What light for a 65 gallon?

[AriMiko43]

I am planning on doing a 65 gallon tank with fish and lps corals. The tank is a 65 gallon which measures 36w x 18d x 24h. I am trying to price out the cost for this set up vs the red sea max 250. As for the lighting what should I get? I have narrowed it down to these lights. Also with any of these lights will I have to put a glass top on the tank or open top? What are the advantages and disadvantages of running with a glass top or open top? Thank you
Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures 234 watts 6 bulb


WavePoint T5 HO Systems 156 watts 4 bulb


AquaticLife T5 HO and Lunar Light Fixtures 156 watt 4 bulb with 4 led's

 

[JimmyR1rider]

If you have a closed top you will trap a lot of the heat that your lights put off. I would say open top- plus the glass will block some of the light rays from penetrating as deep and will have less PAR at sandbed level.

 

[AriMiko43]

If I run a open top will I have a lot of evaporation?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Depends on the lighting and room temps but thats why you put an auto top off on the system and keep the container full with fresh RO/DI water. I evaporate a gallon to a gallon and a half a day but my container for my top off water is an IO Reef Crystals 5G bucket that I top off each day or 2 so it never gets under the half way mark. If you do a sump for the 65 youre going to have evap. from that as well so no matter what you'll have some, just stay on top of it

 

[AriMiko43]

So what light do you think I should go with? All of these lights are made to go over a covered aquarium. Is that just for manufacturer safety?

 

[ellebelle]

I would run with an open top. You can do a top off if you are worried about evaporation, although I went for years without have a top off and just poured water in every day. Having the glass top will really heat up your tank and make it more difficult to maintain temperature. I have heard it said that the glass top will limit oxygen exchange with your water as well, although I've read no empirical evidence to support that idea.

You can get light fixtures for T-5s that have legs and sit a little above the rim of the tank as opposed to directly on the top. Or you could hang lights from the wall or ceiling or build a canopy for them.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

The light you should use Im the wrong one to ask- I never had fixtures I DIY'd my AGA canopy to house my IceCap pendants, actinics and moonglows, I'm sure some people will chime in with what theythink is best. Have you tried talking to any of our vendors here? I use saltwatercritters for pretty much everything- drop them a line theyll get you a great fixture and I think you'll be completely satisfied with the pricing, customer service and the fast shipping:smile:

 

[duke62]

i personally would go 6 bulb for a 24" deep tank.thats my opinion though.i have the 4 bulb with led strip light in a 18" deep

 

[UnknownWaters]

How about you tell us about the tank. like does it have a centerbrace,are you willing to hang a pendant light over it, will you have a canopy, what kinda budget you dealing with and what type of corals do you want to try and keep and so on.

 

[Keith P]

6 bulbs is nice on a 65G Tall. I use a mesh top and top off about 1 gal a day.