36inch HOT5 Bulbs. The T5s will be staggered.

I'm using 2 spider reflectors and 7 Icecap reflectors. Is 7 too much? Do I cut down the number of T5 bulbs?

I currently have SPS and LPS. I don't plan on keeping any softies or shrooms.

 

[JRechcygl]

I think that should work... Honestly you could most likely work 60" lamps on there... I believe my 60" retro is 60" from furthest hole on stand off to furthest hole.. I would bet you could make that work. Heck, if going with the 36"ers I would even add another lamp...

 

[Jay1982]

Thanks JR, The reason behind going with 36 is because there is a long waitlist for 60" (even 48) reflectors. Its about 2-3 months. And I want the lights up asap. Also because I would like to use some existing T5s that are sitting around doing nothing.

But seeing as how you said 36 is doable. I'll probably stick with that unless I can find a glaring reason on why I should use longer bulbs. My ballasts are icecap 660s for my T5s.

 

[Jay1982]

Anyone else?

 

[moo0o]

rivet the two 36" reflectors together, works well from what i hear. It'll save you ALOT of money on bulbs.

 

[Jay1982]

Thanks man. I'll have a look at doing that