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View Full Version : 180 Lighting Help Please.....

ron burgandy
10/30/2006, 09:58 AM
I'm setting up a 180gl - 72"24"25". I'm trying to decide between 4 250w mh's with standard reflectors, or 3 250w mh's with LumarcIII minis. I want a nice even distributation of light, no shadows. I'm also undecided about my supp. lighting. T5's or VHO's. I really want the tank to "pop" and look good. It will be a mixed reef with sps also. I'm purchasing this afternoon so your replies will be greatly appreciated.
ron burgandy
10/30/2006, 12:40 PM
Anybody?
EnderG60
10/30/2006, 12:59 PM
if its a aga style tank with two braces do 3x250w's or 3x400's if its got a single brace go with either 4x250's or 2x400's or hell 4x400's

depends what color bulb you want to run and what corals you want to keep
TrojanScott
10/30/2006, 01:44 PM
I have 3 250W halides and think they provide plenty of light. I have ReefOptix reflectors, and they seem to distribute the light just fine. I have 2 VHO's for actinic light. I don't think you can go wrong with either set up, but 4 halides, at least IMO, would be a ton of light, and probably overkill. Should be able to keep whatever you want, (I do anyways) with 3 halides, and the Lumenaric reflectors are top of the line, so you should be okay.
marinelife
10/30/2006, 02:54 PM
I have 3 400s with 2 vhos on my 180, I like it
jag1979
10/30/2006, 03:39 PM
I have a aga 180 and have 3x250's and 3x80 t5's. Plenty bright! i really like the t5's, I got the icecap t5 retro kit and overlapped two in front of my mh's and put 1 in the middle behind them.

remember if you go 400's instead of the 250's you will almost certanly need a chiller. W/ my 250's I just have one 4.75" fan in the canopy and 1 6" fan in the sump and the temp has not risen above 83, it normally stays below 82.
ron burgandy
10/30/2006, 03:53 PM
Great. Jag's setup sounds about perfect. Thanks for the help fellas.
Wiskey
10/30/2006, 04:22 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8444252#post8444252 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EnderG60
if its a aga style tank with two braces do 3x250w's or 3x400's if its got a single brace go with either 4x250's or 2x400's or hell 4x400's

depends what color bulb you want to run and what corals you want to keep

Agreed.

Whiskey