Lighting for SPS... recommendations/questions

[Shawn_epicurious]

1st, I have to say, I am a lighting idiot. I have only very recently turned my research towards lighting. I have a 200 gallon tank that is currently full of softies and leathers. I have spent the last 2 months getting my tank ready for an SPS dominant tank. I plan on having a few clams. I might even end up with some LPS before I get done... I have not decided that yet. My tank is now a little more than 6 months old. My “plan” includes not buying any new livestock for at least 4 more months while my tank matures. ....it is time to turn my attention to lighting.

Currently, I am 100% LED. I have 2 Hydra 32 HDs and 1 Hydra 26 in the center. My tank is 72” wide. I am considering getting two something like the link. 2 of them... (T5 HO). The 60” ones. I have to worry about heat generation with the topper I have It is well ventilated, but I do not think I can get away with MH.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/supra-slim-line-single-t5-retrofit-fixture-reef-brite.html

Thoughts?

 

[WIReefer]

A hybrid option would be great or just run a full t5 setup. I have a 6 bulb sunpower awesome light and can grown anything I want.

 

[jda]

If you want to do heavy acropora, then twice the number of manufacturer recommended LEDs, 8x T5s or 3x Halides. Most likely end up with some T5s with your LEDs, even if you double them up. You might end up with a LED blue strip if you need some after hours pop if you have T5s or MH. This is all in generality.

He is completely manageable unless you live in South Florida or the Mojave. It is still manageable there, but costs can add up. In most of the rest of the country, a good design with fans can mitigate in the summer and the heat is a blessing in the winter. You should not have any heat issues with T5s.

 

[Bpb]

The t5ho hybrid would add a bit of heat but you can vent that canopy with a fan if it’s a problem. I agree with JDA. 60” aquatic life hybrid, and get 2-3 more led units if you want wall to wall sps. I’d get the hybrid FIRST, and start placing your sps under your existing leds. And as they grow and you want to expand the aquascape, add more led panels to the array. A par meter will help

 

[Vette67]

Why don’t you think you can get away with halides? I have a similar canopy and a single 4” box fan is enough to keep mine cool. And actually, we keep the air conditioning cool enough in our house (75 degrees), that I have the hood fan turned off now. I don’t think the heat generation is as bad as you are expecting.

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

The t5ho hybrid would add a bit of heat but you can vent that canopy with a fan if it’s a problem. I agree with JDA. 60” aquatic life hybrid, and get 2-3 more led units if you want wall to wall sps. I’d get the hybrid FIRST, and start placing your sps under your existing leds. And as they grow and you want to expand the aquascape, add more led panels to the array. A par meter will help

I just ordered the MQ-510. Tools come first : )

 

[Bpb]

I just ordered the MQ-510. Tools come first : )

I like it!

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

Why don’t you think you can get away with halides? I have a similar canopy and a single 4” box fan is enough to keep mine cool. And actually, we keep the air conditioning cool enough in our house (75 degrees), that I have the hood fan turned off now. I don’t think the heat generation is as bad as you are expecting.

That’s is good to know! Thank you

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

I could get away with say.... 2 - 60”-70” double bulb T5 HOs and could probably get away with 2 MH fixtures if I can find them in the right size... I am sure I can. And still keep the LEDs I have.

It seems like this might be the best all around option. Agree?

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

Why don’t you think you can get away with halides? I have a similar canopy and a single 4” box fan is enough to keep mine cool. And actually, we keep the air conditioning cool enough in our house (75 degrees), that I have the hood fan turned off now. I don’t think the heat generation is as bad as you are expecting.

I just looked close at this pic again. I love it! What bulbs are you using?

 

[Vette67]

I just looked close at this pic again. I love it! What bulbs are you using?

All old school. The metal halide bulbs are all Hamilton 14,000K. 250 watt in the center and 175 watt on either end. The fluorescent bulbs are URI actinic white VHO, 160W each. I've had this setup for over 20 years. The VHO and single metal halide were over my 75 shortly after I started up my tank in 1997. So some of this stuff is OLD. But most of the ballasts were purchased in 2002ish when I moved to my house and set up my 180 there, and have been running ever since.