Overkill in lighting?

[jsbradbury]

I'm planning to put in some metal halides on my 75g tank. I think it's 48"x18"x18". What I want to know is a 2x250w metal halides and either 2x40w NO actinics or 2x55w PC actinics setup too much light? Which would be better the NO or PC bulbs to suppliment? It's a new tank, just sand with LR on its way also. I want to be able to keep pretty much a wide variety of anything I want. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[cdeakle]

I think your lighting choices are awesome. For comparison I have a 55 gallon reef with the current setup: x2 250watt MH's w/12,000k bulbs and x2 65watt PC's with ultra actinic bulbs.

So I like your second option the best:

2x250w metal halides and 2x55w PC actinics

 

[jsbradbury]

sweet

 

[reefann]

Lighting sounds fine. Just be sure you can handle the heat, which should not be to bad on a tank that size.
_________________
Ferrari Monza

 

[Modo]

I'm going just about the same route on my new 90g. It's 2" deeper than the 75g. You'll be able to keep anything you want just about, well as lighting goes.

My old setup was a 29g (18" deep I think) with a 250w Iwasaki with 2 24" flourescent actinics. Clams and SPS loved it. So, I think we might alright with 2 over our tanks.

My only tip is make sure you have an open back on your canopy or suspend them over the tank with no canopy. A 3.5"-4" fan does wonders as well if your system runs hot. Blow the air across the water and not the bulb though. The evaporation will drop you tank temp down in no time.

I was running that 29g at 80-82 year round and I'm livin' in Texas summers with no sump and one 4" computer fan. :wink:

 

[jsbradbury]

I was planning on building a canopy- I was debating on an open back or not. I'm not sure I want the light seeping out of it. I was thinking of putting two 4" fans on one end of it, with a vent on the other to allow the air to blow through. That way I wont lose any of the light to the outside. What do you think?

 

[cdeakle]

Sorry, forgot to say something about the heat issue.

You def will want an open back for any existing or future hardware and will help in heat reduction. Make sure if you build the canopy to leave roughly 12 inches of clearance.

On my setup I have 2 clip on fans inside my canopy that works really well and I also have a cip fan in my stand aimed at the ballast. In worst case scenarios that rarely happen I have a few 2 liter bottles filled with water that I keep in the freezer. All I have to do is drop one in the sump and I can cool my tank down roughly 2 degrees.

 

[blueoceandiver]

i think you will be fine,i run 2 400,s on a 55.heat will be an issue but with fans it should be ok.

 

[Anonymous]

Those dimensions give you a system that is well under 70 gallons, just a bit over 67 gallons. I think the depth (height) is most important when figuring your lights. If you get pendant fixtures, you'll have more flexibility with raising and lowering, as well as avoiding much of the heat issue. However, you'll also be lighting the neighborhood. 8O

 

[jsbradbury]

I was just guessing on the dimensions cause Im staying at my folks house while they are away. Its probably 48x18x20 (standard 75g from All-Glass). I dont really want to put in pendants, I think it will take too much light away from the aquarium. Im gonna try the 2x250w with some PC actinics- Ill let you know how it turns out

 

[Anonymous]

Are you talking 250w moguls? If you so you are a long way from overkill. In fact, I'd say given your stated needs, you need to think about a bit more light. Again, if it's moguls you speak of. I always use the 250W DE HQI's. They are closer to a 400w mogul in ouput.
I currently run an Aqualine 2x250w HQI fixture (with PC's) over a 48x30x24 tank. It's about 150 gallons, and can put anything I want in there.

Cheers
Jim

 

[reefann]

I agree with Jim in that 250watt moguls are kind of a waist. If you go DE you get sooooo much more light for about the same price.
_________________
Honda CRX

 

[jsbradbury]

Right on, I'll have to keep looking

 

[suasponte2/75]

if 2x250 is overkill.... then I guess I'm obliterating my tank with 2x400 watts on a 60G 8O . Fish are hiding under ledges during the day... bumping into each other under the bright lighting.... corals growing under the overhangs.... just kidding... I don't think we can come close to what mother nature can provide IMO but that's just me. I'm sure you'll be all right.

I had 2x250's (10kk Ushios w/HQI ballast) on my tank with 2x55 PCs for over a year and my tank exploded with coral/clam growth. I switched to 2x400's (20kk XMs w/reg ballast) since I wanted same growth rate but higher kelvin temp. coloration. So far... no blinded fishies bumping into LRs or corals :lol: .

Good luck.

Minh

 

[jsbradbury]

Fish are hiding under ledges during the day... bumping into each other under the bright lighting.... corals growing under the overhangs....

Hahah, Thanks- I guess I should be fine then.