How to light a 120 without breaking the bank...

[Andru881]

Thinking about getting a 120 tomorrow and I need to know how much light I would need on it...Its a 48x24x24 tank so...I'm going to be keeping everything in it, not just SPS but softies some clams and anything that I think looks cool.

I like HQI better then the screw in type, do you think 2-250w HQI would work fine? (trying to keep the power bill down, don't really want 400s but If I have to i will) I also dont like running anything over the tank but the MH, no VHO or PC's with it, just a good old 20k bulb. Also maybe like a single NO actinic blue bulb for dusk and dawn lighting. Its going to be in a room with a lot of natural light also... Any ideas?


Thanx

Note: I had a 175w 12k over my 20g with a fan and it had major heat problems then switched to a 150w HQI 20k and the heat problems went away without a fan, the heater stays on most of the day to keep it at 80f, and its summer time now. Thats why I like HQI better

[rs2208]

I have an Oceanic 120 RR. I use 2 - 175w 10K ushios's and 2 - 110w VHO actinics. I have a wide assortment of corals. Many people might not agree that this is enough light for sps and clams, but I have had excellent luck. You can see pics at www.geocities.com/rs2208

[Fishiness?]

I'm just in the process of setting up a 120. I'm going with two 250W 10K MHs in Spiderlight reflectors off of a Dual 250W HQI PFO Ballast (when I can afford it) and 4 - 110W URI VHO bulbs (probably 3 - Super Actinic & 1 - Aqua Sun) off of an IceCap 660. Yeah, it's a lot of light... but I figure that is one area where you DON'T want to cut corners. JMO.

rs2208 --- Your tank does look great! How many lbs of LR do you have? What kind?

[photobarry]

I'm planning lighting for a 90 (nearly the same size) and have decided on 2 250W DE with electronic ballasts. I am trying to keep the total amperage of my system low enough that I don't need another circuit. The electronic ballasts run at 2.5amps vs the PFO HQI ballast at over 4 (maybe even 5.5). I found some good prices on ballasts at reeffanatic.com.

[outdoorandmore]

I have a 100g with LPS, SPS, and softies and just upgraded my 4 x 96w PCs to dual 175w 10k ushios and 2 - 55w 03 actinics. The MH are noticeably better than the PCs, but I think I should have gone for a higher wattage MH. So I'm planning on upgrading to dual 400w 20k...I've decided not to mess around anymore and just go for it.
I hope everything works out :)

[Andru881]

Thats for all the info, how does everyone feel about going with the HQI bulbs over the screw in type?
Did anyone else notice a heat difference?

[cwa46]

If you want to reduce your light bill, reduce your water depth. You can light a 12" deep tank with NO bulbs.
Personally, I have found lighting to be the most important part of the system. I use DIY MH. You also need to consider how much your choice will cost every month in power. But for your tank depth, you need two 400 W MH's in my opinion.

[blureef1]

My tank has the same dimensions yours does, except mine is only 21 inches tall. If I remember right it was a lot cheaper than a 24 inch tall, as the manufacturer used a thicker acrylic for anything taller .

I went with 2 250w metal halides and 2 NO 40w flourescents (actinics), in order to keep the electric bill reasonable. Have had great growth & success with SPS, clams, and softs as well.

If I were to do it again I might go with PC actinics to supplement or VHO's. But overall I am very pleased with the appearance of my 10k AB's and 40w actinics.

[Andru881]

I think Im doing pretty good with everything I have so far since I pick up the 120g tank this morning for $100 and a friend have me a quite one pump that I can use as the return...=)

I got the light issue worked out, now the only major thing Im running into right now is a good skimmer...