Lighting for an 80 gal

[andira23]

I'd like to have some anenomes and some corals, what kind of lighting do you all suggest??

Thanks

 

[theatrus]

What are the tank dimensions (LxDxH)

For anemones and higher light corals, metal-halide is strongly suggested. The depth of your tank dictates the bulb wattage to use. Shallow tanks can use 175W, deeper tanks need to go to 250 or even 400

 

[andira23]

L = 48in, w = 14 in, H = 30 in.... Looks like I'm going more for a 400w end.... Would you recommend getting a tri bulb setup 48 in long or a lighting hookup with more, shorter bulbs? Also, what brand do you recommend and what type of bulbs...blue acintic, 10K, ect??? Thanks

 

[theatrus]

2x 250W or 400W should do, depending on the bulb you wish to run. The tank footprint is only 4' by 14", you'd be hard pressed to fit more than 2 bulbs in there, especialy if you have a center brace.

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

Is an awesome reference on different 250W MH bulbs, how they look, and the amount of light they put out.

 

[andira23]

Thank you!!

 

[theatrus]

If you don't want to shell out the bucks for MH, T5 is ever popular as well. I just can't get over the shimmer effects of MH

 

[DragonForce]

I would get 2 400w 14k fixtures. I always suggest 10k and throw some actinic in there, but for the sake of room I would go with 14k.

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

There are definatly some good pictures to help you choose a bulb on this site.

I would also go with 2 magnetic ballasts to cut cost on lighting. Many people use Advance brand ballasts. I am using a 10k XM bulb and am very happy with the results.