Please advise on lighting upgrade for FOWLR

[stevebydac]

I have a 180g FO. It has three predators with no inverts at the moment. I am adding a lot of LR to my existing rockwork ASAP, and am interested in keeping some low-light corals. Because of my current setup, I have been ok with just 120 watts from NO tubes. Obviously, as I make the above changes I am well aware that I will need 240+ more watts.

A complication is that I am likely to convert to a larger tank 1-2 years from now. So I don't want to waste money on an upgrade that I will not be able to use on the next tank. Ideally, I want to use my current NO tubes, while adding another lighting element that I can use with the next tank as well.

I have a canopy that has 72"L x 18"W x 4"H available space after the NO tubes. Any suggestions? Should I add PC, VHO or ???

 

[ReefLion]

If it's just low light corals, you can probably just use PC or VHO for now. Get a size that will be suitable for use with your later aquarium. If you don't want a full set, I would focus them in two spots equidistant from the center, and place corals under those focused areas.

I don't know if MH would be suitable in your canopy, given the relatively small height available above the water.

Tim

 

[JohnD]

Steve,

I think you need to plan where you want to be in a couple of years. How big will the next tank be? What do you want in it? From there, how much light will those critters need. You just may find yourself getting MHs in addition to your current lighting.

As for today, a PC may be your best answer.

 

[stevebydac]

Thanks John.

My next tank will likely be a 240 or 300, nothing bigger.

I am leaning toward MH long-term for the next tank, but can't fit them now (and have no desire to replace my existing canopy). You think PCs are better for me than VHOs in the meantime? I have no experience with either--just what I read. And could I use the PCs with MH later if I desire?

 

[Gatortailale1]

I have no experience with VHO, but I do with PC. I have had 3 96 w PC crack after 3-6 months of use. They cracked either at the end where both tubes come together or in the middle where there is a little plastic spacer. If I could do it over, I would go with VHO to supplement my MH's. If you have the cash for extra toys, you can get a dimmer for VHO's and do dawn to dusk effect, Can't do that with PC.

You could also check to see if HQI mini pendants fit in your current hood. I think for now, go with VHO.


Just my $.0000000000002 worth