Lighting help on 90g

dsn112 · 11/11/2007, 07:43 PM

Hey all, I just bought a 90g RR Oceanic ultimate tank and was wondering if you could point me in the right direction.

I want to go MH since I want to do some coral, possibly clams, and anemonies. I don't want to have to upgrade later either.

I can't hang anything so it would have to use legs to stand above the tank. The length of the tank is 48.5. Ive been looking at lighting and the systems I have seen are all around $600. I really don't want to spend that much since i still need a Sump,Skimmer,heater,LR,LS,RO/DI Unit, etc, etc,.

Any values out there that you can recommend for my tank?

Thanks
Dave

dsn112 · 11/12/2007, 10:57 AM

No opinions, I find it hard to believe.

Logzor · 11/12/2007, 11:06 AM

Well if you cannot afford a nice light now I would wait. Get the rest of the guts of the system in place then save up for a really nice light.

Basically, I recommend saving up rather than looking for a cheap buy.

Maybe pic up a really cheap PC light from a local reefer for like 50 bucks to keep stuff alive.

dsn112 · 11/12/2007, 11:30 AM

Im not really looking to go cheap. I just think that 600 seems like alot of loot. The tank is 25" deep and will have a 3" sand bed. Will most stuff thrive under something other than MH?

the tank is 48.5Lx18.5Dx25.5tall.

Im reading different things about T5's MH and PC's. And have been seeing alot of mixed opinions on what to buy. Id like to stay between 400 and 500 if I can.

Also any brands I should look at/stay away from?

silvers · 11/12/2007, 11:42 AM

I have 2x175w MH set up for sale You would have to build a canopy it consist of duel PFO 175w ballist, reflectors,sockets and older bulbs. duel PC ballist,4 older pc bulbs,reflectors and endcaps . $150.00 +shiping negotable.PM me if intreasted or want to see pics. I would look into used equiptmet in your area also. Its realy the only way to go in this hobby unless money is no object. You can pick up quality equiptment cheap if you look.

CruzinKim · 11/12/2007, 01:29 PM

Unfortunately, the SLS Maristar isn't below $600, but it got my vote.

crossi92 · 11/12/2007, 01:34 PM

Lighting is one of the most important factors in a reef aquarium. If you get something cheap now, you will just end up replacing it later.

Reef Sponger · 11/12/2007, 01:38 PM

I have a Maristar and love it! I have the same situation in that I don't have the option to hang from the ceiling.

Reef Sponger · 11/12/2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crossi92
Lighting is one of the most important factors in a reef aquarium. If you get something cheap now, you will just end up replacing it later.

You hit it right on the head. I have seen so many threads and posts of hobbyists spending thousands of dollars because they skimped on Lighting and Skimmers, which are probably the 2 most important pieces of equipment on every tank. Then they trade up and again. There's be posts of some changing 3 or 4 times before ending up with what is the best solution for equipment and if they did that up front, they would have save thousands of dollars.

dsn112 · 11/12/2007, 01:49 PM

I agree also, I learned on my 28g early, 3 skimmers in 2 weeks. Im not trying to skimp, I was very interested in doing a 4 bulb t5 setup using a retro kit and installing it into a canopy, then was told to get mh. I still am leaning towards the t5 setup with a variety of bulbs. How many to use? Hello lights has a nice retro kit for 2 bulbs for 105 plus bulbs.
I was thinking 2 or 3 of these kits:
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1369

what do you all think?

luke33 · 11/12/2007, 02:03 PM

Build a canopy and use these, you will be super happy and never have to upgrade....ever.

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...16804ff002292b

Even the 4x48" would be adequate for most anything.

luke33 · 11/12/2007, 02:04 PM

A fixture like this would work very well too

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...17d3d4ac4bcf1f

Racing1 · 11/12/2007, 02:10 PM

Do 1 of the t-5 retros from hellolights for actinics and then get 2 of the 150 watt MH reefstar pendants and you will be aroung the $550 mark.

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ProdID=19&HS=1

luke33 · 11/12/2007, 02:31 PM

For that depth if you go mh's you should use 250's.

drives300 · 11/12/2007, 06:20 PM

Are you going to go canopy or do you need a light hood. If you get a canopy you can get some retrofit MH pretty cheap. Probably a set of 250s for 200 dollars. If you need a full hood, I believe I have seen some for 400. Get Metal Halides though. Looks much better than PCs.

