Lighting System (with canopy)

CT Reefer · 01/30/2011, 10:47 AM

Hello all. I am new to reefkeeping and have just purchased a 135 gal glass aquarium w/sump (72" x 18" x 25") My setup includes an open-back canopy. I would like some suggestions for lighting. Ideally, I would like a unit that has MH, T-5 and LED's with integrated timer, similar to the MarineLand Pro 24 hour lighting system http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=20394. This is a pricey unit and I am not sure if a) its the best deal, b)its appropriate for a setup with a canopy.

I am planning on keeping both hard and soft corals and hope to eventually keep clams, so want the appropriate lighting.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Larry Waughon · 01/30/2011, 01:30 PM

To Reef Central

I would go with this:http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...y_LET_Lighting

aleonn · 01/30/2011, 01:43 PM

Welcome to RC! Aquaticlife makes a 72" fixture with mh, t5, and leds. I went with 60" tek light fixture and added my own moonlights instead.

Palting · 01/30/2011, 01:46 PM

I have that exact light, tank simillar to yours, just slightly deeper at 27" for a 150 gal. I also have a canopy, and the light sits right under it on it's own stand. The light has built in fans, and have had no issues with heat. But, since I am paranoid, and have had so many naysayers about metal halides in a canopy, I cut out two circular holes immedately over the exhausts of the fans. Don't think it's needed, but I did it anyway.

So, short answer, yes, I believe it is a good deal for what you get, and it is appropriate for a set-up with a canopy.

WARNING: Make sure your 72" tank does NOT have the single center brace. Otherwise, that central MH will sit right over that brace and melt it. The tank must have the equidistant two braces that go between the MH lights.

Here's mine with the lights, and with the canopy.

CT Reefer · 01/31/2011, 09:00 PM

Thanks everyone for all the great info. I do have a center brace in the canopy...so...hmm still thinking about what to do here.

Felixc395 · 01/31/2011, 10:41 PM

For a 135 gallon, shouldn't the OP really get three 250 watt MH rather than 150 watts? I feel like that would be a better fit.

And personally, I think you should go with T5. Cooler in a hood so you don't have Amy heat problems whatsoever.

01/30/2011, 10:47 AM	#1
CT Reefer CTARS Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In front of my tank Posts: 352	Lighting System (with canopy) Hello all. I am new to reefkeeping and have just purchased a 135 gal glass aquarium w/sump (72" x 18" x 25") My setup includes an open-back canopy. I would like some suggestions for lighting. Ideally, I would like a unit that has MH, T-5 and LED's with integrated timer, similar to the MarineLand Pro 24 hour lighting system http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=20394. This is a pricey unit and I am not sure if a) its the best deal, b)its appropriate for a setup with a canopy. I am planning on keeping both hard and soft corals and hope to eventually keep clams, so want the appropriate lighting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

01/30/2011, 01:30 PM	#2
Larry Waughon Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pingree Grove, IL Posts: 1,872	*To Reef Central* I would go with this:http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...y_LET_Lighting __________________ Larry

01/30/2011, 01:46 PM	#4
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	I have that exact light, tank simillar to yours, just slightly deeper at 27" for a 150 gal. I also have a canopy, and the light sits right under it on it's own stand. The light has built in fans, and have had no issues with heat. But, since I am paranoid, and have had so many naysayers about metal halides in a canopy, I cut out two circular holes immedately over the exhausts of the fans. Don't think it's needed, but I did it anyway. So, short answer, yes, I believe it is a good deal for what you get, and it is appropriate for a set-up with a canopy. WARNING: Make sure your 72" tank does NOT have the single center brace. Otherwise, that central MH will sit right over that brace and melt it. The tank must have the equidistant two braces that go between the MH lights. Here's mine with the lights, and with the canopy. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

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01/30/2011, 01:43 PM	#3
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Welcome to RC! Aquaticlife makes a 72" fixture with mh, t5, and leds. I went with 60" tek light fixture and added my own moonlights instead.

01/31/2011, 09:00 PM	#5
CT Reefer CTARS Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In front of my tank Posts: 352	Thanks everyone for all the great info. I do have a center brace in the canopy...so...hmm still thinking about what to do here.

01/31/2011, 10:41 PM	#6
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	For a 135 gallon, shouldn't the OP really get three 250 watt MH rather than 150 watts? I feel like that would be a better fit. And personally, I think you should go with T5. Cooler in a hood so you don't have Amy heat problems whatsoever.