lighting for new tank

[Ohgee]

Looking for a little help setting up my new tank and was wondering mostly about lighting. I'm looking to primarily make it a reef tank but am a little worried about how to light it.

150 gal, 48X24X30

It's the depth I'm mostly concerned with and I really have no idea which way to go. And of course, money is an issue.

I plan on starting primarily with brains and soft corals and slowly working my way to the more demanding SPS. But of course there always the numerous other inhabitants in a tank this nice.

Thanks for your time

PS wife is tending to get a little upset with me as I have gone from a 55gal in Jan, to this 150gal and have spent a lot of cash. And of course the 55 is still running strong, just added to collection.

 

[wanareef]

Looks like you'll have to buy something for the wife. :lol: :lol: :lol:

If you are running a DSB, I would suggest 250w's and since I run Iwaskai's I am partial to them. Why, they are the least expensive MV bulb that can be use for the aquarium hobby, at 6500k has more par for the $$, lasts for about 2.5 to 3 yrs where most other bulbs you have to change out every year, the corals grow just great, the polyp extension is wonderfu. Monti digitas are more polyp's out- much more bushier. But the color is too yellow without actinic supplementation and I run 4x 160w URI actinics with them.

Then there are the 400w's but since $$ is an issue, the 250w's will work.


hth

 

[kevinpo]

Ohgee,
Welcome to Reef Frontiers!

A 48" fixture with a 2 double ended (DE) HQI bulbs and a couple of VHO 110W actinics will work just fine. Most high-light corals are placed on the rockwork so tank depth becomes less of an issue.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[mattj206]

I was running 175 Halides on my 75gal.

It was great for everything but the SPS.

Many would not color up until I switched to 250's

Maybe go with VHO's for a year - Then Upgrade to 250's

with actinic VHO's

Stick with 10k bulbs they look the best overall.

 

[Ohgee]

Thanks for the input guys. Every little bit helps. And you are right, Wanareef, the wife has already expressed the need for several new things.

 

[NaH2O]

Welcome to Reef Frontiers!! Hope you find this site helpful!!

For some light reading: Let's Talk About ~Lighting~. In case you haven't read through this one yet.

Other great topics can be found in the Great Threads Forum

 

[Ohgee]

Thanks NaH2O, in the short time I've been here I've already noticed, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!

and no I hadn't read that thread yed but I will.

Ohgee

 

[Katchupoy]

WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME!

If you are not in a hurry, look for people selling/upgrading their lights. Believe me, you will save a lot this way. And the people here are so kind and helpful that they will give you very good deal.

Take your time. You dont want for the wife to get mad, do you?