Which 60" light fixture should I get for 180g?

Surfacer · 06/08/2010, 03:41 PM

I am currently setting up a 180g acrylic tank (72" x 24" x 24") and want to keep an open top. I've had a canopy on my 90g and really like the clean look of an open top with a hanging light. My question is which light fixture should I buy. I would really like the 8 bulb ATI Powermodule but that is a very expensive light fixture. Would I still do well with a six bulb ATI Sunpower or the 8 bulb Tek light (I see the elite does not offer an 8 bulb)? Right now I have a Nova Extreme Pro over my 90g so I know any of these lights will be better than my current light.
Any help would be appreciated, especially from those who have similar setups. I am a college student so funds are not as easily accessible but should I save up and just buy the 8 bulb Powermodule? What would I not be able to keep if I do not go with the Powermodule?

Thank you in advance

rtparty · 06/08/2010, 10:05 PM

A 6 bulb Sunpower would be fine if you are selective with placement of the corals. The ends will be a little darker because of the 60" over 72" but not a big deal. I run a 24" fixture over a 36" tank.

With 6 bulbs you may have to keep things more in the center and just don't put a bunch of clams and SPS on the very bottom but other than that you should be okay.

Of course the Powermodule is the first choice but maybe not the best for you and what you can do right now.

Surfacer · 06/09/2010, 12:11 PM

Thank you for your help Ryan. I was thinking about putting up a couple pillars in the center anyway which would be more pleasing to the eye vs the rock wall I have now and would save me some money I can spend on other parts such as a couple Vortech mp40w's. Will the sides be noticeably darker? I am just having trouble finding a 72 in light fixture that compares to an ATI.

solitude127 · 06/09/2010, 12:34 PM

I have a 48" fixture over my 60" tank and it's not that much darker. I can grow most LPSs out on the side. Right now I have some acans, micros, and a lobo on the side bottom. Like Ryan said, you'll be fine if you put the high light critters on in middle upper portion.

Surfacer · 06/09/2010, 12:43 PM

Thanks for your input Mike. I guess I will be buying the ATI 60" 6 bulb Sunpower then. Do you have pictures of your setup? Just out of curiosity I would like to see how a shorter fixture looks over a longer tank.

solitude127 · 06/09/2010, 12:51 PM

Here you go

06/08/2010, 03:41 PM	#1
Surfacer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 67	Which 60" light fixture should I get for 180g? I am currently setting up a 180g acrylic tank (72" x 24" x 24") and want to keep an open top. I've had a canopy on my 90g and really like the clean look of an open top with a hanging light. My question is which light fixture should I buy. I would really like the 8 bulb ATI Powermodule but that is a very expensive light fixture. Would I still do well with a six bulb ATI Sunpower or the 8 bulb Tek light (I see the elite does not offer an 8 bulb)? Right now I have a Nova Extreme Pro over my 90g so I know any of these lights will be better than my current light. Any help would be appreciated, especially from those who have similar setups. I am a college student so funds are not as easily accessible but should I save up and just buy the 8 bulb Powermodule? What would I not be able to keep if I do not go with the Powermodule? Thank you in advance

06/08/2010, 10:05 PM	#2
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	A 6 bulb Sunpower would be fine if you are selective with placement of the corals. The ends will be a little darker because of the 60" over 72" but not a big deal. I run a 24" fixture over a 36" tank. With 6 bulbs you may have to keep things more in the center and just don't put a bunch of clams and SPS on the very bottom but other than that you should be okay. Of course the Powermodule is the first choice but maybe not the best for you and what you can do right now. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

06/09/2010, 12:34 PM	#4
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	I have a 48" fixture over my 60" tank and it's not that much darker. I can grow most LPSs out on the side. Right now I have some acans, micros, and a lobo on the side bottom. Like Ryan said, you'll be fine if you put the high light critters on in middle upper portion. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

06/09/2010, 12:51 PM	#6
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	Here you go __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1 Last edited by solitude127; 04/05/2011 at 12:30 PM.

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06/09/2010, 12:11 PM	#3
Surfacer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 67	Thank you for your help Ryan. I was thinking about putting up a couple pillars in the center anyway which would be more pleasing to the eye vs the rock wall I have now and would save me some money I can spend on other parts such as a couple Vortech mp40w's. Will the sides be noticeably darker? I am just having trouble finding a 72 in light fixture that compares to an ATI.

06/09/2010, 12:43 PM	#5
Surfacer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 67	Thanks for your input Mike. I guess I will be buying the ATI 60" 6 bulb Sunpower then. Do you have pictures of your setup? Just out of curiosity I would like to see how a shorter fixture looks over a longer tank.