Lighting advice for a SPS dominated 300g

[reefingbuddha]

Hello all,

Setting up a new tank and having some issues deciding on my lighting configuration. The tank will be 72"x36"x27" and has 2 brace bars on the top that split the top into 3 sections. There is 22" of space between the waterline and the ceiling.

Option 1:
3x 250w MH in Lumenbright reflectors all the way up on the ceiling. I know that the optimum height for these reflectors is closer to 25" but they might work out. These would be supplemented by some LED's I have laying around or t-5's.

Option 2:
Same as option 1 but with lumen arc reflectors placed lower down.

Option 3:
2x 400w lumen arc reflectors placed higher up to get an even spread. I figure each would put out a 3x3 foot spread covering the tank evenly.

Option 4:
I'm open to any alternative suggestions.


Thanks for any advice in advance.

Regards,
Tom

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I am running my radiums and lumen max elite reflectors about 7-9 inches off the water on my 72" tank.

 

[reefingbuddha]

Thanks Rev. How many watts are you radiums and how deep is your tank?

How do you feel about the light spread? How wide is your tank and how is the spread back to front?

Do you have a glass shield for your reflectors?

Thanks for pitching in Rev. I'm looking forward to contributing more to this site.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

My tank is 32" wide and 24" tall. My radiums are 250w.

The spread is pretty good and I am happy with it. Here is a pic a couple months ago.

 

[Reeferdood]

I would use the 3 250's over the 2 400's...IMHO... Depending on how much room you have under the canopy would dictate what reflectors to use. Most new reflectors are pretty big & take up a lot of room. Are you planning on running actinics?

 

[Reeferdood]

Love the aquascape in this tank Rev!!

My tank is 32" wide and 24" tall. My radiums are 250w.

The spread is pretty good and I am happy with it. Here is a pic a couple months ago

 

[Reeferdood]

Actually....Are you running Mogul or HQI????

 

[reefingbuddha]

The tank looks great Rev... great job.

I don't have a canopy as the tank will be inwall. I have 22" of space above the water line and have a 72"x36" space for the lighting above the tank. Plenty of room for any reflectors.

 

[Paul_N]

I think Radiums only come in mogul.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Mogul and yes you should def go with the 3 250w.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Thanks for the compliments. :)

 

[Paul_N]

Rev, what ballast are you running? I have a generic electronic ballast. I was thinking of switching to mogul just for the Radiums.