Lighting a 72 inch tank for mixed reef / fish...

larrysc3

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I am in the process of building a 6ft tank at my house to be a mixed reef / fish tank. In my research journey I have decided that my largest expense is likely going to be lighting. I have seen many, many options but for me the jury is out on making a decision. Lighting this beast is going to be expensive! I am thinking about going some DIY route or buying something used. My tank is 25 inches deep so I need some decent penetration to get to the bottom of the tank. I am deferring to everyone here for their recommendations. If you were setting up a 6ft tank, and didn't want to spend $1000 for lighting, what would be your choice?
 
MH with T5 supplementation. You can do this very reasonably and not break the bank. To put LED's over that thing will be $$$
 
indecloudzua;919826 wrote: Have you checked out rapidled?

This comes out to $1000 no matter how I cut it. The 180 gal kit is $935...as much as I love LED's, it just does not seem to fit my budget.

Edit:
Ringo®;919827 wrote: Could look at a photon 48 if you don't want to break the bank

Any idea on the quality of these fixtures and lights? I would hate to spend $500 on a light that wouldn't hold up over the years.

Edit:
Mikesmith34;919823 wrote: MH with T5 supplementation. You can do this very reasonably and not break the bank. To put LED's over that thing will be $$$

Wont this create an issue with heat? I dont know that I am in a huge rush to get into a chiller, thus raising the cost in a different area.
 
larrysc3;919835 wrote: Any idea on the quality of these fixtures and lights? I would hate to spend $500 on a light that wouldn't hold up over the years.

I run them over 2 of my displays and I have no complaints so far. Lots of others here do as well, I'm sure they'll chime in at some point.
 
I have a 72" tank with a 48" led light, no optics and have no issues. It does allow you to put low light corals at the ends of the tanks for better results
 
Please also consider you will be spending probably $200-300 a year replacing all those bulbs. LED is expensive up front but it will always save you money.

What we see a lot of people doing is either going for something like Hydras, Radion, Razor, etc and just buying them as they can afford them. So you could start with two Hydras at $800 and add a 3rd later when you can afford it. Or even one at a time. More then likely you won't be packing out the tank with coral right off the bat anyway, especially if your already on a budget.
 
I've got 2 250 w MH over my 90 gallon. Yes you will need to replace the bulbs every year at 50-70 bucks a pop. As far as heat goes it has never been a problem with a small plug in fan in the canopy that comes on with the lights during the summer. Winter is never an issue. Never!

There are pros and cons some like LEDS some don't. I would love a set but they are going to bust your a.s.s when you buy them. If you are on a tight budget a used lighting system with new bulbs can save you some dough and you are good to go. For me 800-2000 bucks was never a consideration. I just can't swing it.
 
best thing ive learned so far in reefing is take your time and get what you want initially.otherwise, you'll be wanting to change down the road and end up spending a lot more. weeding thru the reviews is the hardest part for me it seems when actually deciding something. just my two cents.good luck with build!
 
i think metal halides should be changed sooner than 12 months . when i had them over my old tank i got new bulbs every 6 months.

i am currently running 4 led units over my tank which when new was about $250 x4 = $1000.00
now with all 4 units total price i spent is $375.00
and i have had them for 2 years now and they still work great without replacing any bulbs.
 
I'm setting up a 4' using the Radion (I already have) in the middle with MH on each side.

With the MH the bulbs are a $ factor but you also have to keep your electrical bill in mind (VS LED's).
 
What LED fixtures are you using? That price seems very low for a 6' fixture.

dabo;919981 wrote: i think metal halides should be changed sooner than 12 months . when i had them over my old tank i got new bulbs every 6 months.

i am currently running 4 led units over my tank which when new was about $250 x4 = $1000.00
now with all 4 units total price i spent is $375.00
and i have had them for 2 years now and they still work great without replacing any bulbs.

Edit: I just found this company in Texas. From my limited research it would appear they are quite reliable and fairly priced. Has anyone heard of them or have experience with them?

BuildMyLED - http://www.buildmyled.com/aquarium/
 
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