Needing light setup suggestions - 125 gallon reef

RCSavager · 12/24/2010, 05:34 PM

I'm new to the site as a registered member but have been reading for a while now. Here comes the questions...

Currently the wife and I have a 125g reef tank that we're looking to convert to a non-reef-safe tank and moving our corals to a 55g sitting next to it. Currently I have 2 x 250w MH 14k lights on it and it looks great. With the addition of a 55g next to it we're about to hit the limit of the amperes that this line can carry (has the main TV, 5.1 stereo for it, 2 computers and a small 20gal freshwater all running on the same circuit. The 15amp breaker has hit a few times so I'd like to make sure that when we add the 55g we don't make matters worse.

I'm looking for a comparable solution where I can light the 125 with SHO, VHO, CF, etc that will draw less amps than the 2 x 250's currently in use to allow lighting and pump for the 55g.

I've looked at the LED option to light the main tank but am a bit put off on the $600+ it would take to make a DIY LED setup. In not knowing a whole lot about comparable options but still wanting to find a DIY solution that can be mounted under the hoods I'd like some suggestions from the community on what setups can accommodate our needs. The 55g has a pair of VHO lights under the hood so that's covered. Basically I just need to replace the 2 x 250w MH's with something that will supply the light we need with less of a power draw.

Your suggestions would be much appreciated.

BTW, hello everyone on Reef Central!

Swim · 12/24/2010, 05:50 PM

I have a friend that has the ACAN LED light and his tank is doing great. No other lighting formats on the tank but the ACAN. Pricey but it has a great controller with it too.

I'm running a Solaris I5 but they don't make them anymore.

RCSavager · 12/24/2010, 06:08 PM

According to their website I'd need 2 x A102AC lights at 36" to replace our current setup. That's over $4000. I'm thinking something florescent instead. It's Xmas and $4K just isn't burning a hole in my pocket right now.

But the suggestion is still appreciated. <3

12/24/2010, 05:34 PM	#1
RCSavager Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	Needing light setup suggestions - 125 gallon reef I'm new to the site as a registered member but have been reading for a while now. Here comes the questions... Currently the wife and I have a 125g reef tank that we're looking to convert to a non-reef-safe tank and moving our corals to a 55g sitting next to it. Currently I have 2 x 250w MH 14k lights on it and it looks great. With the addition of a 55g next to it we're about to hit the limit of the amperes that this line can carry (has the main TV, 5.1 stereo for it, 2 computers and a small 20gal freshwater all running on the same circuit. The 15amp breaker has hit a few times so I'd like to make sure that when we add the 55g we don't make matters worse. I'm looking for a comparable solution where I can light the 125 with SHO, VHO, CF, etc that will draw less amps than the 2 x 250's currently in use to allow lighting and pump for the 55g. I've looked at the LED option to light the main tank but am a bit put off on the $600+ it would take to make a DIY LED setup. In not knowing a whole lot about comparable options but still wanting to find a DIY solution that can be mounted under the hoods I'd like some suggestions from the community on what setups can accommodate our needs. The 55g has a pair of VHO lights under the hood so that's covered. Basically I just need to replace the 2 x 250w MH's with something that will supply the light we need with less of a power draw. Your suggestions would be much appreciated. BTW, hello everyone on Reef Central! Last edited by RCSavager; 12/24/2010 at 05:42 PM.

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12/24/2010, 05:50 PM	#2
Swim Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Staten Island Posts: 151	I have a friend that has the ACAN LED light and his tank is doing great. No other lighting formats on the tank but the ACAN. Pricey but it has a great controller with it too. I'm running a Solaris I5 but they don't make them anymore.

12/24/2010, 06:08 PM	#3
RCSavager Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	According to their website I'd need 2 x A102AC lights at 36" to replace our current setup. That's over $4000. I'm thinking something florescent instead. It's Xmas and $4K just isn't burning a hole in my pocket right now. But the suggestion is still appreciated. <3