Lighting a 48x36x30 SPS tank

[BreadmanMike]

My plan is to run two 400's in Lumenarc III's, a four bulb Ice Cap T5 retro and a normally driven set of T5's.

I'd like to hear some other ideas that anyone might have.

[The Grim Reefer]

I'd run the 4 lamp IC retro (2 in front and 2 bhind the halides)with blueplus lamps and instead of another 4 lamp T5 run 2 VHO actinics, one in between each of the T5'.

[BreadmanMike]

Interesting, why the VHO's instead of running UVL SA T5's?

[The Grim Reefer]

The T5 actinics can't match the VHO version, yet:)

[manofcoral]

Not to hijack this thread, but I am in the planing stage of setting up a starfire glass tank those same dimensions. How do you like it? Is it hard to get to some spots to clean? I know it is a lot to ask, but you you send me some pics? I will keep watching this thread for lighting ideas also.Thanks.
Paul<><

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9205558#post9205558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by manofcoral
Not to hijack this thread, but I am in the planing stage of setting up a starfire glass tank those same dimensions. How do you like it? Is it hard to get to some spots to clean? I know it is a lot to ask, but you you send me some pics? I will keep watching this thread for lighting ideas also.Thanks.
Paul<><

I haven't got the tank yet. I'm in the process of ordering it. I don't think it will be a challenge at all to aquascape and the bottom should be spotless with the three 6100 streams and a Marlin closed loop with three penductors.

I love cubish type tanks, so I can't wait to get this rolling.

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9203804#post9203804 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
The T5 actinics can't match the VHO version, yet:)

Agree, however I was going to run 2 ATI blue+ and 2 UVL SA's on the Ice Cap ballast and 1 KZ red and 1 Fiji Purple on a triad. I can't fit 8 T5's with a regular lumenarc under a 36" wide canopy. I would have to use the mini's. I think I'm better off with 2 less T5's and the bigger reflector???

[kodyboy]

why not just go with an aquatinics solar flare unit or two? That would work well.

[kodyboy]

Grim,
The UV (URI) t5 super actinics are not as good as the UV (URI) t12 vho super actinics?

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9207964#post9207964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
why not just go with an aquatinics solar flare unit or two? That would work well.

I'd love to get a fixture, but I have to use as much of my current equipment as possible. I had to do a lot of begging already to get another tank lol.

EDIT: I want Halides, not just T5's

[kodyboy]

Understood:)

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9207699#post9207699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
Agree, however I was going to run 2 ATI blue+ and 2 UVL SA's on the Ice Cap ballast and 1 KZ red and 1 Fiji Purple on a triad. I can't fit 8 T5's with a regular lumenarc under a 36" wide canopy. I would have to use the mini's. I think I'm better off with 2 less T5's and the bigger reflector???

Probably are better off with the bigger reflector.

[The Grim Reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9207984#post9207984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
Grim,
The UV (URI) t5 super actinics are not as good as the UV (URI) t12 vho super actinics?

No, Of course the T5 supplies a lot more usable PAR but actinics are about the looks and the VHO version is a step better than the T5.