How Many AI Sol Blue Modules for SPS Dominant 300 gallon (72" x36 x 27.5")

AcroporAddict · 04/01/2011, 02:57 PM

Guys,
I have a Marineland DD 300 gallon tank, which measures 72" x 36" x 27.5". The tank is heavily SPS dominant. Some of my tabling acropora colonies are 14" across. I am thinking about making the switch to Aqua Illuminations Sol Blue modules. My question is whether to buy 6 or 9 modules. The tank has top bracing that divides the tank into three 24" x 36" sections. My dealer called AI and they said to buy 6 modules, but that seems like a stretch to me, as this is the amount recommended for a 180 or 210 gallon 72" x 24" footprint tank.

The 300 DD has 1.5 times the footprint of a 180 or 210 gallon tank, so it makes sense to me to have 1.5 times the modules, or 9 modules instead of 6. I could see using 6 if I had a mixed reef, but it just seems like a stretch with my tank having SPS corals basically all over the place.

I think the best option is to buy three 36" 3 Module setups and mount/hang them lengthwise front to back. 6 modules just does not seem enough.

Thoughts?

HiImSean · 04/01/2011, 04:51 PM

id say 6 but you can add the 3 additional down the road. one module can give pretty good spread on a 24x24 footprint, so 2 should suffice for your width

snorvich · 04/01/2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcroporAddict

Guys,
I have a Marineland DD 300 gallon tank, which measures 72" x 36" x 27.5". The tank is heavily SPS dominant. Some of my tabling acropora colonies are 14" across. I am thinking about making the switch to Aqua Illuminations Sol Blue modules. My question is whether to buy 6 or 9 modules. The tank has top bracing that divides the tank into three 24" x 36" sections. My dealer called AI and they said to buy 6 modules, but that seems like a stretch to me, as this is the amount recommended for a 180 or 210 gallon 72" x 24" footprint tank.

The 300 DD has 1.5 times the footprint of a 180 or 210 gallon tank, so it makes sense to me to have 1.5 times the modules, or 9 modules instead of 6. I could see using 6 if I had a mixed reef, but it just seems like a stretch with my tank having SPS corals basically all over the place.

I think the best option is to buy three 36" 3 Module setups and mount/hang them lengthwise front to back. 6 modules just does not seem enough.

Thoughts?

I have seven on order for my 8 foot tank. Two groups of three front to back and 1 side ways where my overflow is. If I were you, I would go with the 9 modules as you suggested.

bella127 · 04/02/2011, 08:14 PM

I would also look into getting the 70 degree lenses . You may have to change out just the four center lenses in each module . It will give you a wider spread . Good luck , you will love them . It is about $ 25 per module to swap out the pucks (lenses) . Each set of four pucks is about $25

04/01/2011, 02:57 PM	#1
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	How Many AI Sol Blue Modules for SPS Dominant 300 gallon (72" x36 x 27.5") Guys, I have a Marineland DD 300 gallon tank, which measures 72" x 36" x 27.5". The tank is heavily SPS dominant. Some of my tabling acropora colonies are 14" across. I am thinking about making the switch to Aqua Illuminations Sol Blue modules. My question is whether to buy 6 or 9 modules. The tank has top bracing that divides the tank into three 24" x 36" sections. My dealer called AI and they said to buy 6 modules, but that seems like a stretch to me, as this is the amount recommended for a 180 or 210 gallon 72" x 24" footprint tank. The 300 DD has 1.5 times the footprint of a 180 or 210 gallon tank, so it makes sense to me to have 1.5 times the modules, or 9 modules instead of 6. I could see using 6 if I had a mixed reef, but it just seems like a stretch with my tank having SPS corals basically all over the place. I think the best option is to buy three 36" 3 Module setups and mount/hang them lengthwise front to back. 6 modules just does not seem enough. Thoughts?

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04/01/2011, 04:51 PM	#2
HiImSean Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Acworth, GA Posts: 834	id say 6 but you can add the 3 additional down the road. one module can give pretty good spread on a 24x24 footprint, so 2 should suffice for your width

04/02/2011, 08:14 PM	#4
bella127 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Roseville,Mi Posts: 211	I would also look into getting the 70 degree lenses . You may have to change out just the four center lenses in each module . It will give you a wider spread . Good luck , you will love them . It is about $ 25 per module to swap out the pucks (lenses) . Each set of four pucks is about $25