Lighting for a 65 gal

cteagan · 06/02/2012, 05:53 PM

So I'm getting back into the hobby. It's been over 6 years since my last tank. I'm planning on a 65 gallon (36" x 18" x 24"). My last tank was a 29 with PC's but I'm pretty sure I'll need something stronger because of the depth. I want to be able to keep anything up to sps, Anemomies, and clams. I'll probably keeps the sps in the top half of the tank and favor the softies & Lps for the bottom half.

I'm leaning towards MH as I know nothing about Leds, but would entertain the idea of them. I'm thinking about 250w MH, would I need one or two or should I consider something different?

Thanks

Chris

olemiss reb · 06/02/2012, 06:56 PM

I run 24" Vertex Illumina 200 models over both of my 65s. These will support any light dependent animal you put in the tank.

JAustin · 06/02/2012, 08:45 PM

You would need 2. I have 2 over my 40 breeder. Two mh is best for coverage.

TimeConsumer · 06/02/2012, 09:14 PM

If you want to entertain using LEDs, 2x Kessil A350s would work for a reasonable price.

cteagan · 06/03/2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olemiss reb

I run 24" Vertex Illumina 200 models over both of my 65s. These will support any light dependent animal you put in the tank.

Ouch! $1,500 for lights. I don't need a Lamborghini, a simple corvette would be nice though.

cteagan · 06/03/2012, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeConsumer

If you want to entertain using LEDs, 2x Kessil A350s would work for a reasonable price.

I'm listening.....Will these give me decent light at the bottom of a 24" tank?

ghellin · 06/03/2012, 06:05 PM

You can DIY LEDs for around $400 that will rival two 250 watt halides with nearly zero heat being transferred to your tank and house.

Here is mine for my 58 (same footprint as your 65)

06/02/2012, 05:53 PM	#1
cteagan Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 23	Lighting for a 65 gal So I'm getting back into the hobby. It's been over 6 years since my last tank. I'm planning on a 65 gallon (36" x 18" x 24"). My last tank was a 29 with PC's but I'm pretty sure I'll need something stronger because of the depth. I want to be able to keep anything up to sps, Anemomies, and clams. I'll probably keeps the sps in the top half of the tank and favor the softies & Lps for the bottom half. I'm leaning towards MH as I know nothing about Leds, but would entertain the idea of them. I'm thinking about 250w MH, would I need one or two or should I consider something different? Thanks Chris

06/02/2012, 06:56 PM	#2
olemiss reb Molon Labe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,550	I run 24" Vertex Illumina 200 models over both of my 65s. These will support any light dependent animal you put in the tank. __________________ secesh

06/02/2012, 08:45 PM	#3
JAustin Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,628	You would need 2. I have 2 over my 40 breeder. Two mh is best for coverage. __________________ 211g Planet Aquariums Hybrid PVC bottom 48"x34"x30" and steel stand from CustomReefCreations - Reeflo Super Dart - OM 4way - SRO XP3000 External - ATI Dimmable 8x54w - Apex.

06/02/2012, 09:14 PM	#4
TimeConsumer Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 1,919	If you want to entertain using LEDs, 2x Kessil A350s would work for a reasonable price. __________________ Steve - Retired from reefing, for now.

06/03/2012, 06:05 PM	#7
ghellin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Edmond Posts: 1,844	You can DIY LEDs for around $400 that will rival two 250 watt halides with nearly zero heat being transferred to your tank and house. Here is mine for my 58 (same footprint as your 65) __________________ 180. SRO 3000INT w/ANC. Fluval SP4. Gyre. DIY LED's/T5s. Apex. Bluefish. Clams. Tangs. SPS.