New 60" Lighting Systems?

[jradoff]

I have a well-established 180gal 60" long reef tank (about 10 years old). The ballasts for the MH lighting system died, and I was forced to get a quick temporary replacement for the lighting system. I ended up getting a Coralife Aqualite Pro; unfortunately it is only 48", which I think will get me by until I get the real replacement, but it definitely won't cut it in terms of light output. Most of the corals are soft, but I have a tridacnid clam as well.

So basically I need a new 60" lighting system. It turns out that 60" is a very
inconvenient length which seems to limit my options.

I really like a lot of features of the Coralife Aqualite Pro: the sleek design and ultra-quiet fans are GREAT. Sadly, they don't make a 60" option.

Does anyone have a good alternative suggestion? Ideally, I'd want a 60" system with MH or HQI bulbs--2x 250W or 3X 175W should be adequate for my needs, plus some actinic flourescents in the same housing. I'd love to get something with the integrating "moonlight" LEDs like the Aqualite Pro, all in a sleek design with very quiet fans.

[charlie]

Have you looked at these??


PFO Custom MH/PC/VHO Hood - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store


Welcome to Reefland my friend

[jradoff]

That's pretty similar to what I used to have. I think I've just fallen in love with the sleek design of the Coralife. Also, I don't think I've ever heard such a quiet fan--in fact, the tank now makes less noise than my computer does.

I'm actually considering sticking with a 48" fixture over the 60" tank, and upgrading to 2x 250W HQIs. Logic: the acrylic canopy blocks a lot of light from the ends anyway (and with the 48" system, both HQI bulbs emit nicely through the open-air portals on top of the tank). Anyone have an opinion on whether this might be good/bad?

Another question regards the Coralife flourescents. They are simply called 96W actinics so they aren't VHOs or anything great. Is it still legitimate to consider them toward the total light wattage of the tank? (i.e., 2x250W MH + 2x96W = 692W or 3.8W/gal for this tank, which suggests it would be adequate for a soft coral setup?)

[charlie]

I think you would be fine with a 48" fixture.
The watts per gallon thing is not a good measurement of how much lite you need, it is more about how much lite penetrates to the areas of the tank where you need it.
How deep is your tank? If it isn't 24", the 250w halides should be OK for your clam also. What type of clam is it?