Lighting choices for 90 Gallon

masimake · 11/02/2006, 02:05 PM

I am currently in the market for a new fixture for my 90 gallon tank. Currently running a coralife PC fixture and I am not really happy with the results. My leathers and shrooms dont mind but have had no luck with my zoos ( keep melting away). I am leaning toward MH HQI with PC or T5 supplementation. I say MH because I like the shimmer affect and feel I will be able to keep any type of coral I want. I saw this fixture online. The price looks reasonable, but what about the quality? Anyone have any thoughts/comments?

http://www.aquauniverse.com/componen...hop/Itemid,31/

masimake · 11/03/2006, 10:53 AM

no advice?

eckrynock · 11/03/2006, 10:57 AM

250s will work nice on a 90. You will do better to have T5s or VHOs for actinics instead of PCs. That is a nice unit and not bad price but I would keep looking. If you have a hood, retros are a lot cheaper and you can hand pick what type of lighting you would like. Just a thought.

masimake · 11/03/2006, 11:28 AM

I do not have a hood so retros are not a option. I like the look a of a fixture. Why do you say t5 or vho are better for supplementation?

sinkingbeach · 11/03/2006, 11:37 AM

I'm using the older Aqua Spacelight over my 90, dual 250's and pc supplement. Thier new ones are called Ocean Light about $100 more than your looking at at now but a much sleeker design. Also T-5s don't produce as much heat and are brighter than both VHO and PC's. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...Product=AQ1831

masimake · 11/03/2006, 11:53 AM

The aqua medic fixture is really nice. How does it mount over the tank? Does it have legs or doew it have to be suspended?

BLockamon · 11/03/2006, 07:18 PM

That fixture looks like an Aquatraders or Odysea under a different name. They have the reputation of not be reliable...and being rather combustible.

If you are set on HQI, I'd recommend Aqua Medic or the new Current USA Outer Orbit with 2x150W HQI + 4x54W T5.

Shekki · 11/03/2006, 09:33 PM

I just added 2 24" t-5's to my tank. I have a 75 gallon (30x24x24) with a coralife (1) 150 HQI and (2) 65w Pc's. The new lights are great and I wish I would have went with them in the beggining. Brighter light, less heat. No brainer.

Robb

11/02/2006, 02:05 PM	#1
masimake Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New York Posts: 56	Lighting choices for 90 Gallon I am currently in the market for a new fixture for my 90 gallon tank. Currently running a coralife PC fixture and I am not really happy with the results. My leathers and shrooms dont mind but have had no luck with my zoos ( keep melting away). I am leaning toward MH HQI with PC or T5 supplementation. I say MH because I like the shimmer affect and feel I will be able to keep any type of coral I want. I saw this fixture online. The price looks reasonable, but what about the quality? Anyone have any thoughts/comments? http://www.aquauniverse.com/componen...hop/Itemid,31/

11/03/2006, 10:57 AM	#3
eckrynock Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 733	250s will work nice on a 90. You will do better to have T5s or VHOs for actinics instead of PCs. That is a nice unit and not bad price but I would keep looking. If you have a hood, retros are a lot cheaper and you can hand pick what type of lighting you would like. Just a thought. __________________ Ed Genesis 1:21 Current Tank Info: 90 gal

11/03/2006, 11:37 AM	#5
sinkingbeach Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 867	I'm using the older Aqua Spacelight over my 90, dual 250's and pc supplement. Thier new ones are called Ocean Light about $100 more than your looking at at now but a much sleeker design. Also T-5s don't produce as much heat and are brighter than both VHO and PC's. http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...Product=AQ1831 __________________ Parrotheads are not the silly ones. That dishonor belongs to those of you who stay beached on this shore without any imagination or desire for fun. Current Tank Info: 175 custom , MRC 1, 2 Tunze 6060, Ecotech vortech, Mag 9.5 return, 3 Lumenarc Mini's w/3 IceCap 250w ballast

11/03/2006, 09:33 PM	#8
Shekki Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ocean City, MD Posts: 651	I just added 2 24" t-5's to my tank. I have a 75 gallon (30x24x24) with a coralife (1) 150 HQI and (2) 65w Pc's. The new lights are great and I wish I would have went with them in the beggining. Brighter light, less heat. No brainer. Robb __________________ Elos mini reef Current Tank Info: Elos mini, reefkeeper 2, Vortech MP20, ice cap moonlight, Reef Fanatic ATO

11/03/2006, 10:53 AM	#2
masimake Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New York Posts: 56	no advice?

11/03/2006, 11:28 AM	#4
masimake Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New York Posts: 56	I do not have a hood so retros are not a option. I like the look a of a fixture. Why do you say t5 or vho are better for supplementation?

11/03/2006, 11:53 AM	#6
masimake Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New York Posts: 56	The aqua medic fixture is really nice. How does it mount over the tank? Does it have legs or doew it have to be suspended?

11/03/2006, 07:18 PM	#7
BLockamon Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,104	That fixture looks like an Aquatraders or Odysea under a different name. They have the reputation of not be reliable...and being rather combustible. If you are set on HQI, I'd recommend Aqua Medic or the new Current USA Outer Orbit with 2x150W HQI + 4x54W T5.