new tank set up( HELP!)

[kelly]

im getting back into the hobby after a 6 yr break .im setting up a 120gal tank and i would like input on lighting and best quality and price on live rock. iplan to start out with softies andwork into acros. i haveawood canopy w/5in. from wood to water. my wife wants the canopy so im not sur what kind of lighting to use

 

[wrightme43]

I can only say what I have done so here goes. I will attach photo of canopy I built for custome. I have one acropora frag growing under compact flor. I have one montipora frag growing under compact flor. I have lots of anemones growing under compact flor. Scattered through several tanks I take care of. If you have 5" you can put in depending on length several retro fit kits from coral life. They have a 48" by 6" wide by 2.5" deep kit that has remote fan cooled ballasts and 4 65watt bulbs. They also make a 36" with 2 96 wt bulbs.You can put lots of them in a cannopy. They also make a 96 watt retro that is only 19" long and could be put sideways, so you could fit lots of them in a canopy. Here is a photo. If you want to go this way. Let me know and I will go more in depth. Hope it helps you to decide anyway. Steve

 

[wrightme43]

That is 520 watt lighting system for 425$ including tie straps and shelf for the ballasts, and the timer. It is in no way shape or form comparable to M.H. lighting but it does the job for me. There is a DIY post in the DIY forum that tells how to make a 5 bulb moonlight. It is my next project for his tank. I have clams, and anemones that have lived under compact flor for over 2 years. (since I bought them) Steve