72" Reef Lighting options

[carey]

So I told myself when i sold one of my tanks I would start looking more earnestly for a 125g for my sw upgrade. Sold a 55g setup last night so I'm ready!

I am gathering my information since this upgrade will be pricey I expect.

What are my options as far as getting lights? Do I get a full 72" fixture or go with multiple smaller ones? The tank will either have one brace or possible two so that means 2 36" or 3 24" or 1 72".

How many bulbs would be needed? I can't get away with a 4 fixture T5 unit anymore probably..lol
I've been seeing everything from 4 bulbs up to 10 bulbs. There's also MH fixtures but I was wanting to stay with t5 I think.

So lighting guru's what do you think? I want no limitations on what corals I can keep if that matters.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[hackteck]

check out this light fixture when i finally find a tank this is the one im going to get i think it would be a perfect Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

 

[hackteck]

and the price isnt to bad either if you do some shopping around

 

[carey]

Actually the price is great, its on sale for like $200 less than usual.
looks like a great fixture.

 

[Sonomakid]

Nova Extreme is a great fixture ! i have 1 on my 120.

 

[carey]

But if I just want to go with the minimum how many bulbs do you guys think? i don't mind going super cheap and then upgrading in the next year. I just don't wanna be caught with less light than i need. As this is my last tank i can pace myself on this build.

 

[0o.Kelsey.o0]

I would go with one 72 in personally, but that's just because of how it looks. Just get the best light you can afford right now haha the more light the better!

You could look into getting that light i just purchased for my pico. I've read about people getting multiple ones for their tank and putting them in track lighting or something like that. You wouldn't need to buy new bulbs for years and could keep any coral with them. If the price is right it might be worth it!

The site again: Nanotuners.com

and the guys e-mail: info@nanotuners.com

His name is nick and he is pretty quick at replying. Just send him an e-mail and ask what he would recommend for a tank that size. (amount of bulbs and which optics to use on the bulbs).

 

[carey]

Interesting idea Kelsey I never thought of something like that lol.

I have gone so far as looking at the odyssea fixtures but they are only 4 bulb unless you go with their MH. I have 2 odyssea fixtures, one really old and one new cheapy one and havent had an issue with them. I wouldn't consider them for the long run though. Just something for a few months, maybe a year.

 

[Gti_Leo]

i was lookign at those LED bulbs when i was lookign at an LED fixture but the problem with this is everythign has to be pendent and unless they are in a fish room only they will look ugly and or the fixture would be huge

 

[mr_X]

i would save up money and keep the tank just a fowlr until you could buy the correct fixture and buy once. two, 8 x 39 watt T5 HO fixtures is what i would choose for a 125. you could keep sps on the sand bed and with the right bulb lineup your tank would look like the forest in the movie "avatar".

 

[carey]

Silly quesrion, but will a 8 x 39 be a 36" or a 72"?

 

[Gti_Leo]

mr. x you should show some pics of your reef with T5s, its incredible.

 

[Gti_Leo]

Silly quesrion, but will a 8 x 39 be a 36" or a 72"?

well its a 36" but two side by side = 72" with 16 39watt tubes

 

[mr_X]

8 x 39 would be a 36" fixture......times 2. i just like to have 2 fixtures, because down the road when you want to sell them, it will be easier to sell the 36"ers IMO.

 

[carey]

Thanks for clarifying for me. I think that sounds reasonable. What if the 125g I get has 2 center support braces? I've seen newer tanks with that.....

 

[carey]

I've been looking at this fixture in a 72", but the 36" one only has 6 bulbs. Comparable? i can't seem to find any 8 bulb units yet.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+18700&pcatid=18700

 

[Gti_Leo]

then you have a brace in the way of the light. you can probably get a costum 125 built for you with only a single center brace. if you want you can also get a wider shallower tank which will be easier to light. rather then go with the standard 125 gallons which are 22" tall x 18" wide you can go with 18" tall by 22" wide or go 24" and have a beautiful aquascape

 

[Gti_Leo]

well with T5s some would recommend goign with 1 lamp every 3-4 inches so on an 18" wide aquarium 6 lamps should be fine, but 8 is best to be able to keep SPS on the sand bed

 

[mr_X]

Thanks for clarifying for me. I think that sounds reasonable. What if the 125g I get has 2 center support braces? I've seen newer tanks with that.....

that's a good unit. i had one of them on a 30 breeder and it worked great. you could use 2 of those. just put high end lamps in them.

2 braces won't hurt you. you'll just have to hang the fixture(s), which i prefer anyway. those mounting legs are too short IMO. you can barely get your hand in the tank.

 

[carey]

I would def put good lamps in.

I have vaulted ceilings in my house so hanging isn't an option without getting crazy. lol I have the cant fit my hand in the tank problem with my current 48" lights so I guess i would have to learn to live with it.

Thanks very much X, I like getting your input, especially on lights.