Best MH lighting setup for 90 gallon Standard AGA

iggyman1971 · 02/15/2006, 05:04 PM

What would be the best MH lighting set-up for a standard 90 gallon all glass that's 24 inches deep? I would like to keep SPS & Pora's on the top part of the reef and mid to lower part soft corals. Would 2 X 250 Watt 15k's 14" above the water work or is that not enough? I would like the tank to have a nice light blue hue, but don't think I want as much blue as some 20k's I've seen.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also does anyone have any really detailed plans for a nice stand and canopy?

Thanks, Steve

eckrynock · 02/15/2006, 05:17 PM

250s will be good for a 24" deep tank. 14" above the water is a bit high. I would bring that down to somewhere between 8 - 10", especially if you're going to run 15ks. For a nice, light blue hue, try Hamilton 14ks or Reeflux 12ks. Actinics can always help accomplish this. My 90 gal. stand is composed of 2x6s around the base and 2x4s for the frame. I have two 2x6s running width wise across the bottom in the middle and two 2x4s doing the same up top for support. I then covered it with nicely finished pine. My hood is DIY as well but I just pieced that together. It's basically a wooden box with the front on hinges. I put a locking hinge on both sides so I can lock the door open. My MH setup is a retrofit so I attached it to two 1x6s screwed in length wise across the top to give it a little air above. I know it's hard to picture but I just wanted to give you an idea.

ufans · 02/15/2006, 06:44 PM

I agree with eckrynock, but think that 175s would also be sufficient.

eckrynock · 02/15/2006, 08:59 PM

DE (HQI) 175s should be ok. I only suggest 250s because you wanted to go bluer (15k).

Seajuice · 02/15/2006, 09:35 PM

Hey eckrynock any pics of your retro light hood?
I'm trying to decide if I should go retro or go with a "Outer Orbit" system.

bkwudzjeep · 02/15/2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by eckrynock
DE (HQI) 175s (15k).

I think the HQI's are 150w and 250w, moguls are 175w and 250w.

It really just depends on husbandry and the clearity of your water too. I have seen sweet SPS tanks with 175w halides.

smoke171 · 02/15/2006, 09:59 PM

I use 250 watt 20k HQI on my 90 gal and have been very happy. I keep softies, LPS and SPS. the color looks great and I get good groth form my SPS.

giantxtc · 02/15/2006, 10:31 PM

I use 250 14ks w/2 x 110w vho actinics for the night time effect when the halides go on/off.I made a very inexpensive and usefull canopy for mine.I bought a basic canopy for $75 and added some 2x4 legs to the inside.This brought the canopy up about 7".Then I went to Lowes to get some wood cut for windowsills.This matched the trim of the canopy.I screwed this around to hide the legs,painted it black to match,and put hinges on the front piece to have access to the tank.I then wired my retrofit kit and just screwed it to the inside of the canopy.I could still open the top of the canopy as well.So,I have access in two places to get into the tank.And I can just unplug the quick connect plugs and take the whole canopy off if need be.

iggyman1971 · 02/16/2006, 05:29 AM

Thanks for all the info!

DesertBandits · 02/16/2006, 08:42 PM

Don't forget to check the MH charts for what 15k bulb balast combo will be best.

02/15/2006, 05:04 PM	#1
iggyman1971 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 43	Best MH lighting setup for 90 gallon Standard AGA What would be the best MH lighting set-up for a standard 90 gallon all glass that's 24 inches deep? I would like to keep SPS & Pora's on the top part of the reef and mid to lower part soft corals. Would 2 X 250 Watt 15k's 14" above the water work or is that not enough? I would like the tank to have a nice light blue hue, but don't think I want as much blue as some 20k's I've seen. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also does anyone have any really detailed plans for a nice stand and canopy? Thanks, Steve

02/15/2006, 05:17 PM	#2
eckrynock Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 733	250s will be good for a 24" deep tank. 14" above the water is a bit high. I would bring that down to somewhere between 8 - 10", especially if you're going to run 15ks. For a nice, light blue hue, try Hamilton 14ks or Reeflux 12ks. Actinics can always help accomplish this. My 90 gal. stand is composed of 2x6s around the base and 2x4s for the frame. I have two 2x6s running width wise across the bottom in the middle and two 2x4s doing the same up top for support. I then covered it with nicely finished pine. My hood is DIY as well but I just pieced that together. It's basically a wooden box with the front on hinges. I put a locking hinge on both sides so I can lock the door open. My MH setup is a retrofit so I attached it to two 1x6s screwed in length wise across the top to give it a little air above. I know it's hard to picture but I just wanted to give you an idea. __________________ Ed Genesis 1:21 Current Tank Info: 90 gal

02/15/2006, 08:59 PM	#4
eckrynock Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 733	DE (HQI) 175s should be ok. I only suggest 250s because you wanted to go bluer (15k). __________________ Ed Genesis 1:21 Current Tank Info: 90 gal

02/15/2006, 09:59 PM	#7
smoke171 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: East Brunswick, NJ Posts: 359	I use 250 watt 20k HQI on my 90 gal and have been very happy. I keep softies, LPS and SPS. the color looks great and I get good groth form my SPS. __________________ -John Yeah... but where is the inviting sense of self esteem?

02/15/2006, 06:44 PM	#3
ufans Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fairfax Station, VA Posts: 681	I agree with eckrynock, but think that 175s would also be sufficient.

02/15/2006, 09:35 PM	#5
Seajuice Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 146	Hey eckrynock any pics of your retro light hood? I'm trying to decide if I should go retro or go with a "Outer Orbit" system.

02/15/2006, 10:31 PM	#8
giantxtc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Williamsburg,Va Posts: 864	I use 250 14ks w/2 x 110w vho actinics for the night time effect when the halides go on/off.I made a very inexpensive and usefull canopy for mine.I bought a basic canopy for $75 and added some 2x4 legs to the inside.This brought the canopy up about 7".Then I went to Lowes to get some wood cut for windowsills.This matched the trim of the canopy.I screwed this around to hide the legs,painted it black to match,and put hinges on the front piece to have access to the tank.I then wired my retrofit kit and just screwed it to the inside of the canopy.I could still open the top of the canopy as well.So,I have access in two places to get into the tank.And I can just unplug the quick connect plugs and take the whole canopy off if need be.

02/16/2006, 05:29 AM	#9
iggyman1971 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 43	Thanks for all the info!

02/16/2006, 08:42 PM	#10
DesertBandits Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Central Jersey Posts: 430	Don't forget to check the MH charts for what 15k bulb balast combo will be best.