MeuserReef
05/16/2008, 03:21 PM
Im setting up a 120XH reef tank (60"x18"x26") and am trying to decide on my lighting configuration.
I already have (2) 150W DE MH Lamps on my current tank that I would like to use. The plan is to reuse these on the new tank (to save both on initial expense, and to keep the operating costs down). I will be upgrading the reflectors to makimize output and will be switching from the Phoenix 14K to the AB 10K lamps in an effort to squeeze the absolute maximum PAR out of my 150W lamps.
To offset the switch from 14K to 10K on the halides, I would like to add (8) 24W T5HO actinic lamps to offset the whiter light that I will be getting from the MH.
Im hoping to get some feedback on the proposed lighting configuration that I have illustrated below. Obviously there will be a shadow where the plastic center brace is, but Im considering a modification that will replace it with clear acrylic. If I go that route, I will probably use (4) 48" 54W T5 bulbs instead of the (8) 24W bulbs.
(2) 150W MH w/ (8) 24W T5HO Bulbs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/Original_Tarheel/120Lightingproposed.jpg
I already have (2) 150W DE MH Lamps on my current tank that I would like to use. The plan is to reuse these on the new tank (to save both on initial expense, and to keep the operating costs down). I will be upgrading the reflectors to makimize output and will be switching from the Phoenix 14K to the AB 10K lamps in an effort to squeeze the absolute maximum PAR out of my 150W lamps.
To offset the switch from 14K to 10K on the halides, I would like to add (8) 24W T5HO actinic lamps to offset the whiter light that I will be getting from the MH.
Im hoping to get some feedback on the proposed lighting configuration that I have illustrated below. Obviously there will be a shadow where the plastic center brace is, but Im considering a modification that will replace it with clear acrylic. If I go that route, I will probably use (4) 48" 54W T5 bulbs instead of the (8) 24W bulbs.
(2) 150W MH w/ (8) 24W T5HO Bulbs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/Original_Tarheel/120Lightingproposed.jpg