Eric81
Active Member
Hey All!
Just got my dream tank started and cycling and flip flopping on lighting. Tank is a 315g (72Lx36Dx28T) and has 2 braces going across the tank. Wanting to do the floating canopy concept. Will have a mixed reef, with plenty of sps.
Here are my 2 options.
1. ATI 60" 8x80w, with 2 60" Reef Brite XHO Actinic Blue strips on each side.
Pros: I ran this setup on my 120 for 6 years and had great results. No complaints, other than the costs of changing bulbs every 10 months or so. Less Start up cost.
Cons: Less Programmability, no dimming options, more power consumption and costs over the long run, heavier
2. 4 Radion XR30 G5's
Pros: Programmability, dimming features, virtually no maintenance, and lower power consumption over the life of the tank.
Cons: Higher initial investment by double, not sure if it will have enough spread, concerned the 2 braces could block out some of the light,
Also, the tank came with 3/8" glass covers. I have never used these, but would love to reduce the evaporation rate, and prevent my wrasses from jumping (especially being that I am going with a floating canopy). Will the glass covers greatly reduce the light penetration?
I realize there are no 100% right or wrong answers, so I would appreciate your opinions with supporting reasons.
Just got my dream tank started and cycling and flip flopping on lighting. Tank is a 315g (72Lx36Dx28T) and has 2 braces going across the tank. Wanting to do the floating canopy concept. Will have a mixed reef, with plenty of sps.
Here are my 2 options.
1. ATI 60" 8x80w, with 2 60" Reef Brite XHO Actinic Blue strips on each side.
Pros: I ran this setup on my 120 for 6 years and had great results. No complaints, other than the costs of changing bulbs every 10 months or so. Less Start up cost.
Cons: Less Programmability, no dimming options, more power consumption and costs over the long run, heavier
2. 4 Radion XR30 G5's
Pros: Programmability, dimming features, virtually no maintenance, and lower power consumption over the life of the tank.
Cons: Higher initial investment by double, not sure if it will have enough spread, concerned the 2 braces could block out some of the light,
Also, the tank came with 3/8" glass covers. I have never used these, but would love to reduce the evaporation rate, and prevent my wrasses from jumping (especially being that I am going with a floating canopy). Will the glass covers greatly reduce the light penetration?
I realize there are no 100% right or wrong answers, so I would appreciate your opinions with supporting reasons.
