Lighting Question for a 120Gal

[dansemacabre]

I lost the old reply I got, so I apologize for having to ask this again (though the last time was months ago!). I have a 120Gal aquarium...it is 72" (6ft.) long. The support braces through the middle divide the top into 3 sections at 24" a piece. How should I do this to get uniform light propogation? 3 sets of 24" VHO 4-bulb sets, or 4 96w PCs, 2 in back, 2 in front, and 2 MH in between them, or what? Also, I'm going to build my own wooden canopy, complete with fans, but should I remove the glass covers over the aquarium? They are hinged, and the joints are plastic which would also block some light and inhibit air exchange over the water surface. What do you all think? Thanks, everyone, you've taught me a lot. On that note, I work at a PETsMART and I send all people looking to get into saltwater to this site, because you really have helped me learn a TON. So thanks, for all your work, time, and effort. You guys kick ass.

 

[loganj]

With fluorescents of any kind, I don't think you'll notice the dividers. If I wanted VHO, I would use 72" bulbs. PC's, I'd use 96w bulbs. If you want MH, you'll need three bulbs for a 6' tank. I would lose the glass tops...they inhibit gas exchange and trap heat. The lighting really depends on what you want to keep. If you're looking to get into high light inverts someday...SPS, anemones, ect...go with the MH setup. If you only want soft corals and other low light critters, VHO or PC would be fine. If I used MH, I'd probably have a couple of either PC or VHO actinics on there as well.

 

[reefrunner69]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=8600&highlight=lighting

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=7736&highlight=lighting

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=5935&highlight=lighting

 

[dansemacabre]

Thanks loganj!
And thanks again Reefrunner69! You've both helped me in the past, and thanks for helping me again. 8)

 

[dansemacabre]

I want to get the lights from hellolights.com, so how would I go about setting up the 6x165w VHOs? Buy a 4x165w retrofit and a 2x165w retrofit, and cut the reflectors where the two meet, or what? I'm assuming that then in the future, I'd lose 2 or 4 bulbs to add my 3 MHs. Is this correct? TIA.

 

[loganj]

I'd probably go with 4x160w bulbs. I have a 4x160 on a 180g tank and the soft corals are thriving.