lights for 215 gal

[ldybkr]

If you wanted to buy lights for the above tank, reef, what in your opinion would be the best lights to get?

 

[skriz]

BigD's tank is awesome, so I can't talk badly about t5's. BUT, I'm a mh fan. You can't beat the shimmer and par of mh.

But, let us know what you intend to keep and we can give a better reccomendation.

 

[ldybkr]

Dave, do you have any updated pics of your tank? I guess you don't have a problem with heat? What lighting will you use on your new tank build?

 

[mike17kb]

215 what are tank dimensions

 

[ldybkr]

72.5 x 24.5 x 29
Want to pick out the best of the best for any type of coral I decide on.

Also looking for best skimmer that I can get for it. I am looking at the vortech pumps and pacific coast flow masters.

Thoughts?

 

[ldybkr]

This is the way I am leaning. I appreciate your comments.

 

[stickx911]

ares;210359 wrote: MH and T5

why choose?

Id go with 3 250w or 400w MHs, and pair that with 4 or 6 60" T5, 2/4 or 4/6 as actinic, then 2 50/50 or something. gets you your actinic pop, your shadows are filled in with the 2 50/50 bulbs, and the MH gives you your pure dominant light with the sweet shimmer.

wow I think my powerbill would double...:lol2:

 

[ldybkr]

But just think of how beautiful your tank would look.

 

[thedeper]

Check out the LED mogul thread floating around...Those LED's that do not need a ballast are pretty trick.

 

[ldybkr]

Yes, I am hoping one of the vendors may have something to show?

 

[thedeper]

Those LED's aren't powered by a ballast at all I don't think...but im not sure.

 

[ldybkr]

Eventually I would like to have a nice show tank. It is my dream.

 

[mike17kb]

LDYBKR;210343 wrote: 72.5 x 24.5 x 29
Want to pick out the best of the best for any type of coral I decide on.

Also looking for best skimmer that I can get for it. I am looking at the vortech pumps and pacific coast flow masters.

Thoughts?

Is this the Oceanic tank or another mfg? I have the Oceanic tank that is 72*24*29.5 and is 210. either way a great size tank

 

[ldybkr]

It is the oceanic ultimate to go into a beautiful cherrywood cabinet with crown molding.

 

[skriz]

I still vote for MH.

The LED mogul doesn't use an external ballast. They also don't pull 400watts. You will need to supplement these bulbs with some blue and actinic; they're yellow in appearance.

For flow, vortechs are really nice. MRC can help you out with those; pm me for details if you're interested.

 

[theplatypus]

but anyway, meh, your only talking about 1000w of light. on for maybe 11-8 hours a day(dawn and dusk simulation Im thinking). total lighting cost should be between 10-20$ a month in electricity. remove the T5 from the MH or the MH from the T5, you probably only drop the bill by 5 or 10$. at very very most.


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/report.php?p=210390">[IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/images/buttons/report.gif" alt="" /></a> [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=210390">[IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/images/buttons/quote.gif" alt="" /></a>[/QUOTE]

This cost estimate is extremely low. Just the lights alone are 360 kwh a month. If the cost per kwh is .15 you're looking at $54 a month for the lights alone.

 

[ldybkr]

You all have such vast knowledge which is why I ask for your opinions. I certainly appreciate eveyones input as I build my tank.