Lighting for 75gal

[reefmonpimp]

I am just getting started in the hobby and am curious how much lighting I need for my tank. I have a 75gal and am not sure whether to go for 2-175watt or 2-250watt or can i get away with 1-400watt.

What are my options?

[dwdenny]

what are you wanting to keep? This will make the choice for you. If SPS tank I would go with the 2X250w. One other thing is there going to be a canopy to retro or are you going to go with fixtures?

[reefmonpimp]

I am looking to keep SPS corals. I want to do pendants with an open top.

[wrz0170]

My apologies for somewhat hijacking the thread but I just got a 75as well. :D

What could one do with something like an Outer Orbit (2 150W with 2 130 dual actinic) ?

Or something like the above but with dual 175 w ?

Thanks!

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

the orbit fixtures are great IMO....(wrz0170)
you could keep anything with that
except for (some picky clams & some sps)

as for m.h.'s(reefmonpimp)
2-250's is def. way to go for sps tank

[dougchambers]

Reefmon -

We ran a 75RR for a few years with 2-250W 10,000K MH and 4-110W Actinic VHOs. The URI Actinic and 10,000K bulbs made for a nice light balance.

As for the 2x175 or 2x250 question, personally I would bump up to the 250W. It will give you better light penitration and allow you to keep most anything. A single 400W wouldn't be advisable as the general rule is one MH bulb per 2-feet of tank.

You mentioned pendant fixtures. If you go with a modified hood or create a box around the light fixtures, the Luminarc L3 or the new smaller reflectors are outstanding.

Sorry WRZ - I'm not familar with the Outer Orbit, but 2-150W isn't a lot of light for an SPS tank. I'm assuming the 130W dual actinics are PC or T5? If it were me, I would go with URI Actinic VHO bulbs.

-Doug

[wrz0170]

My apologies, but a little confused now. :confused:


Eagles mentioned except for the really difficult stuff, one could keep quite a bit with dual 150W

Dougchambers said dual 150W wouldn't keep a happy sps tank

Eagles: Hey, were not far apart!

[dwdenny]

150's dont have the water penitrating power that the 250's do. If you want to keep SPS any where in the tankthe 250's would be best. If you went with the 150's keep SPS under the lamps with in say 12" to the sides and no more then 12" under the light and you should be fine. IMO the 250's would be the best choice here.

[hollinhead]

I think the outer orbit will do the job. it uses the same type of reflector as t-5s, meaning more light will enter the tank.

[no1b4me]

just want to share what i have in mine, 2 250 DE MH Ocean light. What i have mostly sps, and clams, and will get more sps down the road.

i would vote for 2 250 whether SE or DE, thats way you can put anything you want, top or all the way to bottom instead of thinking where would be the best place and ended up moving all over the tank due to color shifting.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

hey wrz....
i just meant that for my 90 2x150's allowed me to keep some easier sps, clams, and lps

yea, we are close. i was thinking of going to birds camp today!
do you have any corals or frags you want to trade?

[wrz0170]

EAGLES: I am starting up very soon with a new 75 RR tank. I am figuring that if you do pretty good with a 90, I should do pretty good! The tank is only 21" high.

Would love to trade some corals and frags some day when I get some :D

Have fun at the camp! I don't think you will see T.O. there. He and A.R. are not playing nice nice together.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

rosenhaus needs to be slapped!! right in front of his clients!!!
a big backhanded bi??? slap!!!

need some powerheads?
i could sell you a maxi 900 & a rio 600 for $20 both together

[wrz0170]

Originally posted by E-A-G-L-E-S
rosenhaus needs to be slapped!! right in front of his clients!!!
a big backhanded bi??? slap!!!

Amen and had 3 backhands to T.O.



need some powerheads?
i could sell you a maxi 900 & a rio 600 for $20 both together

Thanks! Yep, could use some powerheads, please PM me and we will work it out. :D