Lighting options for a 140G mixed reef

truebeliever71 · 03/20/2010, 09:52 AM

I'm upgrading my 54G corner bowfront to a 140G 5ft x 30 x 18 acrylic tank. My current tank has a mix of softies, LPS and SPS corals. I have about $400 that I can spend. I'm all for the DIY thing so I know I can save money going that route.

My problem is that my head is spinning with all the options out there. I know I'm going to loose some light because of the acrylic tank design and whole closed top thing. I'm thinking of the idea of doing a xenon (projector less)/LED combo.

Any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated.

200mfromocean · 03/20/2010, 10:13 AM

I would like to suggest some 5' T5 retros, but it would help if you told us what you are trying to accomplish.

ben1 · 03/20/2010, 10:55 AM

invest in LED

truebeliever71 · 03/20/2010, 02:19 PM

The goal is to balance initial cost with low operating cost to create a system that will suppport a variety of life.

jimnrose · 03/20/2010, 08:51 PM

The shallow depth (18") is a good start relating to lowering the need for high intensity lighting. I'm a newbie who just finished a 125g (72"x24"x17") & went wity LED's but the lghting (LED, drivers, power supplies, heat sinks) will cost around $400. The advantage is long life, low operaing power, lower heat load and flexibility on light intensity. The led's would be organized into circuits that can be controlled at selective current levels and timing sequences. Lots of options but if you don't have some electronic or optical experience it will be a challange. This forum has excellent technical support to help you thru the maze. Jim

truebeliever71 · 03/20/2010, 09:33 PM

Jim,

the tank is 30 in. Tall, so it is my understanding that I would need more powerful Leds to penetrate it.

galoot · 03/20/2010, 10:51 PM

you should state your tank dim's in LxWxH to avoid confussion. I thought it was only 18 high too. That being said, those maxspect led fixtures with the 30w bulbs look interesting.

03/20/2010, 09:52 AM	#1
truebeliever71 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 917	Lighting options for a 140G mixed reef I'm upgrading my 54G corner bowfront to a 140G 5ft x 30 x 18 acrylic tank. My current tank has a mix of softies, LPS and SPS corals. I have about $400 that I can spend. I'm all for the DIY thing so I know I can save money going that route. My problem is that my head is spinning with all the options out there. I know I'm going to loose some light because of the acrylic tank design and whole closed top thing. I'm thinking of the idea of doing a xenon (projector less)/LED combo. Any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated.

03/20/2010, 10:13 AM	#2
200mfromocean Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 355	I would like to suggest some 5' T5 retros, but it would help if you told us what you are trying to accomplish. __________________ 120 G in wall mixed reef, 35 G 4' long prop, 35G sump/fuge, 19G RODI resevoir. Sink & few gadgets. Current Tank Info: 120G Mixed reef, started 10/15/2009

03/20/2010, 10:55 AM	#3
ben1 Moved On Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Posts: 63	invest in LED

03/20/2010, 02:19 PM	#4
truebeliever71 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 917	The goal is to balance initial cost with low operating cost to create a system that will suppport a variety of life.

03/20/2010, 08:51 PM	#5
jimnrose Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Villages, Florida Posts: 1,093	The shallow depth (18") is a good start relating to lowering the need for high intensity lighting. I'm a newbie who just finished a 125g (72"x24"x17") & went wity LED's but the lghting (LED, drivers, power supplies, heat sinks) will cost around $400. The advantage is long life, low operaing power, lower heat load and flexibility on light intensity. The led's would be organized into circuits that can be controlled at selective current levels and timing sequences. Lots of options but if you don't have some electronic or optical experience it will be a challange. This forum has excellent technical support to help you thru the maze. Jim

03/20/2010, 09:33 PM	#6
truebeliever71 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 917	Jim, the tank is 30 in. Tall, so it is my understanding that I would need more powerful Leds to penetrate it.

03/20/2010, 10:51 PM	#7
galoot Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Carlos Posts: 559	you should state your tank dim's in LxWxH to avoid confussion. I thought it was only 18 high too. That being said, those maxspect led fixtures with the 30w bulbs look interesting.