After recently moving, I was originally going to downgrade my previously setup 40 breeder to a 20. But once in the new place, I quickly realized a "downgrade" simply wouldn't do.
Soooooooo I'm now planning a 120 upgrade (pending wife approval :a26
. My question involves lighting. I have a 36" 6-bulb Tek fixture from my previous 40 setup. Will the 6-bulb T5 setup be enough to light a standard 120 (4x2x2)?
I plan on having a mixed reef with only a few hopefully easier sps like birdnest, pocillopora, and some monti caps and digis, with some lps, zoas, and ricordea on the bottom to mid level. I know my 36" fixture won't provide full coverage, but I'd actually prefer that since I plan on having my LPS and softies on the outer edges of the tank.
Another option I've been kicking around is to attach some DIY Royal Blue and violet LEDs (between 42 to 48 total LEDs) along the front and back of the fixture for additional pop. I can thrown in a few neutral white LEDS if needed since my 36" fixture won't provide full coverage. Will the additional LEDs be sufficient to provide overall good coverage? Are the additional neutral whites necessary or can I just add the RB and violets for that LED pop I want?
I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get closer to the build. Right now I just want to properly plan everything and do it right the first time.
Looking forward to what everyone has to say. I know 120 is a popular reefer size, so I'm hoping to get some good firsthand light experience with this size reef.
Soooooooo I'm now planning a 120 upgrade (pending wife approval :a26
. My question involves lighting. I have a 36" 6-bulb Tek fixture from my previous 40 setup. Will the 6-bulb T5 setup be enough to light a standard 120 (4x2x2)? I plan on having a mixed reef with only a few hopefully easier sps like birdnest, pocillopora, and some monti caps and digis, with some lps, zoas, and ricordea on the bottom to mid level. I know my 36" fixture won't provide full coverage, but I'd actually prefer that since I plan on having my LPS and softies on the outer edges of the tank.
Another option I've been kicking around is to attach some DIY Royal Blue and violet LEDs (between 42 to 48 total LEDs) along the front and back of the fixture for additional pop. I can thrown in a few neutral white LEDS if needed since my 36" fixture won't provide full coverage. Will the additional LEDs be sufficient to provide overall good coverage? Are the additional neutral whites necessary or can I just add the RB and violets for that LED pop I want?
I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get closer to the build. Right now I just want to properly plan everything and do it right the first time.
Looking forward to what everyone has to say. I know 120 is a popular reefer size, so I'm hoping to get some good firsthand light experience with this size reef.
