What lights to use on 65g

[bmkj02]

My girlfriend has a 24g aquapod with a 2x27w CF and a 70w MH. I want to upgrade her tank as it is getting to crowded. Her stand will hold up to a 65g so thats what I want to go with. Going DIY style with light like I did on my 125g which has 2 x 400w MG and 4 x 54w T5HO. Being that the 65g has a cross brace I need to go with two MH. What wattage do you recommend on the MH? I have one extra 400w MH ballast but thats too much IMO as then I would need to get another one. I was thinking maybe 2 x 175w but I see some people with 2 x 250w MH but I was thinking that was too much but could be wrong. Whatever you guys recommended I will go with.

 

[t4zalews]

really depends on what you are planning on keeping in the tank. I have sps and clams so I went with 2x250w. But if you go the LPS route I would suggest T5's. People will recommend T5's for sps too, but I prefer the shimmer of halides. I also use T5's for actinics.

I went with a 400w for a little bit but the center brace in the middle casted a small shadow and the idea of constantly baking the center brace with a 400w didnt thrill me.

 

[bmkj02]

She has both SPS and LPS so I dont want to go with just T5's. The cross brace is the reason why I want to go with two MH to avoid the shadow of it. I just figured 2 x 250's would be too much but I guess it is the best choice. I will start looking for a set up on it. Thanks

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have a 58 -- same foot print, just not at as tall -- and I have 2*250 MH + 2*96 PC over it (( mine doesn't have a center brace )). I keep mainly SPS, but my Zoas, clams and S. Haddoni anemone are doing great. The few LPS were doing great until my angels ate them.

 

[chimmike]

I ran 2x150w on my 65g and it was plenty of light for SPS everywhere.

IMO T5's would be fine without generating the heat.

2x250, in my opinion, is just going to cook that water. 2x150w created a lot of heat as it was.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Depends on your set up -- with mine my tank stays b/t 76-83* (( depending on the time of day and time of year )). In the summer I just use a couple clip on fans.

 

[t4zalews]

^^^ I'm the same way. No chiller needed, when the summer heat comes I utilize some fans and everything stays fine.