Lighting Question...

[dreamer253]

Hello all, I've been an avid reader/visitor on this board for quite sometime now and have picked up some valuable information from it. But now I do have a question to ask and need opinions/suggestions. I'm starting another tank, a 50g breeder (36x18x18) and was thinking of the Current USA Outer Orbit for my lighting. It will be either 2x150w MH plus 4x39w actinics or 2x250w MH plus 4x39w actinics. I will be having mostly softies, lps, but maybe a few sps in the future.

My question is, will this be too much lighting for my coral? And, do you think I will be having a heat issue, because I would rather not invest in a chiller if possible. I would appreciate any advice and/or suggestions in this matter.

- sean

 

[matts125]

Welcome! and where in puyallup are you?
I would say that the 2- 150s would be good, however almost any tank with halides in a canopy will need a chiller..

 

[returnofsid]

the 2X150 will be more than adequate for mostly LPS, softies and a few SPS. Especially in a tank that's only 18" deep. As stated above, you will definitely have problems with heat though. You might look into the T5 lighting. IMO, just as good of lighting for that depth and doesn't create near the heat. Check out this site.

http://www.reefgeek.com/

 

[dreamer253]

Thanks for the quick replies. Yeah, I was kinda thinking 2x250w would be overkill for an 18" depth, but just wanted to get some opinions. I plan on having an open top with the light either suspended above, but most likely sitting on the tank itself via support legs/brackets.
I was considering T5 lights and reefgeek seems like they have good deals on them. I have a Sunpod on my other tank and have no complaints with it. Gotta love the shimmer that MH produces. Thanks again for the help. (I live up on the hill btw.)


-sean

 

[Krish]

I agree on the lighting as well. As for the heat, believe it or not, I ran the Current USA 150w HQI over my 24gal Aquapod and one single fan kept the temp down so I'm figuring with good ventilation and maybe a fan or two, a chiller may not be necessary. I had to use a chiller when I ran a 250w metal halide and a dual 250w metal halide, but not for the 150w. Just a thought...Welcome to the forum and good luck!