Lighting for 60x36x25 sps tank

[Zaireguy]

Hi all

I am trying to set this tank up for sps.i am switching over to a new tank i had 48 inch ati t5 on the old set up
I have been told anywhere from( 8) xr15 to lights i never heard of..any solid advice would be greatly appreciated first time looking at led
Thank you

 

[xxkenny90xx]

What's your budget? Are you looking for leds?

 

[Zaireguy]

I know 8 xr15 are over 3k. I would like to go led to help with electric bill ..if i went with radions i just would have to start out with a few and slowly add more
Thank you

 

[xxkenny90xx]

For half that price you could get 2 reefbreeders v2+ 50s, or maybe even one size smaller than that. I've been very impressed with them.

Or if your want higher end lights the reefi extremes are awesome

 

[jda]

You are talking 36" front to back, right? Just get another 48" ATI. Compare bulb costs (plus initial fixture cost) to 5 years of new LEDS at 8x400 ($3200) - life span is about that, give or take and do not be a fool and assume that LED never cost money again.

Power consumption is going to be about the same. 8x xr15s at 80-100w is not to different than 12 bulbs at 54w (assume 2x 6 bulb ATI) and you are ahead if you need to add T5s or LED strips to your Radions if you have shadowing issues later.

In the end, running wattage is more similar than different, so base this on the initial costs vs bulbs and also just what you want to run to enjoy and have fun with.

The best way to light large tanks is with reflectors, so 2x 250w Halides on larger reflectors with a couple T5s or LED strips is no joke and about the same wattage... so think about this if you have not.

 

[Zaireguy]

I have three 400 watt metal halide fixtures and ballast already from a previous tank

 

[Bpb]

A pair of 6x54 watt ati sunpower fixtures would look absolutely outstanding on that tank. Be a lot of light spill without a canopy. But it would really fit the bill nicely