lighting a rimless 95 gallon (36x24x25) ??

Mark75 · #1 12/07/2007, 08:16 AM

I need suggestions on how to light a 95 (36x24x25) sps tank. I am open to all ideas, T5, metal halide, a combination. This is a low-budget build so keep the cost as low as possible. Keep in mind it is rimless and braceless. If this were your 95 what specific light would you put over it? thanks

GSMguy · #2 12/07/2007, 08:22 AM

36 inch ten bulb Ati powemodule.

Mark75 · #3 12/07/2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
36 inch ten bulb Ati powemodule.

How would this compare in cost to a 250watt metal halide pendant? I am not familar with the powermodule, what do they cost?

grundig5 · #4 12/07/2007, 09:20 AM

The 10 bulb with bulbs is $1129. However, you would have to get on a waiting list and likely wont see the fixture until February or later.
I know because I am in the same boat. I am trying to light a 36x25tall tank that is 95% SPS, without using a canopy. IMO, dual 250s is a waste of energy. A single 250 in a LA3 or mini is decent coverage, but then you are basically stuck using a single bulb...so if you dont like the color, gotta buy a new bulb.
This is why I am looking into high quality T5 fixtures, and frankly there isnt much in 36" length that can penetrate the full depth of the tank. I looked into fauna marin, and the 6x39 is now extremely expensive (not $550 anymore). The ATI powermodule is a long wait, and expensive. The Aquactinics tx5 is decent, but just shot up in price as well. There is a possibility that aquactinics will make a solarflare for 36" tanks, but I think they need more pressure to do it (hint hint...pm them). Some people might suggest the outerorbit from Current, which is probably a decent fixture but a waste of energy IMO for 36". There is also the Elos t5/mh fixture and the maristar. HTH...

Mark75 · #5 12/07/2007, 09:43 AM

I was thinking two 175 or 250 halide pendants? My main concern is price. I would love to have a 250 halide with 4-39watt T5's but there is no way I am paying the prices I have seen. Is it possible to light this tank with one 250 or 400 watt metal halide? Who makes a good, cheap pendant?

grundig5 · #6 12/07/2007, 10:07 AM

If you want a single halide, go with a lumenarc pendant.

You could also do 2x175 with Iwasaki 15k's assuming you like those bulbs, since they have great par and would save 150watts versus 2x250. If you ever wanted to upgrade to 250s, the pendants could be adjusted for the bulb.

Its not easy to get good light into a tank on the cheap side without a canopy.

Mark75 · #7 12/07/2007, 11:55 AM

If I went with the Lumenarc pendant I would need,

Lumenarc pendant $140
250w metal halide DE bulb $90
250w ballast $??? (which one?)

Anything else I would need? These prices seem right?

grundig5 · #8 12/07/2007, 12:02 PM

Most people choose a ballast based on the bulb they want to run. Certain bulbs require certain ballasts, and others just run differently (Ie Pheonix bulb on hqi ballast vs. icecap...very different)

Mark75 · #9 12/07/2007, 12:35 PM

Can you ballpark 250w ballast prices for me? What is a good 250w de bulb and ballast combo and price?

Ewan · #10 12/07/2007, 12:45 PM

check out hellolights. They have the luminarc with bulb and ballast options. Great prices too.

-e.

neyugn0w01 · #11 12/07/2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
36 inch ten bulb Ati powemodule.

That is the best option if money was not a factor. You can always use two luminarc mini and supplement that with some T5 retro with IC660.

TeeLapia · #12 12/07/2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by neyugn0w01
That is the best option if money was not a factor. You can always use two luminarc mini and supplement that with some T5 retro with IC660.

2nd that notion. Get ICECAP Eballast for your MH and 660 for T-5. You can even get 1 mini as they have coverage of 36"x36". No more worries, and just watch your beautiful tank shine.