What lighting for a 180g Reef Tank?

SteveJakubiec · 07/21/2008, 03:03 PM

That would let me support any corals. Could you please post some links to some websites that offer the fixtures. Also, how many fixtures would I need? Would It be possible to get it in all one fixture? I was thinking Metal Halide w/T-5 Supplementation, but not sure if that is good, what type of fixture/lights, their kelvin rating, etc.

Thanks,
Steve

kenbow19 · 07/21/2008, 04:21 PM

Steve, you should do your own research and you will be a better reefer for it. If you have a hood a retro kit would be more affordable than a single or double fixture. Debbie @ DIYREEF.com is very helpful and great to deal with. Here is a helpful lighting site to help you narrow your search a bit.
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/#

jthao · 07/21/2008, 04:31 PM

well, for a 55g tank, you'll need 48" lighting fixture. there's many many different types out there. any t-5 or mh fixture will let you grow anything you want. it's price that will narrow you down to exactly what you want. if price is not a factor, then I'd go with an elos or something like that.

SteveJakubiec · 07/21/2008, 04:49 PM

I have a nice T-5 Fixture on my 55, but I was wondering for the 180g I"m planning on.

BurntOutReefer · 07/21/2008, 05:00 PM

IMO...400w MH pendants....

HaywoodJafragit · 07/21/2008, 05:06 PM

I'm planning to upgrade to a 180 by Christmas and I'm thinking 3 x 250w 15000K halides, T-5 actinics optional.

I have 2 x 250 15000K XM bulbs on my 100 gallon tank (48x24x20) and couldn't find any significant difference with or without my 2 x T-5 54w actinics, so I'm currently runing a 7 hour halide photoperiod only.

JamesJR · 07/21/2008, 05:44 PM

It really depends on what you have in mind that you want to keep. If you want LPS/softies you could probably get away with less.
I personally would use at least 3X250 watt mh and maybe use supplemental t-5. But the intensity of MH really depends on the bulbs you use. I used a ushio 10,000K 250 watt fixture and it was one of the brightest bulbs I ever used and I switched to a 14,000 k bulb and it was a huge difference.

If you want to go nuts with sps you may go with 400's.

07/21/2008, 03:03 PM	#1
SteveJakubiec Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: 07508, New Jersey Posts: 843	What lighting for a 180g Reef Tank? That would let me support any corals. Could you please post some links to some websites that offer the fixtures. Also, how many fixtures would I need? Would It be possible to get it in all one fixture? I was thinking Metal Halide w/T-5 Supplementation, but not sure if that is good, what type of fixture/lights, their kelvin rating, etc. Thanks, Steve

07/21/2008, 04:21 PM	#2
kenbow19 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: MI Posts: 89	Steve, you should do your own research and you will be a better reefer for it. If you have a hood a retro kit would be more affordable than a single or double fixture. Debbie @ DIYREEF.com is very helpful and great to deal with. Here is a helpful lighting site to help you narrow your search a bit. http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/# __________________ 180 sps dominated. Current Tank Info: 180- sps dominent

07/21/2008, 04:31 PM	#3
jthao Super Saiyan Join Date: May 2007 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,522	well, for a 55g tank, you'll need 48" lighting fixture. there's many many different types out there. any t-5 or mh fixture will let you grow anything you want. it's price that will narrow you down to exactly what you want. if price is not a factor, then I'd go with an elos or something like that. __________________ Elos 160xl \| Profilux 3.1Nex ultimate \| BK DC200 \| (5)Mitras 6200s \|(4) Vortech MP40QD \| 3155 ATO \| Schuran CaRx \| Carbon-Doser \| Red Dragon return \| 500G Starphire FOWLR \| BK SM200 \| (6) Tunze 6105

07/21/2008, 05:06 PM	#6
HaywoodJafragit Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Macomb, MI, USA Posts: 60	I'm planning to upgrade to a 180 by Christmas and I'm thinking 3 x 250w 15000K halides, T-5 actinics optional. I have 2 x 250 15000K XM bulbs on my 100 gallon tank (48x24x20) and couldn't find any significant difference with or without my 2 x T-5 54w actinics, so I'm currently runing a 7 hour halide photoperiod only. __________________ 100 glass, 55 hex acrylic, shared 22 gal refuge and 18 gal sump 350 pounds of live rock, 4 inch DSB, many SPS and LPS, 2 perculas, 1 common star, 1 brittle star. ASM G-2, 1 Mag 9.5. Current Tank Info: 195 gal gross

07/21/2008, 05:44 PM	#7
JamesJR Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,733	It really depends on what you have in mind that you want to keep. If you want LPS/softies you could probably get away with less. I personally would use at least 3X250 watt mh and maybe use supplemental t-5. But the intensity of MH really depends on the bulbs you use. I used a ushio 10,000K 250 watt fixture and it was one of the brightest bulbs I ever used and I switched to a 14,000 k bulb and it was a huge difference. If you want to go nuts with sps you may go with 400's. __________________ Just when I thought you couldn't be any dumber you go and do something like this....And totally redeem yourself! Current Tank Info: 20 gallon

07/21/2008, 04:49 PM	#4
SteveJakubiec Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: 07508, New Jersey Posts: 843	I have a nice T-5 Fixture on my 55, but I was wondering for the 180g I"m planning on.

07/21/2008, 05:00 PM	#5
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	IMO...400w MH pendants....