Lighting my 125

[alexk3954]

I am trying to decide on the lighting for my new 125 gallon reef tank. Right now I am thinking of 6 36" t5 bulbs from a TEK retrofit set. If all of my SPS and clams were kept near the top and LPS was from the bottom down would this be enough light? I could go with a 8 bulb set, but would rather stick with 6 if it would be enough.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Flu ... y_ReefGeek

 

[Anonymous]

Personally, this is what I would get:



http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~ ... ndor~.html

Better to spend now then to spend more later.

 

[alexk3954]

Id rather not go with halides because of the cost of running them and the high chance of needing to run a chiller with them. I have had good experiences with t5 in the past and I plan to stick with them, but thanks for the suggestion.

 

[cindre2000]

Metal Halides don't necessarily need chillers. I have a 150w on my 30 gallon and a simple fan keeps it plenty cool. I have built a 125 with metal halides, and it does not run on a chiller, though it really needs stronger fans.

The 6 36" T5's should work fine.

 

[Anonymous]

I have 2 250 mh on my 135 and no fans. Temp stays right around 78.

 

[mr_X]

i think the double ended hqi fixtures are better due to the glass shield and internal fans. the fans will draw most of the heat away from the tank.
i would go with 3x250 though. a friend of mine has the outer orbit 3x150, and i think it's a little weak

what about vho's?