Opinions on lighting for a 125

cql · 06/28/2009, 03:30 PM

Hi,

Im in the process of converting a 125 gallon with over flow in the back center, tank is 72x18x20.
My plans are to have a softy and lps tank. I would like to have a few clams also maybe try a few sps. The tank has a canopy and i was planning to get an ati sunpower 48" 6x54 t5 set inside the canopy. I don't want a retro kit . I'm thinking about t5 for it lower energy consumption and cooler temp. Will this be okay for a 6' tank? I will not have anything about 8-10 on each side of the aquarium. .

Any suggestion or opinion will be great. Also need a sump and skimmer if you can also point a few out. My budget on the all the hardwares (less return pump and heater) is around $1500 or less.

Thanks,

cql · 06/28/2009, 03:50 PM

Forgot to mention that the tank has a eurobrace.

aquainas · 06/28/2009, 03:54 PM

You should be ok so long as you can personally live with the shadows on the sides. It may not be that bad though.

Also If you would like another option I have a 48" current usa dual 150w halide w/dual 130w pc fixture that would give you alot more light for your clams and sps. Let me know!

Shane.

cql · 06/28/2009, 11:05 PM

I kind of like the shadows on the side, I'm just afraid to with MH due to heat.

GTriever · 06/29/2009, 05:55 AM

I had a 48" 4 x 65W PC, 2 x 250W MH system on my 125g. No heat issues, with the lights hanging about 10-12" above the water surface. I saw a little bit of shadowing, but nothing you couldn't live with.

06/28/2009, 03:30 PM	#1
cql Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 16	Opinions on lighting for a 125 Hi, Im in the process of converting a 125 gallon with over flow in the back center, tank is 72x18x20. My plans are to have a softy and lps tank. I would like to have a few clams also maybe try a few sps. The tank has a canopy and i was planning to get an ati sunpower 48" 6x54 t5 set inside the canopy. I don't want a retro kit . I'm thinking about t5 for it lower energy consumption and cooler temp. Will this be okay for a 6' tank? I will not have anything about 8-10 on each side of the aquarium. . Any suggestion or opinion will be great. Also need a sump and skimmer if you can also point a few out. My budget on the all the hardwares (less return pump and heater) is around $1500 or less. Thanks,

06/28/2009, 03:50 PM	#2
cql Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 16	Forgot to mention that the tank has a eurobrace.

06/28/2009, 03:54 PM	#3
aquainas Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: AZ Posts: 1,361	You should be ok so long as you can personally live with the shadows on the sides. It may not be that bad though. Also If you would like another option I have a 48" current usa dual 150w halide w/dual 130w pc fixture that would give you alot more light for your clams and sps. Let me know! Shane.

06/28/2009, 11:05 PM	#4
cql Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 16	I kind of like the shadows on the side, I'm just afraid to with MH due to heat.

06/29/2009, 05:55 AM	#5
GTriever Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 193	I had a 48" 4 x 65W PC, 2 x 250W MH system on my 125g. No heat issues, with the lights hanging about 10-12" above the water surface. I saw a little bit of shadowing, but nothing you couldn't live with.