Lighting for a 65gRR??????

[jfish298]

I have a 65gRR I would like to have many LPS and SPS corals the tank is 36''L x 18''W x 24''H open to any suggestions. I would prefer to do PC's because of heat and $$$$ but could swing MH. But again if I do MH I would like a combo

 

[Henrye]

Hi, and welcome to MR. Rather than PCs' you should consider t5s' with individual reflectors paired with MH. The only reason I would add the MH is the depth of your tank, as t5s' alone probably won't be enough for your SPS unless you restrict them to the top of the tank. I don't think PCs' will give you the bang for the buck that a MH with t5 supplements (or even PC actinic supplementation) you're looking for. As far as heat, there's always the simple fan approach to try before considering active chilling. I just don't think PCs' are going to provide the light you will want, and end up more expensive when you have to buy a whole new fixture to upgrade to.

Hope it works out,
Henry

 

[jfish298]

thanks what do you think about odyssea there is a 442 watt combo on ebay for 259.99

 

[Henrye]

I've heard of a number of problems with some of these ebay/odyssea specials, including the rare occurrence of spontaneous combustion. You also have no way of knowing the quality of bulb supplied (usually in line with its low price).

IMHO, given the types of corals you wish to stock (especially SPS) your lighting will be a large factor in your success. Lighting is one area I wouldn't look to skimp on. I'm a firm believer in saving money, and would have no problem using a rubbermaid tub as a sump, but I wouldn't look for the cheapest light fixture out there.

If you're looking to save money, have you thought about building your own hood and outfitting it with retro kits? It can save you some money, but, most importantly, you can pick the best of breed to set it up just the way you want it. If you're like me and don't have the time, space or skills to build your own canopy, stick with the name brand fixtures out there. There are some good vendors on this site who can help you get a quality fixture at a good price.

Henry

 

[jfish298]

thank you

 

[PalmTree]

Welcome to MR!!!

 

[Tonyscoots84]

welcome and stay away from oddysea and there mh unit combos... :theyareon not a great unit.. spend a lil more get a lil more...

 

[DRENALYN9]

i have the same setup

i just got a really good deal and a tek t5 set up that holds 6 t5 bulbs. from deepwater extreme.

i used to run 2 -175watt mhs and 2- 96watt pcs, i actually still have the canopy with a built in fan but no mhs but i do have a retro 36" coralife pc setup that was in it

well welcome to mr

 

[Wes]

i have the same tank and use T5s

 

[autoponicz]

t5's is the best out there right now if you dont want MH...
aquactinics or SLS tek light are very good t5 fixtures
or you can retro a hood with t5's and icecap reflectors....

 

[PComo]

lighting

i have the same tank and use pc's with success, however no sps.

 

[noodleman]

i have a 65rr and currently i use a single 250w mh....you definitely see the shadow from the centerbrace, soon a second mh will be hooked up

 

[jackson6745]

This is the best 65gal ever!!! Maybe you can find some useful info
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/totm/index.php

 

[lanacane214]

if you have a cross bar in the middle of your tank,dont get lights that have the metal halide bulb right in the center,this blocks of a lot of the light.