Lighting + for a new 55 tall reef

Bluetangclan · 12/08/2008, 07:49 AM

The SW bug has bit me even though i swore I would wait until I bought a house before I jumped back in again. I currently have a 55 tall set up as a FW with trash fish just to help with my fix which I can take down and convert to SW. History aside, I would like to keep some SPS at higher levels, some LPS at lower and zoos(my fave coral) everywhere else. What size lighting should I get? Guessing a pendant MH, because I think the tank is 18" wide and 36" tall. Was thinking about experimenting with some spray foam as well to cover the PVC piping i will have to use as rock support to get the LR high enough. Whats the minimum distance from the surface I can have my sps? I was thinking multi-layer with caves on the bottom below the LPS level. Eventually I will be upgrading to at minimum a 125 when I do move so I will buy side equipment accordingly.
Anyone know a source for that black spray foam I have seen on a few tanks? Thanks

Reef'in Colorado · 12/08/2008, 10:03 AM

I would go with at least 250wt of MH lighting, 400wt would likely be better due to the depth...just depends on what you want to do with the tank.

tkeracer619 · 12/08/2008, 10:12 AM

this tank is really 18" square and 3 feet tall?

A 250 would be enough. Something small with a modern reflector design... maybe a lumen max. Keep it close to the water surface and get all the light into the tank.

A Lumin Max Elite would be a good fit for an HQI bulb.

12/08/2008, 07:49 AM	#1
Bluetangclan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando(Wedgefield), Fl Posts: 555	Lighting + for a new 55 tall reef The SW bug has bit me even though i swore I would wait until I bought a house before I jumped back in again. I currently have a 55 tall set up as a FW with trash fish just to help with my fix which I can take down and convert to SW. History aside, I would like to keep some SPS at higher levels, some LPS at lower and zoos(my fave coral) everywhere else. What size lighting should I get? Guessing a pendant MH, because I think the tank is 18" wide and 36" tall. Was thinking about experimenting with some spray foam as well to cover the PVC piping i will have to use as rock support to get the LR high enough. Whats the minimum distance from the surface I can have my sps? I was thinking multi-layer with caves on the bottom below the LPS level. Eventually I will be upgrading to at minimum a 125 when I do move so I will buy side equipment accordingly. Anyone know a source for that black spray foam I have seen on a few tanks? Thanks

12/08/2008, 10:12 AM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	this tank is really 18" square and 3 feet tall? A 250 would be enough. Something small with a modern reflector design... maybe a lumen max. Keep it close to the water surface and get all the light into the tank. A Lumin Max Elite would be a good fit for an HQI bulb. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k. Last edited by tkeracer619; 12/08/2008 at 10:48 AM.

12/08/2008, 10:03 AM	#2
Reef'in Colorado Reefer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Frederick, Co. Posts: 934	I would go with at least 250wt of MH lighting, 400wt would likely be better due to the depth...just depends on what you want to do with the tank.