Opinions on lighting needed quick.

[rjs5134]

I've ordered an Outer Orbit HQI/Compact Flourescent fixture and need opinions before it's too late to cancel. Which of the following would you recommend for my 65G fish/reef tank. Depth is about 24" and width is 36".

Outer Orbit HQI/Compact Flourescent with 1-150Watt HQI + 2-96Watt Actinic Compact Flourescents.

Aqua Medic Ocean Light T5 with 2x250Watt MH + 2x39Watt T5.

I realize there is a significant difference in price, but I'm more concerned with too much vs. not enough lighting. I may be wrong, but 2-250W MH on a 65 gallon tank may be too much. Does anyone agree?

[Reefland]

I don't think it will be too much, but that is my opinion. What is the length of your tank?

[spankerbob]

You may want to go with the 2*250, for the plan fact that eventually everyone wants to upgade their tank to a bigger one. The 2*250 could reasonably work on 120g tank, then you would not have that extra expense and and extra light.

[charlie]

I am gonna agree with both of the above comments. For some reason, all of us end upgrading. I have thrown out more lites than I can think of. Prepare and save in the future!!!

[Reefland]

Ok, I am guessing that when you say depth of 36" you are actually talking about the length. Therefore most of the premade fixtures with 2 halides will not work since they are 48". You can go with 1 halide hung high over the tank (and have some darkness at the ends) or retrofil 2 halids into your own canopy.

[rjs5134]

Thanks for the reply's, I did cancel the order. Reefland, there are a few 36" options out there with 2x250w MH's and I will take all the advice given and order one of those. Thanks again.

[The Grim Reefer]

And going with the 2 250 watt fixture will allow you to use higher K colored lamps without worrying about having enough intensity.

[Reefland]

I think you'll be very pleased with the halides.

[rjs5134]

Reefland,
I have a snowflake eel and will have a jawfish goby and firefish. I read elsewhere that I shouldn't have a glass canopy on the tank. I know none of the above will be around long without it. Should I hang the lights a little higher to avoid heat build up??

[Reefland]

I think if you get the lights 6-8" from the surface, and have some fans, you won't have heat problems. For the jumpers, instead of a glass top look at the eggcrating (the white plastic material that has like 3/4" squares).

[freeman79]

FYI...I have a 125g with 3 150 MH and 4 96 PC's and my temp went to about 85 degrees, so I bought a chiller to bring it down between 77 and 79. Lights are about 4 to 6 inches from the top and I have 3 fans circulating the air within the canopy. The canopy is what gets you. If you are hanging the fixture with no canopy you shouldn't have a problem.

[spankerbob]

I too have heat problems with 3*250w metal halides in a canopy. My canopy is 18" tall so the lights are not right on top of the tank and the temps only go up to 82 in the summer, but I have to run a fan over the sump. I am looking in to getting a chiller, but the metal halides are well worth it, I was using PC before and the growth was minimal, but when I got the MH everything just exploded.

[rjs5134]

Thanks for the info guys, still haven't bought the fixture but will shortly. Hope I have the same experience bob.