lighting for 185 gallon

sgresham · Jul 9, 2011

I am currently in the process of gathering items for an upgrade I am doing from my 75 gallon tank to a 185 gallon 60x30x25. This tank, like my 75, will be predominately (probably all) SPS. I am currently torn between how many bulbs I should throw on top of it. I am thinking of either going with 2 250 watt radiums with coralvue lumenbright reflectors, but I am wondering if I should go with 3 250 watt radiums with coralvue lumenbright minis.

Do you guys think that two will be enough, or should I do three minis? Also, should I go with 400s instead of 250s? I am thinking 250s will be plenty of light, but would love other opinions.

TIA

sgresham · Jul 10, 2011

reefknight · Jul 12, 2011

I know this isn't quite what you're asking for but thought it may help anyways.

I have a DSA 185gal (same dimensions) and have a mixed reef SPS/LPS. I previously had a 90gal and ran (2) 250w 20k Ushios DE MH and (4) overdriven 4' T5's and I could grow SPS anywhere in the tank. But operating all of the lighting in a canopy did two things, it ran up the electric bill for the lighting as well as the 1/4HP chiller I had to run. So on this tank I decided to go all T5's and purchased an ATI Powermodule 10x54w fixture. The display has only been set up a couple of months, so I can't attest to the growth rates of my corals as of yet. What I can say is that my power bill has decreased and my tank stays around 79 degrees at the hottest points of the day in Georgia with no chiller installed.

As to the metal halides, if it were me, I would use (2) 250w radiums. Spaced properly they will provide more than enough light to provide PAR to all levels of the tank while not increasing your electric bill unnecessarily. It will also help reduce the added heat to the tank temperature.

HTH

sgresham · Jul 13, 2011

thanks for the reply. I think you just echoed what I was thinking. I actually saw some posts yesterday from some guys who had 5 foot tanks, and there were doing just fine with 2 LBs. How are you liking the 185? It's such a great size!

reefknight · Jul 13, 2011

I love it! The wide footprint allows for awesome aquascape. I realyy can't wait for mine to start coming along and growing in, lol. I'll have to get some photos posted soon!