Lighting 30" Wide Tank

[algaeguy]

Hi Everyone:

I'm in the design phase on my 225 SPS reef system. The dimensions are 72"x30"x24".

I've been contemplating my lighting options for this system. Well, more like obsessing! I have used Reef Optix III pendants on my 24" wide tank with much success; I'm contemplating using 3 of these 250w pendants. If I'm careful with coral placement (ie; under the pendants), will this work in a tank this wide?

I'm also entertaining the idea of using the Luminarc reflectors in a 250W size. I guess I developed an attachment to D/E instead of mogul, and my tank will be fully open top with a canopy, so I'm concerned about the wisdom of mounting unprotected bulbs 8" off of the waterline. Should I be? Doses salt spray and condensation creat problems? I've just never done it that way before, so I'm a bit cautious. What is everyone's experience with the Luminarcs vs pendants? Do they give "more bang for the buck"? I'm also concerned about the power consumption and heat of 400 watt halides, hence my desire to use 250s.

Any and all comments and suggestions/pics, etc. would be welcomed!

Thanks as always!

Scott

 

[gcarroll]

If mounted high enough, 3 RO III pendants will suffice. I would recomend mounting them paralell to the tank. i would however state that 4 RO II pendants mounted perpendicular to the tank will easily light that tank. This is the configuration that I use on the same size tank.

 

[algaeguy]

Ahh..Thanks for the feedback!

I was curious if anyone had tried mounting these pendants in a perpendicular fashion; sounds like that may be the ticket!

Scott

 

[kimoyo]

Hi Scott,
I've been thinking about similar issues for a while now. My tank will be 54*30*24 with a 6in bow (180G). I was planning on going with two 250W ROIII pendants (with T5s or Vho's). And since my tank isn't a rectangle, I was thinking of even angling my pendants. I wonder if 400W is necessary also?
Paul

 

[gcarroll]

Ahh..Thanks for the feedback!

I was curious if anyone had tried mounting these pendants in a perpendicular fashion; sounds like that may be the ticket!

Scott

Scott the shape of the reflector is more or less the same as the shape of the light spread. Mounting them perpendicular when spaced that far apart may give you the spotlight effect in the upper portion of the tank.

 

[algaeguy]

I have angled the ROIII's in the past and it works great!

I'm still curious about the performance of some of the new 400W ballasts...HQI and otherwise. What kind of amp draw are we talking about here for one of these ballsts versus a typical 250w ballast, like the Ice Caps that I use (they draw about 2.35 amps each)? Anyone?