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I've had the same 150 watt MH fixture since I started keeping a reef aquarium and it's time to upgrade.
I have a 120 tall aqueon tank (48.5 x 24.5 x 25.5) and my fixture just isn't cutting it. I have a mixed reef, with SPS at the top, LPS in the middle and softies (primarily zoas) spread throughout. I realize, from spending a great deal of time reading the forums, that LED's can work if you're good at "dialing them in" and that there is an active debate on their merits with acropora heavy tanks (w/o naming names nor taking a position in that debate). I don't consider myself an expert, yet I am knowledgeable, and the heat and utility cost from MH is a consideration (it costs more to cool our new house and the tank is in our future dining room). I intend to add more sps to my tank and might explore keeping a clam in the future (but not sure on that last point!). One last detail is that I do have a basement and will set up a fish room at some point in the future and it is NOT conditioned/finished space and is mostly above ground. It consistently stays 72-76 degrees down there in the summer, we haven't experienced winter yet.
Bottom line is that I'm on the fence. If I go MH should I purchase a 250 watt or a 400 watt fixture with my current reef (and future expansion plans)? I am concerned the 400 watt might fry some softies and I don't have a chiller. I am looking at a Hamilton cebu sun MH/T5 combo light for the MH fixture.
If I go LED, there are so many choices (reefbreeder photon 48, radion xr30 g3, p47 reefled lights fixture, kessils) that it's a bit overwhelming. How many led fixtures would one need on a tank with my dimensions? If you're keeping a mixed reef with some acropora, is it worth considering LEDs given the details I've provided above? Is there a consensus on the best fixture?
Thanks in advance for your response and consideration! :up:
I have a 120 tall aqueon tank (48.5 x 24.5 x 25.5) and my fixture just isn't cutting it. I have a mixed reef, with SPS at the top, LPS in the middle and softies (primarily zoas) spread throughout. I realize, from spending a great deal of time reading the forums, that LED's can work if you're good at "dialing them in" and that there is an active debate on their merits with acropora heavy tanks (w/o naming names nor taking a position in that debate). I don't consider myself an expert, yet I am knowledgeable, and the heat and utility cost from MH is a consideration (it costs more to cool our new house and the tank is in our future dining room). I intend to add more sps to my tank and might explore keeping a clam in the future (but not sure on that last point!). One last detail is that I do have a basement and will set up a fish room at some point in the future and it is NOT conditioned/finished space and is mostly above ground. It consistently stays 72-76 degrees down there in the summer, we haven't experienced winter yet.
Bottom line is that I'm on the fence. If I go MH should I purchase a 250 watt or a 400 watt fixture with my current reef (and future expansion plans)? I am concerned the 400 watt might fry some softies and I don't have a chiller. I am looking at a Hamilton cebu sun MH/T5 combo light for the MH fixture.
If I go LED, there are so many choices (reefbreeder photon 48, radion xr30 g3, p47 reefled lights fixture, kessils) that it's a bit overwhelming. How many led fixtures would one need on a tank with my dimensions? If you're keeping a mixed reef with some acropora, is it worth considering LEDs given the details I've provided above? Is there a consensus on the best fixture?
Thanks in advance for your response and consideration! :up: