Lighting 36" wide. Questions.

[Doubledown]

Planning a large mixed reef tank. 84x36x26-30 (haven't figured out the height yet). One end will have an overflow, the other a closed loop drain and returns so probably 72" viewable.

Can I use 3 DE pendants down the center for lighting? More?
Would they have to be 400s or would 250s do?

Early testing shows potential coverage for DEs closer to 2x3 (I read that somewhere - not sure about the validity).

I was thinking of also using 4 x 72" VHOs along the two long sides (2 on each side of the MH). If I make one actinic and one straight daylight will I have enough light to keep everything?

I am looking for good coverage that won't break the bank every month in electricity.

Thanks for your help.
Chris

[Shooter9er]

I am in the same situation, 48Lx36Wx30H, 1" acrylic with euro-bracing. I am planning on running 4 110w vho actinics along with 3- 400w 10k's and 2 250w 14 or 20 k's. Who knows though, this could all change in the next 3 weeks before I set it al up.

[KJMiller]

you arnt gonna have any high light corals right in the front so put them more twards the back It will save you money.

[curthendrix]

Chris,

I'm currently planning the same tank. 84x36x30 inwall with a 72" viewing area. Overflow down the entire left side with two 2" drains. Per PFO, the 400w DE have a 3x2' coverage area...I'm sure you habe seen their chart on their website. Sonjay just tested PFO's 400w DE and his results are due out the 15th of this month. I'm planning on placing two 1" Sea Swirls on the front corners (they will be hidden by the trim and wall) on a closed loop and have my returns on spray bars in the rear of the tank along with a tunze kit that I currently have on my 155g and a 100g refugium located above the display tank in the fish room.

I hope to get by with one row of lights...only...supplemented by four 6' VHO's to balance the color (Probably to add some white since I will probably use 20ks..especially if I use the 400w DE). Anyway, I am planning on reviewing Sonjay's results, compare them to PFO's chart, and make my decision. There are a couple of people on this website that are currently using the PFO's and report very good coverage...just not any data yet on the reliability of the bulbs and how long they retain their spectrum.

Glass tank or acrylic and where are you getting it from?

Thanks...

Curt

[Doubledown]

Thanks all.

It will be a room divider - viewable on the 2 long sides. Single overflow on one end, closed loop intake on the other (I asked questions about that in another post). I was hoping to get away with 250s rather than the 400s, but if its deeper than 26" I'll need the 400s.

Sanjay's report will prove very helpful. Glad to hear I didn't just imagine the 3x2 coverage.

Haven't picked a manufacturer yet, but it will be acrylic. I'll probably call Envisions for it - heard great things.

[Fliger]

I actually have the exact tank - 84x36x26 tank. I was nervous of the width at first since everyone says MH only spans 2 feet. I'm now certain that only one row is needed. I'm going to run the three pendants right down the center, with 2 rows of fluorescent lighing, one 10K and one Blue in front and back. The ends are not as bright, but I don't intend on putting corals there anyway - and I may have to be a little careful where I put my SPS in relation to the center 24" - but I wouldn't jam corals in the front of such a wide tank, nor would I put them back 36" from the front pane.

I have a couple pix on my website - I'll put some more up this weekend.

[birdman204]

www pacificgardensupply com
I just sent these guys 3 400W icecap ballast to wire up to three lumenarc 3 pendants. These things are the endall of reflectors IMO.
Much better than the standard spider reflector.
they'll be here tommorrow. running 3 on an 8 foot long tank
reflector dimensions, ~ 20x20x9

[curthendrix]

Do any of our sponsors carry lumenarc reflectors?

[TacoKing]

That's exactly what I'm doing with my tank. I have a 72x36x24 that I'm going to light with 3 Luminarc reflectors. They cover plenty of room and are bright enough I think I can get a way with 250w bulbs as well. Now my only problem is determining which bulbs to use and if I want to use VHOs as well.

[birdman204]

NO.
They are handmade when you order, from www.pacificgardensupply.com talk to Dustin.

[birdman204]

Originally posted by TacoKing
That's exactly what I'm doing with my tank. I have a 72x36x24 that I'm going to light with 3 Luminarc reflectors. They cover plenty of room and are bright enough I think I can get a way with 250w bulbs as well. Now my only problem is determining which bulbs to use and if I want to use VHOs as well.

With the massive size of the reflectors, it may be hard to squeeze any act. supplement in that canopy. the lights will be about 60" wide, which leaves 12 for act. you sould squeeze, say 1 x 36" PC or VHO between each pendant.... or string them across the front, or the rear of the canopy since you're going 36 front to back.

[sabodish]

im running one row of 4 400W halides on my 36" wide tank...right down the middle, the very front and the very back dont get much light, but its perfect for low light corals....shrooms, zoas, etc..