Lighting for 125 Gallon

Gladfelter · Apr 27, 2013

Any suggestions for lighting for my 125. I have a budget for the light from $400-600. Currently I have been considering the Odyssea 72" Metal Halide combo with T5 atinics. It runs $429.

Of course I have gotten lots of mixed reviews about any odyssea lights.

Any suggestions on a light in that price range or anyone used one of the combo Odyssea lights before?

Rob.D · Apr 27, 2013

Their fixtures are just fine, the ballasts are junk. I used the 48" fixture for 2 years and the only problem I had was the ballasts. Also toss the factory bulbs for Phoenix MH's and better quality T5's, like ATI or Giesemann. Your going to need to have a fan to aid in cooling the tank, unless you want to buy a chiller.

mike007 · Apr 27, 2013

If you plan on growing corals I would go with leds. The lights are one of the most important elements for a reef tank.

Reefing Madness · Apr 27, 2013

I'd go with the 3 Halides.
But you may get use of 3 of these. 4 I think would be better.
Dimmable LED Aquarium Light 120W with Lens 55X3WATT Bridgelux Coral Reef Fixture | eBay

Gladfelter · Apr 27, 2013

What type of LEDs is everyone using? I saw the.ones you linked on eBay. Are they good quality?

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

cee · Apr 27, 2013

I use a version of them and am quite pleased. You can grow spa under them; I've colored up a few across with them.

CoryC · Apr 28, 2013

i think a custom led build would suit your price range and tank nicely. wouldn't mind seeing a local reefer take it on.

Gladfelter · Apr 28, 2013

Cory what did you have in mind. Would I need to make or buy a canopy?

Gladfelter · Apr 28, 2013

Cee do you have the version with just blue and white or the one that adds in green and orange and purple?

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

cee · Apr 28, 2013

Full spectrum w/ red/green/violet and warm and cool white.

Gladfelter · Apr 28, 2013

Can you post a pic of how you have them mounted. I know if I went Led it would.make the wife happier with the utility bill lol

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

cee · Apr 28, 2013

Pic taken when I first set the tank up:

Hanging from the ceiling.

mike007 · Apr 28, 2013

I did alot of research and went with Orphec pr 156's. They are not cheap but wow they are awesome. I believe if you are going to invest hundreds of dollars on corals you provide them with the best light possible. Go to Orphec .com and check them out along with there test results.

cee · Apr 28, 2013

Gladfelter said:
Can you post a pic of how you have them mounted. I know if I went Led it would.make the wife happier with the utility bill lol

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Feel free to come over anytime and see for yourself, I'm just outside Clinton. I can't take a decent picture to save my soul but you can see first-hand what kind of colors I'm able to get. That's the best marketing I can provide (for a product I have not financial interest in LOL). But, alas, it is not just lighting. Other things go into a successful reef tank.

Dave

Gladfelter · Apr 28, 2013

Sounds good. I'm in powell off Heiskell rd

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

cee · Apr 28, 2013

Just call three hundred fifty-three forty-six or PM me. Lights usually go off early in the evening so weekends are best.

Dave

CoryC · Apr 28, 2013

To build a canopy you just need some half *** carpentry skills, a few board feet of oak and some paint. Then you could DIY some LEDs with an ebay kit. just need the red, green, neutral white, blue and deep blue.

Gladfelter · May 3, 2013

Cee, how do you have it set up? Just a basic timer? It can't hook up to a controller righy

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

cee · May 3, 2013

Yes, I use an appliance timer. I would think it would work on any AC timer or controller with the correct adapter.

Gladfelter · May 3, 2013

Ive decided pretty firmly that I want leds. I can get three of yours for $480 or 3 AI Sols for $1000. I'm really torn. Because I have the $1000, but I wanted to get lighting and a controller.