Lighting Recommendations for 72-gal FOWLR / Possible Future Reef Tank

[Tarek]

Hi, all. I'm presently setting up my new 72-gallon tank, and have been shopping around for lighting solutions for a couple days now. I plan on setting up the tank as a FOWLR for now, but would like to stay open to the possibility of going reef in 1+ years.

I'm not totally opposed to retrofits and DIY, but I'd prefer to pay a little extra and buy a finished product and not deal with any unnecessary headaches. Right now, I'm considering a 4 NO-fluorescent hood w/dual on/off switches that I can pick up for a little under $300. I'd probably keep 2 10k or 20k bulks on the one side, and a single actinic on the other, and have them on separate timers, for a dawn/dusk effect.

Another possibility is to get something like a 2 VHO / 2 Metal Halide hood w/PFO / Icecap ballast setup, though this seems far pricier, and may be something I wouldn't need for a while.

Basically, I'd like to get something I wouldn't have to replace if I decided to go reef, without having to ditch my existing lighting and pay for some obscenely priced $750 lighting system.

What would you buy?

Thanks in advance!

-Tarek

[blue]

I would go with either a 4 VHO kit from www.lampsnow.com or a 4x96 watt powercompact kit from www.ahsupply.com JMO

Blue

[PerryinCA]

Tarek, Personally I would opt for an Icecap 660, with a 4 lamp (46.5") setup. Initially (when its FO) you can set it up with only two lamps to save energy if you choose, then go 4, or preferably add a couple MH when you decide to go reef, having the other VHO as replacments when needed. The Icecap 660 retro kits sell for a little over 300 (closer to 3 1/4-3-1/2), but are extremely flexible setups, and unarguably the best flourescent ballast on the market. The lamps now ballasts are supposed to be similar (so they claim) but do not provide the flexibility of the IC, nor have they proven to be as efficient/stable(however haven't been disproven yet, just not enough out there). For the extra money, you get a piece of mind, and great support from IC.

Later a MH retro can be added for 2-300 more.

The problem with pre-fab stuff is that its not really made for the bowfronts yet. A hanging fixture (like the aqualine, or PFO/Icecap) would be the best bet IMO, but if your not looking to spend that much money, there's a problem going that route. Have to looked into getting a hood made? Reefland may be able to help you with questions in that regard. I haven't seen their cabinetry, but folks seem very happy with it.

I would stay away from pre-fab fixtures like the NO/PC/VHO simply because they don't offer enough flexibility when you need to move things, or upgrade. That and they tend to be more $ for less quality.

Hoped I added some helpful info and not more ???'s. I know how trying to choose lighting can be. Just remember, try to spend a little more in the beginning to keep you from spending a lot more down the road.

-Perry

[organicreefer]

everything perry said .definitley buy things you can use later.4 no flourescents for 300$ .stay away from prefabs what a rip-off

[Tarek]

Thanks for your input, guys.

I guess I've dropped the 4x NO prefab setup as an option, but I did see a 4 bulb 55W PC setup for a bit over $300 that I might be able to fall back on. What would you think of these?

I guess my first choice right now is to go with that Perry suggested, and get a 4 bulb IceCap 660 retrofit. My only real dilemma right now is getting a tastefully-sized hood to house it in

I've emailed Reefland, to see what such a hood would cost, and how what the dimensions would be like.

-Tarek

[Ironreef]

the Icecap 660 is a better deal than the 55w pc. 4-110w vho vs 4 -55wpc for @ the same. the vho is a way better deal

[Krim]

I have a AG 72g Bow which I bought the Oceanic ABS canopy and retrofitted it with a Hamilton MH/PC combo. This has worked great for me. If I ever decide to upgrade I can just upgrade the ballast.

I am very pleased with this setup.

[RH]

I just setup a 72g reef for a month. I use the JBL 4 X 55 PC fixture with stands to raise it about 2" from top. I really like the style of the aluminum fixture and I think it is a good deal for $320. The only thing is it may not be sufficient light for reef. I have to move my brain from bottom to 1/3 from top and remove the glass canopy to make it happy. But I have space to add their 2X 55 fixture (I plan to do this), or you can buy their 4 X 65 fixture for a little more$.

[RH]

I just setup a 72g reef for a month. I use the JBL 4 X 55 PC fixture with stands to raise it about 2" from top. I really like the style of the aluminum fixture and I think it is a good deal for $320. The only thing is it may not be sufficient light for reef. I have to move my brain from bottom to 1/3 from top and remove the glass canopy to make it happy. But I have space to add their 2X 55 fixture (I plan to do this), or you can buy their 4 X 65 fixture for a little more$.

[Ironreef]

4_110w vho is better than 4_55w pc. same price. Go with IC

[JRoweNole]

Tarek:

I have a 92 gallon AGA Corner tank.
I currently have an IceCap 660 light setup with 3 95 watt VHO's and 1 75 watt VHO. This retrofit has the lamps sitting on top of my glass cover.

Although this is not the ultimate set-up I want, it has been good for me until I have a custom canaopy made for my tank. I have an open brain, plate coral, torch coral, candy cane coral, live rock, bubble coral, button polyps and mushrooms all thriving and doing well for a year now. Go to the IceCap web page to read their opinion on this type of set-up.