naturally, the larger the tank the better off for tangs. i would rather keep a tang in a 6' tank..like a 125. it's a good size tank.
you could keep some tangs in a 4' tank, like a scopus, or kole. most of the others get huge and require some swimming space.
scarfish, you aren't going to be keeping any photosynthetic creatures in that tank are you? if so, i would lower that light considerably. 6" off of the water surface is plenty high to protect it from water splashing.
another option is hydroponics lighting. they also utilize excellent, individual reflectors like reef lighting, but there are 2 downsides:
1. they are generally wider than reef fixtures, so you will have to pay attention to that. i have an 8 lamp fixture right now and the footprint is 48" x 24".
2. they only come with one cord, so you can't have a morning/evening transition. photosynthesis is not effected by the lack of a morning/evening transition though...it's just for our own viewing pleasure.
how long is the tank? and what kind of lights do you want? metal halides? T5s? LEDs?
MHs, are fairly expensive, get very hot, use up a lot of electricity, but are extremely powerful.
T5s unless they are indiviually reflected arent as powerful, but cost less upfront and electricity-wise.
LEDs are very expensive, but are very energy efficient, and quite powerful. and most of them time completely customizable in terms of coloring, white/blue balance etc.
Doug, does this fixture support HO lamps?naturally, the larger the tank the better off for tangs. i would rather keep a tang in a 6' tank..like a 125. it's a good size tank.
you could keep some tangs in a 4' tank, like a scopus, or kole. most of the others get huge and require some swimming space.
scarfish, you aren't going to be keeping any photosynthetic creatures in that tank are you? if so, i would lower that light considerably. 6" off of the water surface is plenty high to protect it from water splashing.
another option is hydroponics lighting. they also utilize excellent, individual reflectors like reef lighting, but there are 2 downsides:
1. they are generally wider than reef fixtures, so you will have to pay attention to that. i have an 8 lamp fixture right now and the footprint is 48" x 24".
2. they only come with one cord, so you can't have a morning/evening transition. photosynthesis is not effected by the lack of a morning/evening transition though...it's just for our own viewing pleasure.