Lighting choice for 150 gallon

[saltcreep]

So im in the lighting planning phase of my next upgrade and need some suggestions on lighting. The tank is 60x30x20 and will house mostly SPS and a few LPS and zoos at the bottom. I'm looking for mostly color and growth and have been thinking of the following 4 set ups:

1. 2 x 250wt MH with 14k Phoenix or 20k Radiums bulbs and 4 x 80wt T5 Retro (3-B+ and 1-C+) or (2-B+, 1-C+, and 1-KZ Purple).

2. 2 x 250wt MH with 14k Phoenix or 20k Radiums bulbs and 3 x 50wt Actinic Multi chip LED

3. 8 x 80wt T5 retro hood (5-B+, 2-C+, 1-KZ Purple)

4. 8 x 80wt T5 retro (4-B+, 3-C+, 1-KZ Purple) and 3 x 50wt Actinic Multi chip LED

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

g

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I don't think u need 8-80w t5s for a 150g tank. I would consider doing 6-80w t5s and LEDs. I think that would be a sweet combo. But I'm a bit bias, I'm a t5 lover.

If u had a 60x30x30 tank, I would say go with 8 bulbs. (Or 60x36x20, or something where u needed lots of spread.)


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[nicodim55]

Depends on how blue u want it. I'm using 2x250 MH 20k w led strips for moonlight. Personally, I like mine on the bluer side it's really going to depend on u coz you're the one who's going to be looking at it for the most part. JMO good luck deciding

 

[lurking]

Best color and growth go with number 1. #3 right behind that as long as it is quality fixture.

 

[saltcreep]

Hmmm... you don't think having 8 T5's is necessary for a SPS tank? I was actually considering 10 x T5's.

Thanks Nick

 

[reefes pieces]

I'd say option 5. 2 x 250w radiums with 4 t5s and combo white n blue leds in between the halides.

 

[saltcreep]

I was leaning on #1 too...Whats your suggestion on the MH bulb? 14k Phoenix or 20k Radiums? I hear Radiums are awesome!!! If I would go with number 3 than it would be the ATI Sunpower fixture.

 

[solitude127]

Ever think of running 48" bulbs? I have a 8 bulb PM over the same dimension tank as yours and it's plenty for SPS. I keep my rock about 4" off the glass all the way around so no need to light the edges.

 

[saltcreep]

Thanks Niko... looking for a little more OOmmph with my LED's that why I went with 50wt multichips or should I go with 100 watters... Hmm....

Depends on how blue u want it. I'm using 2x250 MH 20k w led strips for moonlight. Personally, I like mine on the bluer side it's really going to depend on u coz you're the one who's going to be looking at it for the most part. JMO good luck deciding

 

[saltcreep]

I may do a few LED moonlights later in between the MH's...any thought on the T5 bulb selection?

I'd say option 5. 2 x 250w radiums with 4 t5s and combo white n blue leds in between the halides.

 

[reefes pieces]

I've seen great coral color coming from T5 only systems but I love the pop and shimmer from halides. If the electricity bill wasn't a concern I'd run halides on my system.

 

[nicodim55]

Thanks Niko... looking for a little more OOmmph with my LED's that why I went with 50wt multichips or should I go with 100 watters... Hmm....

You're welcome, I have a 48" sunbright lighting tube led and 3 coralvue moonvue led strips w the halides of course and the colors pops!

 

[saltcreep]

:rofl:I've installed solor last month.... Thats why im even considering halides...

I've seen great coral color coming from T5 only systems but I love the pop and shimmer from halides. If the electricity bill wasn't a concern I'd run halides on my system.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I think 8-80w is way overkill. I would rather run 6-80w then 8-54w. Less bulbs to change out. I have a 180g tank (6x2x2), and I'm using 90-3w LEDs and 4-80w t5s. Grew SPS very nicely. If I could have fit 6-80w, I would have done it.


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Notice how ur metal halide options are 2-250w. Well IMO an 8 bulb would be like doing 3-250w halides. A 10 bulb would be like 3-400w. Sounds extreme right??

There's a guy on the forums with a 225 (6x30"x2) and he's running 6-80w t5s with like 40-3w LEDs. Grows SPS no prob


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[peter]

Metal halides are the best for sps, if electricity/heat isnt a problem. #1 with 3b+ and 1p+

 

[Classictint]

I'm running 2 250 radiums in my 48" tank currently .. I don't think 2 halides is enough for a 60" tank

 

[saltcreep]

Are you running T5's or LED's with this 250's or just the 250's by itself?

I'm running 2 250 radiums in my 48" tank currently .. I don't think 2 halides is enough for a 60" tank

 

[Classictint]

Just halides

 

[saltcreep]

Thanks... I'm leaning towards #1.... I'm just trying to decide wether to get 20k radiums or 14k Phoenix bulbs. I want a nice blue'ish tint without going too blue. I'm hoping to achieve enough blue with the T5's. I striving for good growth with the halides.