180 gallon Sps lighting tips

[kracer1025]

I just purchased a 180 gallon 6'x2'x2 to upgrade from my 90 gallon. I'm currently using a 6 bulb 48" t5 retro with 2 reef rite led strips. I was thinking on using these same lights and adding 2 more t5s then staggering the bulbs to get coverage. Do you guys think this will give enough light or should I switch out my ballasts and reflectors so I could go with the full length bulbs.

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

72" bulbs are expensive. I would go with 2 6 bulb 36" fixtures, or switch to LEDs or mh.

 

[kracer1025]

My only problem with the 2 fixtures is the fact that then I would have to replace 12 bulbs which would be almost as bad as the 72" bulbs. I'm not willing to go full led, but I do have 3 metal halides I could use. I was just hoping that I could get decent coverage with 8 t5s staggered in the hood

 

[Dowtish]

I dont think 8 48" bulbs are going to give you the PAR you will need in an SPS tank of that size. If you have a retrofit, you have many options to add for supplement. You could go with your idea, and add some 3watt Crees to give the the shimmer,pop, and PAR that you need.

 

[kracer1025]

Do you guys think switching out my ballasts and moving to say a 60" bulb would be a better choice. I figure that the 6" at each edge of the tank probable wont have anything as far as corals are concerned anyhow. Maybe that would be a better choice. Im still trying to decide if I would need 8 bulbs or would 6 be enough plus the 2 reef brite led strips that i currently have.

 

[.Marshall]

Check out Sunlight Supply's Maristar 2.

 

[kracer1025]

Check out Sunlight Supply's Maristar 2.

Looks like a great fixture. Only problem is that I cant seem to find a retailer that sells it, and all the sunlight supply site shows is a 48" model.

 

[kracer1025]

Ok i think I decided on my lighting. Would you think that a 12 bulb retrofit with 3' ati bulbs and tek2 reflectors with advanced ballasts to be enough for my purposes . I was looking at the cost of bulbs and I guess replacing 12 bulbs is not much worse that replacing 3 mh bulbs plus the heat and electric bill will be a lot less.

 

[RJT]

I think thats a good choice. With t5's you have a lot of color options that mh does not offer. Bulbs are expensive no matter what you have unless its leds. Which cost a lot upfront