USC-fan · 11/12/2007, 06:26 PM

build an open canopy and get 2x 250mh pendants and a dual ballast. You should be able to get this for $500-$600.

dsn112 · 11/12/2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by USC-fan
build an open canopy and get 2x 250mh pendants and a dual ballast. You should be able to get this for $500-$600.

Open Canopy?

KurtsReef · 11/12/2007, 06:54 PM

retrofit.

Get 2 250mh and a reflector like the lumen bright for under 500. If you do not have a center brace, put one in the middle for under $250 and when you want to spend more put a couple small t5's or PC's on either side.

Many different options, look for used most area's have plenty of stuff available for sale.

USC-fan · 11/12/2007, 06:56 PM

The back and top are open.

jcltok · 11/13/2007, 06:05 PM

The cost of MH and fluorescents are misleading when it comes to saving money.

1. You replace 175 w MH bulbs every six to eight months due to phosphor degradation. Using $75 for each bulb as an average, and having two bulbs in one hood, means $300 a year more or less. 2 96w Actinics at $30 each every six months adds $120. You are now spending around $420 just for the bulbs annually.

2. Electricity costs between .10 per KWH to .12 per KWH where it is regulated. Where there is a demand arrangement in the state, then it can run from .07 to .20 per KWH. Do the math, and depending where you live, you can be spending $285 annually in electricity.

3. MH can add heat to the water - there is a trade-off between how close you place them to get more light and the amount of heat transfer. You can avoid heat transfer by raising the MH, but remember the light receive @ the water surface is inversely proportional to distance. So, buy a chiller @ $500 or crank the air conditioning (unless you are blessed with the perfect climate for the hobby) and add that to your costs.

Be aware of what you are getting into! By the way - I am way into the hobby myself, so I am not suggesting you stop!

USC-fan · 11/13/2007, 06:25 PM

1. mh last for 12-16 months, if you go with 12k, 14k, or 20k MH you don't really need actinics, IMO. To light the tank with t5 you really need 6x 48". $30x 6= $180 vs. 2x 250mh @ $60 x 2=$120.

2....

3. I live in the SE and i just use fans for cooling. I also use 2x 250de mh 14k on my 90gal......

11/11/2007, 07:43 PM	#1
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	Lighting help on 90g Hey all, I just bought a 90g RR Oceanic ultimate tank and was wondering if you could point me in the right direction. I want to go MH since I want to do some coral, possibly clams, and anemonies. I don't want to have to upgrade later either. I can't hang anything so it would have to use legs to stand above the tank. The length of the tank is 48.5. Ive been looking at lighting and the systems I have seen are all around $600. I really don't want to spend that much since i still need a Sump,Skimmer,heater,LR,LS,RO/DI Unit, etc, etc,. Any values out there that you can recommend for my tank? Thanks Dave

11/12/2007, 10:57 AM	#2
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	No opinions, I find it hard to believe. __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

11/12/2007, 11:30 AM	#4
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	Im not really looking to go cheap. I just think that 600 seems like alot of loot. The tank is 25" deep and will have a 3" sand bed. Will most stuff thrive under something other than MH? the tank is 48.5Lx18.5Dx25.5tall. Im reading different things about T5's MH and PC's. And have been seeing alot of mixed opinions on what to buy. Id like to stay between 400 and 500 if I can. Also any brands I should look at/stay away from? __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

11/12/2007, 11:42 AM	#5
silvers Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ga Posts: 356	I have 2x175w MH set up for sale You would have to build a canopy it consist of duel PFO 175w ballist, reflectors,sockets and older bulbs. duel PC ballist,4 older pc bulbs,reflectors and endcaps . $150.00 +shiping negotable.PM me if intreasted or want to see pics. I would look into used equiptmet in your area also. Its realy the only way to go in this hobby unless money is no object. You can pick up quality equiptment cheap if you look. __________________ Lord knows Im weak wont somebody get me off this reef-Sublime Current Tank Info: 120g

11/12/2007, 01:49 PM	#10
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	I agree also, I learned on my 28g early, 3 skimmers in 2 weeks. Im not trying to skimp, I was very interested in doing a 4 bulb t5 setup using a retro kit and installing it into a canopy, then was told to get mh. I still am leaning towards the t5 setup with a variety of bulbs. How many to use? Hello lights has a nice retro kit for 2 bulbs for 105 plus bulbs. I was thinking 2 or 3 of these kits: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1369 what do you all think? __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

11/12/2007, 11:06 AM	#3
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	Well if you cannot afford a nice light now I would wait. Get the rest of the guts of the system in place then save up for a really nice light. Basically, I recommend saving up rather than looking for a cheap buy. Maybe pic up a really cheap PC light from a local reefer for like 50 bucks to keep stuff alive.

