Upgrading from 120g to 280g

[Stevorino]

I am in the process of upgrading my ~9 year old 120g (48 x 24 x 24) to a 280g (72 x 30 x 30).

I currently run 3 XR15 G5 Blues over the 120g. They've been fine. I prefer them over my previous black box solution, but that's all I have to compare to.

My initial thought was to get a pair of XR30 G6 Blues, alternating like so:

XR15 >> XR30 >>> XR 15 >> XR 30 >> XR 15

Focus would be on placing SPS near the center and LPS on the outer edges.

Before I go drop $2,000 blindly, I thought it'd be wise to check in to see if you all had any other recommendations.

I've never used a T5 Hybrid, but would be wiling to give it a shot. I also see a lot of love for the Orphek bars.

Thanks!

Edit: All lighting needs to be able to fit in an 8" or 12" hood (TBD, partially based on lighting solution)

 

[death-by-reef]

I don’t know much about this but waht you proposed sounded good

 

[death-by-reef]

U gonna do a build the thread for this tank

 

[Stevorino]

U gonna do a build the thread for this tank

Thanks for asking - I hadn't really considered it yet!

I'm in the process of trying to get a structural engineer to come out (the tank will be on a second story over a basement). Once I get a thumbs up from them, it'll be full-steam ahead. At that point, I'll likely start up a build thread.

 

[w8lifts]

I have two of the lights G6s if you want to buy them PM me before dropping full prices on them if you want

 

[rtparty]

You will want a minimum of 3 more XR15s but 5 would be better. Set them up in 2 rows of 4 to cover the 30" front to back. You get better spread this way compared to one XR30.

The downside is all the plugs

 

[Stevorino]

You will want a minimum of 3 more XR15s but 5 would be better. Set them up in 2 rows of 4 to cover the 30" front to back. You get better spread this way compared to one XR30.

The downside is all the plugs

I like this solution more than the pair of XR30s ... thank you!

 

[ilikefish69]

Orphek bars are great. I run 4 T5 and 3 orphek bars and never tested PAR but nothing reaches for light and all my anemones hide

I would avoid the reef day + bar, it is not real even spread and creates a white spot in my 6 ft tank but love them and they are super durable