Critique my Light Setup?

[3Twenty5]

Thinking of going all Ice cap,

• (2) 90watt Icecap VHO ACTINIC
• (1) 250watt Icecap Metal Halide w/ 10k German Bulb

Was thinking of eitehr Icecap or possibly Hamilton for MH.

This will be going over a 36x18x20 Tank.

[dattack]

That sounds like a very nice lighting setup. Are you going with the DE or single ended bulbs?

I actually prefer the DE bulbs considering they are suppose to last a little over a year and for some reason seems very bright.

[dougchambers]

Might be a stretch for a single 250W MH bulb. Most recommend 1 MH for every 24" of length. Part of the equation may be your final depth.

Douig

[reddhaus]

IMO it sounds like a good combination. Should have a good mix of blue and white. Although i would also have to agree that 36" length tank would be a stretch for 1 MH bulb. You might think about using 2-250 watters and place them perpendicular to the front of the tank. I do feel that 250 watts would be enough for the 20" depth.

[Poseidon]

I agree 1 halide per 24" is the "standard", BUT I have 2 250's over a 6ft tank and using the Spider type reflector I get pretty even coverage over the tank...

It's true the light is less intense at the edges of my tank but I just don't put any high light corals out there they get just as much light in the middle 4ft of my tank as they would if I did have 3 bulbs...

I'd say you'll be fine just stick any clams next to the side glass LOL!!!

Mike

[3Twenty5]

I am now in serious debate between a

2 - 250 MH system running a hqi ballast pushing 20k radium bulbs

or

2 - 175 MH system running 10k Ushios & 2 - 95watt VHO actinics

[reddhaus]

Both of those combinations would look good. I don't think you could go wrong with either.

One thing to think about it that if you mix MH and VHO you can do the whole "dawn" and "dusk" thing. I like being able to do that. That way your not shocking everything in the tank when the big nasty MH bulbs decide to kick on or off.

It is hard to decide. Since the lighting is such an important factor you want to get it just right. Even after you make your "final" decision, you will change your mind a couple of times. Like i said, i don't think you can go wrong either way.

[Poseidon]

OOPS I meant DON"T stick any clams near the side glass....

From what I've seen the Radiums are VERY blue!! and therefore have less intesity then a comparable wattage bulb in 10000K.

As a matter of fact as the temp goes up the intensity goes down. SAy a 6500 bulb will appear much brighter then a 10K or especially a 20K bulb would.

but then 2 bulbs over 36" should be pretty intense.

As Reddhaus said the whole dusk to dawn is important.

Mike

[3Twenty5]

After more reading, unless I was going to keep a mostly SPS tank, I do not see much need for a radium. I think I will be ordering blueline ballasts with 175 10k's and VHOs today..

[3Twenty5]

Ok so I ordered the lights today...went with 2x250 Ice Cap Ballasts with 2x10k Ushios in PFO Reflectors and also 2x95watt VHO actinics...wish me luck

[jsaltzgi]

That should be a nice setup. In the long run, I think you'll be glad that you went with the 2 250 watt bulbs. You'll be able to keep a wider range of corals throughout most of the tank. If you decide you want a lower light area, you can even stack the halides more to one side of the tank or just run one of the bulbs for a shorter photoperiod.

James

[Reefland]

Hi 3Twenty5!

I just read this thread and said "Oh No" when I read you were going to order the 175w's. Then I took a breathe of relief. I am a believer that if you are going to go with the halides and buy a new set-up, you might as well spend the couple of extra bucks to get teh 250w for the increased PAR and more future options for upgrading. Good choice friend, I am sure you will be pleased. Since this thread is a couple of days old, have you gotten your set-up yet?