[stephaniesquires]

I have a 220 gallon tank (96x 24x 24)- currently empty - that came with the house. Prior owner was a DIYer. I had a "professional" coming out to care for the tank and they replaced/upgraded the pump system. Then they flaked on me and now I need to finish this set up. I was told I need new lighting but I have no idea what I need. There is a canopy on top and the tank has three 3 openings on top. The existing lighting is 2 48" black plastic "light boxes". Each box has 2 white lights labeled Current T5HO 54W 1000K. And 2 blue lights labeled Current T5HO 54 W 460nm Actinic. Each box has 2 on/off switches and a fan. They sit 81/2 inches above the tank.
I want a tank with a variety of corals, live rock, fish...
Is the existing system sufficient? If not what do I need?
Thank you for your help...
Stephanie

[msbdiving]

I think NATIVE seems to be the expert on t-5's. I am sure he will be along to give you his input. If not pm him.

[SweeTang22]

well it would be okay for soft corals and leathers. but i would increase the number of light bulbs to get more intensity. i would shoot for an 8 bulb setup. 2 whites and 2 actinics on each side. this will give you much better lighting! it does mean either buying new light setups or becoming a DIYer yourself. native will chime in later to fill you in more!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Michael,I would have hoped you had learned enough to answer this yourself.Sadly the answer is no,not even close.You have the right kind of lighting just not enough of it.If I am reading you correctly you have 4x54 watt bulbs.216 total watts in a 220 gallon tank is lees than 1 watt per gallon.Have a look at this fixture and see what you think.In my opinion this is the finest fixture on the market today and is the standard by which all will be judged.It has the highest quality reflectors available,cooling fans and a plexiglass bulb cover to prevent salt creep.And it isnt the most expensive around.Aquactinics LLC | Marine Aquarium Lighting Specialists

[NATIVEVAMAN]

As sweetang suggested there is a dIY option as well.If you have a screwdriver you can do it.Look at the Ice Cap diy fixtures on this site.You will need to use 2 36 inch fixtures end to end.(just like the other fixture I recomended does but this system is vho.Instead of 39 watts for a 36 inch bulb you get 60.I recomend 2 6 bulb fixtures for a total of 720 watts or 3.27 watts per gallon.With this fixture you will be able to keep any of the high light loving critters you want.T5HO Retro Kits - DIYReef

[msbdiving]

I have learned enough about t-5's to know they are superior to mh. My brain is still stuck in mh land though and unsure about the equivalant wattages of mh vs t-5. 3.27wpg and I am still thinking only lps. I figured you had plenty of articles saved up that you would spew forth upon this thread.

[Pilsner]

Don't wanna hijack the thread... but for a 90 Gallon, with lots of "light loving critters".... would this work?

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...roducts_id=459



and how tough are they to put together? I assume its fairly straight forward, and all parts are included?

Thanks all.

Chad

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I tried to open the site to see which light you were talking about but its down for maintainnance. But if its a t5 fixture you are looking at all the wires are color coded and easy to work with.All ou need is a screw driver.

[Pilsner]

Yeah, it was a t5. Comes with 4 54 watt bulbs of your choice. So, for a 90 gallon tank, that only gives me about 2.4 watts per gallon. Maybe I should shoot for the 5 or 6 bulb setup. Even though that really skyrockets the price... lol...

5 bulb would be: 3 watts per gallon

and 6 would be: 3.6 watts/gallon.


I haven't decided for sure whether I'm gonna shoot for a 75 gallon or a 90 gallon. Not a whole lot of difference, and I could get much better watts/gallon with a 75 gallon system.


PS- That makes it official. I think even I can put them together if all I need is a screwdriver. Thanks Native.

Thanks again for the info.
Chad

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I think I may have a nice suprise for you.It sounds like you are looking at the Ice Cap units.If you look at the UVL bulbs you will find that with the Ice Cap units they produce 80 watts per bulb.And that my friend puts you at 3.55 watts per gallon.Dont buy all those high light critters at once lol.

[stephaniesquires]

I've been looking online and found what i think I need - tell me if I'm getting it! How about 2 48" Current Nova T5 extreme 8 x 54. That would give me 8 460nm Actinic Blue bulbs and 8 daylight 10,000K bulbs. Is that enough? Too much?

[Tonz of fun]

Sounds great...Can you not find one large fixture? What about something like this...Current USA 72 inch Outer Orbit 3x150w 10K HQI-MH w/ 8x39W T5 HO & 24 Lunar Lights (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Fixtures > Metal Halide > 72in Units > Double Ended MH > MH With T5 )

[stephaniesquires]

My aquarium is 96x24x24 - is it ok to get lights that are 72"?

[stephaniesquires]

Is this a complete lighting system? Would I need moonlamps? Is it sufficient for all types of corals? Current USA 72 inch Outer Orbit with T5s & 250W HQI Bulbs
Thanks for all of the reply's and help - there is so much to learn!

[Tonz of fun]

I think that fixture comes with 12 or 24 moon lights. IMO that light is enough in terms of length. Wait for Nativ to wake up in 4 hours lol. He is a early riser hahahaha love you buddy

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Stephanie are you sure about that fixture and its specs?Send me a link because I cant find it at marine depot or foster and smith.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

OH,and i dont think 72inch lights on a 96 inch tank are a good plan

[Tonz of fun]

Native I think this is it. Its the same fixture as I posted but I posted the 150 MH fixture...Current USA 72 inch Outer Orbit 3x250w 10K HQI-MH w/ 8x39W T5 HO & 24 Lunar Lights (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting > Fixtures > Metal Halide > 72in Units > Double Ended MH > MH With T5 )

[stephaniesquires]

The one I was thinking of was the one Tonz posted.. I was leaning toward 2 48" just for easier moving when I need to access the tank...

[Tonz of fun]

Native said that he wouldnt suggest doing one fixture. So go with two hyper link the ones your thinking about and we can give you the thumbs up. I was just trying to save you some money.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

In the watts per gallon catagory you will be fine at 4.8 watts per gallon.You will have to keep the high lite loving critters in the top and near the center of the tank because you will have a foot on each side that would only be considered low light.Unless you have a plan on how to mount them in the center of the tank you are in trouble.I dont have a clue.

[stephaniesquires]

Hope I did this right - this is what I'm thinking: Current USA 48 inch Outer Orbit 2x250w 10K HQI-MH w/ 4x54W T5 HO & 18 Lunar Lights. Aquarium Lighting for Reef Aquariums: Outer Orbit Pro Series HQI/T-5/LED Lights
Is that too much? or will that be good for anything I want to put in there..
I want to make sure I set this up right the first time with my options open...

price would run about 1800 - (eek)

Next are questions about ideal temperature.. I dont have a chiller hooked up - will thses lights raise the temp?

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Thats certainly enough lite at 5.5 watts per gallon.I hope you saved enough money for that chiller because odd are good you are going to need it.And to think,you could have done all this for 1500$'s including a canopy and no heat problems.Dont forget I am going to remind you when you get your first electricity bill lol.

[Tonz of fun]

That will raise the temp for sure. I personally would scratch the MH idea. I know i might hear it for that but Im sure Native will agree. Two of these would be perfect. 48 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 8x54W T5HO with 4 Lunar Lights (48in Units )
I dont think you will have temp issues either but dont quote me on it. Its 3.9 watts per gallon. IMO you can have most anything.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I am with Greg on this one.3.9 watts of t 5 and you can grow corn lol.And i bet it isnt 1700$'s either.