120 Lighting Plan

[ReefingDan]

Hello everyone. I am currently running a 20 long with 1 AI Prime LED light with a hang on back filter. I am in the works of completing my 40 breeder sump for my soon to be 120 reef tank. I have a dilemma with the BRS recommended placements of lights because I have a rimmed 120 with a support brace running across the middle of the tank. I am curious as to if I can get away with adjusting 2 lights to try and make a mixed reef or if I need to plan to get more lights. Lights aren't cheap but like BRS mentions you can buy extras to put up down the road. On 1 side I want my LPS towards the bottom on an island by themselves with the SPS on the other side elevated with an almost free standing look or an arching tower. Ideas and thoughts are much appreciated.

 

[Spare time]

Are you looking to stick to AI lights? You could always do 4 primes or 2 hydra 32s. Nice thing about doing 4 primes is that you can aim them and have them target certain areas.There are a lot of options out there. Much of it depends on how you like you mount it and what height you are planning on mounting them if they are hanging and what not.

 

[ReefingDan]

I want to try and keep the recommended 13" mounting height but because of the space I have to work with that might not be a possibility. Looking at running 2 lights on startup at 16" from the outside on center and will be adding more down the road. What are your opinions on the sump? My first time doing a DIY sump.

 

[Spare time]

Do you want to hang or use mounting arms for the lights. Also what sort of price range are you looking for?

As for the sump id have someone else chime in since I don't have much experience with diy sumps.

 

[ReefingDan]

Do you want to hang or use mounting arms for the lights. Also what sort of price range are you looking for?

As for the sump id have someone else chime in since I don't have much experience with diy sumps.

I'm thinking of getting the 36" hybrid T5HO 4x39w fixture to pair with after I get my other AI Prime. Gonna hang because I don't like the look of anything sitting on the tank.

 

[Spare time]

I'm thinking of getting the 36" hybrid T5HO 4x39w fixture to pair with after I get my other AI Prime. Gonna hang because I don't like the look of anything sitting on the tank.

That would work well. You could also try reef brite bars in there. I do not know if a 36 vs 48 would make a huge difference but honestly that is the type of fixture I want for my own tank

 

[ReefingDan]

That's the sump with the equipment planned out and the main display tank. I will build my stand because I don't trust the already made stand with it being made with 1x4 boards and fiberboard. I still need to find someone to drill my tank if it isn't tempered glass.

 

[Spare time]

One thing you could do for the sump is make a little rack after the refugium which could have a sponge to catch any algae the may escape or some filter media like carbon. I also recommend a strong refugium or grow light. Or you could just put media on top of a sponge

 

[ReefingDan]

One thing you could do for the sump is make a little rack after the refugium which could have a sponge to catch any algae the may escape or some filter media like carbon. I also recommend a strong refugium or grow light. Or you could just put media on top of a sponge

I will cut a couple small pieces of glass so I can add a rack specifically for that. I have filter pads from a previous canister filter I can use and have a bag I can put carbon in too.