Looking to Light a new 72'' tank

bvanhoveln · 08/06/2009, 12:21 AM

I am looking for the best - for the price - Lighting setup.

Looking for MH and T5 Actinic lighting combination for a new 72''x18''x21''

I currently have a 90 gallon, with 2*250watt MH and 2 dual 60 watt T5 Actinic that was retrofit under my hood - but I would like to use this for a macro algae fuge tank.

Didn't know if I would notice the difference between 3 150s and 3 250s MH.

heartandsoul · 08/06/2009, 05:45 AM

i have a 72" solaris led set up if your interested in led lighting?

bvanhoveln · 08/06/2009, 07:46 AM

Interested, but I don't think I can justify the almost $4000 for the 72'' light.

How do you like it - what have you used in the past?

JRechcygl · 08/06/2009, 07:53 AM

Bummer that the Solaris is out of business....
What about a Maristar?

sedor · 08/06/2009, 07:59 AM

You definately don't need halides over a fuge. I would pick up another 250 and use your halides over the new tank, and then just use your existing T5's for supplementation. As long as you have a canopy, your in business for somewhere around $300.

bvanhoveln · 08/06/2009, 08:02 AM

I was thinking the same thing - although I would then have to purchase a nice canopy for the tank. However, thinking about the pump cords etc. I may have to anyways.

Anyone have suggestions on the best DIY Metal Halides?

t4zalews · 08/06/2009, 09:52 AM

just make sure you get quality reflectors, that makes a world of difference. I'd suggest either lumenarcs or lumenbrights.

Aquacave sells retro kits for metal halides and the prices arent too bad either.

heartandsoul · 08/06/2009, 12:39 PM

i have the solaris for sale if your interested in it.

bvanhoveln · 08/06/2009, 02:18 PM

Thanks everyone -

I am going with a single new 250MH (Mini-Lumenbright reflector) and buying two more 65 watt Current actinic lights - to go with the lights I already have.

We'll see how it goes with the new tank!

08/06/2009, 12:21 AM	#1
bvanhoveln Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mt. Pleasant, WI Posts: 108	Looking to Light a new 72'' tank I am looking for the best - for the price - Lighting setup. Looking for MH and T5 Actinic lighting combination for a new 72''x18''x21'' I currently have a 90 gallon, with 2*250watt MH and 2 dual 60 watt T5 Actinic that was retrofit under my hood - but I would like to use this for a macro algae fuge tank. Didn't know if I would notice the difference between 3 150s and 3 250s MH.

08/06/2009, 07:53 AM	#4
JRechcygl Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Somewhere playing with lamps Posts: 449	Bummer that the Solaris is out of business.... What about a Maristar? __________________ Rechcygl...Yeah only one vowel AKA Dr.Fragenstein Big Glass tank lit by thin glass bulbs Current Tank Info: Propane, 180 reef

08/06/2009, 07:59 AM	#5
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	You definately don't need halides over a fuge. I would pick up another 250 and use your halides over the new tank, and then just use your existing T5's for supplementation. As long as you have a canopy, your in business for somewhere around $300. __________________ Ryan

08/06/2009, 09:52 AM	#7
t4zalews 65g Ritteri Tank Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Royal Oak, MI Posts: 2,673	just make sure you get quality reflectors, that makes a world of difference. I'd suggest either lumenarcs or lumenbrights. Aquacave sells retro kits for metal halides and the prices arent too bad either. __________________ - Taylor - 65g - Radion XR30 G3 Pro x2 - Deltec SCA 1351 - APEX - Tunze - Vortech

08/06/2009, 05:45 AM	#2
heartandsoul Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: andover,ohio Posts: 129	i have a 72" solaris led set up if your interested in led lighting?

08/06/2009, 07:46 AM	#3
bvanhoveln Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mt. Pleasant, WI Posts: 108	Interested, but I don't think I can justify the almost $4000 for the 72'' light. How do you like it - what have you used in the past?

08/06/2009, 08:02 AM	#6
bvanhoveln Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mt. Pleasant, WI Posts: 108	I was thinking the same thing - although I would then have to purchase a nice canopy for the tank. However, thinking about the pump cords etc. I may have to anyways. Anyone have suggestions on the best DIY Metal Halides?

08/06/2009, 12:39 PM	#8
heartandsoul Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: andover,ohio Posts: 129	i have the solaris for sale if your interested in it.

08/06/2009, 02:18 PM	#9
bvanhoveln Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mt. Pleasant, WI Posts: 108	Thanks everyone - I am going with a single new 250MH (Mini-Lumenbright reflector) and buying two more 65 watt Current actinic lights - to go with the lights I already have. We'll see how it goes with the new tank!