Unable to decide...

[jetaero]

Hello all,

I've got a new project, a 225g aquarium. I have been debating how to illuminate it for sps keeping. I'm slightly challenged by the fact it has only 2 openings in the top, which are 11"x20" in size. I've thought about getting either a Lumenarc A3 mini, or Lumenarc IV. I'm also trying to decide on bulbs. I think the highest I want to go is 400w, but anything lower would be too dim. What are your thoughts, how should I light this tank? Also, this tank is acrylic, so I will be covering un-open areas.

-Josh-

[c04r4l0v3r]

your gonna need some serious lighting.iv been told 6or7 watts per gallon..
i dont know if that is a fact or jusr hear say.

[smidoid]

Metal Halide is the way to do serious coral IIRC. A pendant system is probably best but it sounds like you don't have the option. BTW, a lot of heat from the lights is probably going to mean you need a chiller too... Welcome to reefkeeping the new word for poverty.

[charlie]

Josh, aside from the openings, what are the dimensions of the tank, is it a 6 foot tank?

[jetaero]

Yep, it's a 6' tank. 72x24x30, give or take an inch or two.

-Josh

[charlie]

I am preety sure those Lumenarcs tend to give you better coverage than just a normal reflector. I have no experience with them, myself.
The tank is 24" high right? And you are probably going barebottom, so I would go with 400W 10K Reefflux. I am slowly changing out all my 20K for these. They sure make the blue corals just pop right out in front of you.
HTH

[jetaero]

Yeah, I've seen those 10k reefflux, amazing color. Actually tank height is 30... so it just adds to my contemplating here...

-Josh-

[charlie]

400w for sure then. I also have to assume that this will be an sps tank with flow that would make the ocean proud.

[jetaero]

Of course!

I have a CL with a sequence dart running it, and will be adding atleast 2 vortechs.

-Josh-

[charlie]

Is the glass/acrylic thick enuf to hold the water in?????
I do think that you are only gonna be able to get 2 lites on this puppy Josh. This might lead to some interesting aquascaping, huh?

[jetaero]

Heh... The acrylic is plenty thick, 3/4", 1/2" on the top... Yes, this will be quite the tricky aquascaping job... :|

-Josh-

[charlie]

Well, get the camera out when ya start, we will probably need some pics!! You thinking of a couple islands???

[jetaero]

pics...

[smidoid]

Ooh ah! Please miss, I want a tank like that!

[jetaero]

Heres a more recent pic... tank is still standless...



-Josh-

[charlie]

Personally, I would move the pool table, I just don't know about that!!!!!

[rjs5134]

I see it too, awesome break, but the Q-ball went throught the front of the tank. Can't wait to see the room and tank finished. Glad you don't live in my neighborhood, I wouldn't go home.

[smidoid]

I see it too, awesome break, but the Q-ball went throught the front of the tank. Can't wait to see the room and tank finished. Glad you don't live in my neighborhood, I wouldn't go home.

I can see it now. An permanent encampment of Reefland regulars sitting round an artificial campfire, singing songs and gazing in awe at the tank...

[captain Jim]

Thats a nice tank! I want one! Yes pics from start to finish or whenever..
I would like to see the progress as you set it up!
Go with MH lighting and a chiller.
I would also get a Bigscreen TV. You lucky Guy!

[jetaero]

I've thought the same about the pool table... just won't break that direction...

Most likely won't have need for a chiller, as the tank will be connected to the others in the sumps downstairs, and combined water volume should be about 900+ gallons..

-Josh-