Lighting Question

[dagnir]

I am planning on 3 MH's above my tank and had some questions.

My idea right now is to go with 2 Iwasaki 250watt 6500 and one 400w radium above a 120gal AGA. Im going to be propigating SPS, some LPS some Softys and possibly some gorgonians. I was wondering weither I should go with 400watt halides across the boards. Also I will probibly run Icecap ballasts. Had seen the PFO and Blue Line and was wondering about your thoughts on those ballasts and wether the money is really worth spending on the Icecaps.

All lights would come on at different intervals. The Radium first with one Iwasaki 45 minutes later then second Iwasaki 30 minutes after. Lights would go off in same way. Total photo period of around 13 hours.

[scubadude]

I think the color mix sounds great! You might even want to consider doing it switched around 2-Rads and 1-Saki....but thats totally your taste in color. I do think that the pulse start ballast (ansi code M135) is the best ballast to use for the Radium and Im quite fond of Sunlight Supplys quality of ballast and workmanship over PFO

[kevinpo]

I would recommend using 10,000K Ushio bulbs with the Radiums because the color is closer and mixes much better. With the 6,500K the color is so different that there is a distinct line where the color changes. If that does not bother you then stay with the 6,500K as they are a better value for your money. I have been using the PFO ballasts for almost 2 years without problems (single and dual 400W regular and HQI). I haven't used Sunlight Supply yet but I hope to soon.
I also would use the pulse start for the Raduim bulb and HQI ballast for the Ushio.

HTH,
Kevin

[Chris Lakies]

If you can wait about 2 weeks, I should have my 120 AGA with 2 - 400 watt 20k Rads and 2 - 175 watt 10K Ushios going (at least with sand and water). I will post pics.

[dagnir]

I have decided on 400w across the board. I am using the Iwasaki because of the benefits to growth I have heard that they have. It is a tank that I want to look nice but growth and color are what I am going for because I am working on propagation. I have seen pictures of a tank very similar in setup and I like the look of his lighting.

So new plans are for a AGA 180RR w/ 50gal AGA breeder sump.
2 - 400w Iwasaki, 1 - 400w Radium
or
2 - 400w Radium, 1 - 400w Iwasaki (its a possibility)

w/icecap ballasts

EuroReef CS8-2
Korallin C-1502 CalcReactor
2 - Tunze Stream 6100w/controllers
Mag 24 for return

I think that this is a good setup and if anyone has any input that would be great.
It will be a SPS dominated tank.

[dattack]

Two 400 Iwasakis might be very yellow. I also would go for the 10Ks with the radiums.

[Poseidon]

I agree the 10Ks are much more Eye pleasing the n the saki's...

I have 2 10,000K AB bulbs, and my best friend 2 10,000 Ushio's the 2 bulbs are very similar in color...

Matt has a flat sheet of reflective material and I have 2 spider light reflectors and my tank is significantly brighter then his...

I think the radiums are very blue but 400 watters with a 10k would be plenty bright...

mike