220 Gallon Reef-Build Thread

[Purevil21]

OK guys, I got the call today, the tank arrived. I am out of town, but will be picking it up next weekend. I have literally decided on everything except for lights, so I have a question. I was originally thinking halides, I love the way they look. But for the money, and upkeep costs, I think I am going with T5HOs. I know it isn't a for sure thing I would need a chiller with Halides, but I don't want to chance it, nor do I want to pay for those bulbs every 6 months and the power bill.

Do you think that two of these hung side by side would support anything I wanted to keep? Particularly interested in clams, they are the main reason I was planning to go with halides.

Aqua Medic Ocean Light T5 Light Fixture with LEDMoonlights, 36", 8 x 39W - AquaCave

 

[Bige]

Those lights will work. If I didn't have leds I would use t-5s. Does the fixture come with bulbs? I would recommend ati bulbs. They are in a class by themselves. Ask Mr X what the best combo is.

 

[Bige]

Aren't you getting a 220? What are the dimensions? Why only 36"?

 

[Purevil21]

Because two 36" fixtures would cover the 6' of tank. Each of those is 8x39 which would give me a total of 16x39 over the tank. Most of the 6' fixtures only go up to 12. The tank is 6'x2'x30", I want as much light as I can throw over the top because of the 30" depth.

 

[iDream]

I would definitely go with those, they're a great brand and 8-bulbs would be great for clams just about anywhere in the tank

 

[Bige]

I missed the part where you would use 2 fixtures.

 

[Purevil21]

I missed the part where you would use 2 fixtures.

It's cool, thanks idream. I will probably go with those, I will save 400 vs. Halides and the actual cost of upkeep is much lower. If I do have issues with clams or corals I will just add some retros.

 

[iDream]

If you have issues I'll buy those fixtures off of you

 

[Sarcothelia]

Have fun replacing SIXTEEN bulbs at once. I honestly think that's a bad idea, you'll be spending ~15 dollars per bulb come replacement time, so I think it would be better to find either a single fixture or 2 4 bulb fixtures.

 

[carey]

I'm stressing replacing 12 bulbs on my 6 foot fixture LOL

But seriously, if he wants that output of lighting thats the way to go. They really don't make a better T5 fixture combination than what he has in mind.

 

[Purevil21]

It wouldn't provide enough light, you have to look at how large of a system I am trying to light. I am trying to get sufficient light in a deep tank that is also two feet wide to keep clams at the bottom. I just don't think four bulbs would cut it, a 12 bulb current fixture would probably work, but for a little more money I could add nearly 160 watts to my tank. Besides, the low running costs and bulb life more than warrant the 16 bulbs. I could make some awesome color combinations as well.

 

[Purevil21]

So I take it you second the idea to use the two 8 bulb fixtures from aquamedic Carey? Lol

 

[hackteck]

nice so they have your system in thats good my systems on hold til next month til the beginning of july til i get the rest of my LR i have everything else in the garage

 

[carey]

So I take it you second the idea to use the two 8 bulb fixtures from aquamedic Carey? Lol

If i could have done it I would have. The one Ihave I got real cheap so I had to jump on it. Plus I have a triple section tank, the two 36"s wouldn't have mounted right for my tastes. lol

If you can afford it i say go for it. You won't have any limits on what you could keep.

 

[iDream]

Have fun replacing SIXTEEN bulbs at once. I honestly think that's a bad idea, you'll be spending ~15 dollars per bulb come replacement time, so I think it would be better to find either a single fixture or 2 4 bulb fixtures.

Unless they all died at once he would never have to do that. Once it gets around the time for bulb replacement he should be replacing them maybe 2-3 at a time, so his fish/corals (mostly corals) won't get shocked by the intesified lighting (not only from a newer bulb, but one that puts out more PAR at that).

I saw use the stock bulbs (assuming it comes with some) until around the time for replacement, and start replacing every 2 every week, that way you can also stagger the replacement times when you have to do that again