Final Decision - Lighting My Reef

[dabgood21]

Okay! I've finally decided that I want to go with an MH set-up instead of a 6x39 T-5 fixture. Now I'm curious to see what all of you think is the better option, for the money and what I'm looking for.

I'm looking at this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+19051&pcatid=19051
I would probably add this too to act as my dawn/dusk, just to have something, I'd by the actinic version: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+18485&pcatid=18485

Together with shipping = $424

Versus

This: http://cgi.ebay.com/36-Metal-Halide...photoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262
(it's UL certified too and made in the good ol' USA)

or less lighting with: http://cgi.ebay.com/36-Metal-Halide...photoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262

Total with shipping= $370 or less (depending on which MH)

My biggest concern is having enough coverage on my 40 gallon breeder. I'm worried that one 400 watt MH bulb or the one 250 watt MH over the center of my tank w/ 2x39watt T-5s won't be as good as having 2x150 watt MH bulbs spread out. I plan on putting them on legs over my glass top. Will one bulb in the center give good enough coverage?

What do ya think? What should I do? :tired:

Thanks!

 

[prattreef]

a 400w Metal Halide lamp is total over kill for a 40g. breeder. 2x 150 is fine.

 

[dabgood21]

Is it overkill when I'm trying to maximize my SPS colors? I can also buy a 250 MH in the same fixture with actinics. I'll add the link to the original post

Do you think buying something extra to have a dawn dusk effect is necessary? The LED option I posted. I don't like the idea of going to black after the tanks been so bright? The MH setup I'm looking at has no actinics but it's such a good deal for the money.

 

[KathyC]

I think you need to rethink your lighting plan.

The second light from E-bay...a no-name brand light would not necessarily be a good choice. Where do you get what parts when it breaks? ..and any company spelling cord "chord' doesn't have a clue what it is selling..please cross them off your list.

Your first plan had a couple of flaws IMO...I don't think the LED light strip is going to give you anywhere the light you think it is to supplement the MH. Add to that - you have no way to hang it since you don't seem to have a canopy (you mention setting the MH's on legs over the tank)... which is fine but...What concerns me most it the LED light instructions tell you you can set it on your 'glass cover'. ...technically you shouldn't have a glass cover over your tank as it severely impacts the gas/oxygen exchange at the waters surface.
You are also asking for an electrical issue (or worse) by laying that light on that cover...

I think the best idea might be to keep looking - perhaps at one of the MH fixtures that has the built in actincs & moonlights
I'm sure some of the members here would be more than happy to offer you some suggestions!

Is it a 36" fixture you are looking for?

 

[KathyC]

Randy is right about 400W being overkill..the heat that will generate will be awful! Got a BIG chiller?

Take a look at Lissa's tank thread (Ellebelle) or some of the other 40 breeders..a number of those folks have SPS and MH & actinics without having to cook thier tanks

 

[prattreef]

You'll find people who run 400's over small tanks, but why I'll never know. I run 250's over my 2' deep 240g. system with fine results and most folks who run really large 500+ gallon systems use 400's over those. If you are worried about intensity, I'd spend more upfront on a fixture with better reflectors than paying monthly by running extra wattage.
Dawn and dusk features are nice but not necessary.

 

[dabgood21]

Yeah. I'm looking for a 36" fixture for my 40 gallon breeder. It's 36" long.

Thanks for the info. If you have any more it would be greatly appreciated

 

[DAN-O]

i have a 36" coralife aqualight pro with 150mh & 65w pc and the tank has more than enough lighting. my 40breeder is filled with sps frags. the actinic and moonlight on this fixture is absolutely outrageous. great light for this size tank.