enough lights for a 180??

frazier · 12/20/2006, 06:15 AM

I have a 180g and wondering if 3-175W MH & 6-55W-PC's be enough for my tank.. not planing on haveing 1000 dollar corals in the tank but will have some nice one's in it and maybe a clam or two.. I know 250's would be better but found a good deal...haha

saltycreefer · 12/20/2006, 11:51 AM

I think it's plenty. What type of corals do you plan on doing? If you plan on doing all sps, get a different light, but if you want to do a nice mix with lps & softies it's fine.

Bono · 12/20/2006, 12:15 PM

I'm using triple 10K 175's and twin 40 watt actinics on my 180 and I think it's more than enough. I have a few small SPS that I keep high and under the lights. everything else is growing like a weed including 2 anemones.

frazier · 12/20/2006, 12:41 PM

yeah a nice mix... maybe a couple of sps but I'll put them up at the top...

Bono · 12/20/2006, 12:52 PM

What deal did you get? If you haven't gotten them yet I can give you the info where I bought mine. I paid $300 for triple MH's with 10K bulbs and they work great.

Paulairduck · 12/20/2006, 01:16 PM

It all depends on the depth of the aqaurium, the reflector you are using, and the useable par of the lighbulb you purchase. I used XM 20k 175 watt on a 24 inch deep aquarium and got virtually NO GROWTH, it looked great. I then swithched to Ushio 10K and the coral growth is excellent!

I think on that lighting setup you are going to be fine as long as the aquarium is no more than 30 inches high, and if you got a really good deal, just place the corals that need a lot of light on the upper half of the aquarium.

12/20/2006, 06:15 AM	#1
frazier Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: KY Posts: 309	enough lights for a 180?? I have a 180g and wondering if 3-175W MH & 6-55W-PC's be enough for my tank.. not planing on haveing 1000 dollar corals in the tank but will have some nice one's in it and maybe a clam or two.. I know 250's would be better but found a good deal...haha

12/20/2006, 11:51 AM	#2
saltycreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fairfield,CT Posts: 1,696	I think it's plenty. What type of corals do you plan on doing? If you plan on doing all sps, get a different light, but if you want to do a nice mix with lps & softies it's fine. __________________ I love being a turtle!!! Current Tank Info: Got out of tanks for a little while.

12/20/2006, 12:15 PM	#3
Bono Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lakewood Ranch Fl. Posts: 872	I'm using triple 10K 175's and twin 40 watt actinics on my 180 and I think it's more than enough. I have a few small SPS that I keep high and under the lights. everything else is growing like a weed including 2 anemones. __________________ Living it up in Florida Current Tank Info: 210 gal, 300lbs LR, Aquamaxx Skimmer, 3x Reefbreeders LED's & T5's.

12/20/2006, 12:52 PM	#5
Bono Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lakewood Ranch Fl. Posts: 872	What deal did you get? If you haven't gotten them yet I can give you the info where I bought mine. I paid $300 for triple MH's with 10K bulbs and they work great. __________________ Living it up in Florida Current Tank Info: 210 gal, 300lbs LR, Aquamaxx Skimmer, 3x Reefbreeders LED's & T5's.

12/20/2006, 01:16 PM	#6
Paulairduck I LOVE FREE FRAGS!!! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chino Hills Posts: 2,909	Depth It all depends on the depth of the aqaurium, the reflector you are using, and the useable par of the lighbulb you purchase. I used XM 20k 175 watt on a 24 inch deep aquarium and got virtually NO GROWTH, it looked great. I then swithched to Ushio 10K and the coral growth is excellent! I think on that lighting setup you are going to be fine as long as the aquarium is no more than 30 inches high, and if you got a really good deal, just place the corals that need a lot of light on the upper half of the aquarium.

12/20/2006, 12:41 PM	#4
frazier Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: KY Posts: 309	yeah a nice mix... maybe a couple of sps but I'll put them up at the top...