Which MH fixture for me?

thirst · 11/14/2014, 07:43 PM

I am looking to light my 72x30x30 peninsula tank. The overflow takes about 5 inches of the end, so its more like 66x30x30.

I was thinking of getting a 48" MH fixture, perhaps:

1. Hamilton Cebu Sun
2. Giesemann Spectra

What wattage do you think I should get? is 2x250 sufficient? Should I get a 48" or a 60"?

I also currently have a 48" 12x54 T-5 that I have used in the past and the coverage was fine since the ends didn't really need much light.

jda · 11/14/2014, 07:58 PM

Get something 250W, but with M80 ballasts for the extra output to get to the edges. Radium 20K is good. My new favorite is Hamilton 10K - massive output and really good color, but it will need some tubes to blue it up a bit. With that kind of spread, look at the Cabo or Cozumel sun - they are made to spread.

If it were me, pair of Hammy 10K on Cabo/Cozumel Sun with a pair of 60" Super Actinics on Icecap 430 ballast.

Bpb · 11/14/2014, 10:54 PM

Kinda depends on your aquascape. If your rocks go clear to the ends I'd consider the longer fixture. If you leave some sand and fish swimming room on the ends the 48" will be fine. Would be good to place lots of Lps and zoas on the lower ends there in built in lower par zones. My tank is 48" and the bulb arcs are about 24" apart, and I struggle to find low par zones. Deliberately place low light corals under plating montipora

Tweaked · 11/15/2014, 07:28 AM

Another vote for Cebu sun with m80 ballast rocking Radiums. I love mine, just opinions btw.

11/14/2014, 07:43 PM	#1
thirst Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,907	Which MH fixture for me? I am looking to light my 72x30x30 peninsula tank. The overflow takes about 5 inches of the end, so its more like 66x30x30. I was thinking of getting a 48" MH fixture, perhaps: 1. Hamilton Cebu Sun 2. Giesemann Spectra What wattage do you think I should get? is 2x250 sufficient? Should I get a 48" or a 60"? I also currently have a 48" 12x54 T-5 that I have used in the past and the coverage was fine since the ends didn't really need much light.

11/15/2014, 07:28 AM	#4
Tweaked FUP&A Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Madison, CT Posts: 7,722	Another vote for Cebu sun with m80 ballast rocking Radiums. I love mine, just opinions btw. __________________ DSA 105 Pro, Cebu Sun-Radiums-M80 Ballasts, 4 T5's, XHO LEDs. Through Wall 55g Sump, 10g Frag and 29g Display attached, Vertex V6, 3 mp40's, Gyre, 2 mp10's, GFO, Carbon, Pellets - 10g Bar Tank

11/14/2014, 07:58 PM	#2
jda Dogmatic Dinosaur Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 6,256	Get something 250W, but with M80 ballasts for the extra output to get to the edges. Radium 20K is good. My new favorite is Hamilton 10K - massive output and really good color, but it will need some tubes to blue it up a bit. With that kind of spread, look at the Cabo or Cozumel sun - they are made to spread. If it were me, pair of Hammy 10K on Cabo/Cozumel Sun with a pair of 60" Super Actinics on Icecap 430 ballast.

11/14/2014, 10:54 PM	#3
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Kinda depends on your aquascape. If your rocks go clear to the ends I'd consider the longer fixture. If you leave some sand and fish swimming room on the ends the 48" will be fine. Would be good to place lots of Lps and zoas on the lower ends there in built in lower par zones. My tank is 48" and the bulb arcs are about 24" apart, and I struggle to find low par zones. Deliberately place low light corals under plating montipora