11/12/2007, 01:29 PM	#6
CruzinKim Moved On Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: If Not There, Then Here. Posts: 693	Unfortunately, the SLS Maristar isn't below $600, but it got my vote.

11/12/2007, 01:34 PM	#7
crossi92 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 559	Lighting is one of the most important factors in a reef aquarium. If you get something cheap now, you will just end up replacing it later.

11/12/2007, 01:38 PM	#8
Reef Sponger Moved On Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: TX/USA Posts: 696	I have a Maristar and love it! I have the same situation in that I don't have the option to hang from the ceiling.

11/12/2007, 02:03 PM	#11
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Build a canopy and use these, you will be super happy and never have to upgrade....ever. https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...16804ff002292b Even the 4x48" would be adequate for most anything.

11/12/2007, 02:04 PM	#12
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	A fixture like this would work very well too https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...17d3d4ac4bcf1f

11/12/2007, 02:10 PM	#13
Racing1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 740	Do 1 of the t-5 retros from hellolights for actinics and then get 2 of the 150 watt MH reefstar pendants and you will be aroung the $550 mark. http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ProdID=19&HS=1

11/12/2007, 02:31 PM	#14
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	For that depth if you go mh's you should use 250's.

11/12/2007, 06:20 PM	#15
drives300 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 961	Are you going to go canopy or do you need a light hood. If you get a canopy you can get some retrofit MH pretty cheap. Probably a set of 250s for 200 dollars. If you need a full hood, I believe I have seen some for 400. Get Metal Halides though. Looks much better than PCs. __________________ Water Param 79 degrees nit 0 amm 0 phos 0 salifers Calcium 450 salifer alk 11 dkh Ph 8-8.1 Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon,reef octopus nw150, 2 oceanflow mods, 2x 250w 10k mh, phos reactor

11/12/2007, 06:26 PM	#16
USC-fan Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,626	build an open canopy and get 2x 250mh pendants and a dual ballast. You should be able to get this for $500-$600.

11/12/2007, 06:54 PM	#18
KurtsReef Premium Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Boston, NY Posts: 2,603	retrofit. Get 2 250mh and a reflector like the lumen bright for under 500. If you do not have a center brace, put one in the middle for under $250 and when you want to spend more put a couple small t5's or PC's on either side. Many different options, look for used most area's have plenty of stuff available for sale.

11/12/2007, 06:56 PM	#19
USC-fan Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,626	The back and top are open.

11/13/2007, 06:05 PM	#20
jcltok Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 36	I suggest wait The cost of MH and fluorescents are misleading when it comes to saving money. 1. You replace 175 w MH bulbs every six to eight months due to phosphor degradation. Using $75 for each bulb as an average, and having two bulbs in one hood, means $300 a year more or less. 2 96w Actinics at $30 each every six months adds $120. You are now spending around $420 just for the bulbs annually. 2. Electricity costs between .10 per KWH to .12 per KWH where it is regulated. Where there is a demand arrangement in the state, then it can run from .07 to .20 per KWH. Do the math, and depending where you live, you can be spending $285 annually in electricity. 3. MH can add heat to the water - there is a trade-off between how close you place them to get more light and the amount of heat transfer. You can avoid heat transfer by raising the MH, but remember the light receive @ the water surface is inversely proportional to distance. So, buy a chiller @ $500 or crank the air conditioning (unless you are blessed with the perfect climate for the hobby) and add that to your costs. Be aware of what you are getting into! By the way - I am way into the hobby myself, so I am not suggesting you stop! __________________ Joe Ramirez

11/13/2007, 06:25 PM	#21
USC-fan Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,626	1. mh last for 12-16 months, if you go with 12k, 14k, or 20k MH you don't really need actinics, IMO. To light the tank with t5 you really need 6x 48". $30x 6= $180 vs. 2x 250mh @ $60 x 2=$120. 2.... 3. I live in the SE and i just use fans for cooling. I also use 2x 250de mh 14k on my 90gal......