Your Advice and Help Needed

[Gieser]

I need to make a decision on my lighting. I was prepared to buy 2 Current USA Orbit fixtures to hang over the tank, but then I got to reading and researching more about lighting. There will be no canopy over the tank. This is an in-wall tank and will be completely open on top (other than euro-bracing). I am considering hanging 3 LumenMax Elite 250w HQI 14K over the tank with T5-HO as well. Considering the dimensions listed below, I am hoping that some of you that are more familiar with lighting than I am, can offer suggestions either on using fixtures or reflectors and ballasts. I think after what I have read that I do want to use 250w HQIs with 14K bulbs and T-5 HO as well. My budget for lighting is around $1,750.00.

Any advice or suggestions would really be helpful here! Thanks in advance...

 

[Gieser]

I forgot the dimensions...

 

[Gieser]

I guess it would also help for you to know we plan to keep hard and soft corals, more stonies than soft. We will start off with Tampa Bay Saltwater LR and LS as well.

Here is a layout to scale of how the Current USA fixtures would look...

 

[Gieser]

bump: Just in case someone didn't see it...

 

[Gieser]

I am considering using a fixture with 400 watt HQI 14K w/ T5 HO. Would 400 watt HQI be too powerful for a 30 high? We are planning on mostly SPS, clams, etc. Am am trying to decide between either a fixture from Hamilton Technology (their new fixtures) or Lumenmax Elite reflectors driven by SS Galaxy E Ballast with t5 Retros.

 

[Gieser]

Bump: Anyone?

I am considering using a fixture with 400 watt HQI 14K w/ T5 HO. Would 400 watt HQI be too powerful for a 30 high? We are planning on mostly SPS, clams, etc. Am am trying to decide between either a fixture from Hamilton Technology (their new fixtures) or Lumenmax Elite reflectors driven by SS Galaxy E Ballast with t5 Retros.

 

[Gieser]

Light Configuration

Light Configuration

Here is how I have decided to configure the lighting on our 30 high 260 L. I decided to use a 250 over the smaller part of the tank. Would like your thoughts on this configuration...The Halides will be driven by SS Galaxy E-Ballast.

 

[GrampaDon]

I bet 4x250w MH plus the T5 would be sufficient.
But I'm no expert.