Lighting preference

[Bandit]

Hi everyone

OK, time to choose the lighting for my 6' x 2.5' x 2.5'

I am going with 4 x 400W, as I only have one cross brace I will be able to mount 2 x 400W either side of the bracing.

I have decided to go with XM lamps, one beacue of their super high PAR rating, and too, becaue I like the look of the colours in Joe Burger's tank Joe Burger's Web Page

Now my questions are:

1) Do any of you have any other suggestions for lighting setup (please note I am going 4 x 400W as ballasts etc have already been purchased)

2) if going with XM, should I go 4 x 10000K or 2 x 10000K and 2 x 20000K, and mount them side by side to blend the colours in?

[Bandit]

Oops, left one option out... that being 6.5KK & 20KK combo?

[jd_n]

can try left 20k, 6.5k , 20k, 6.5k right

PUB will love u so much with the amt of wattage u gonna use

[flamey]

can try left 20k, 6.5k , 20k, 6.5k right

PUB will love u so much with the amt of wattage u gonna use

PUB? he's from down under mate!

[jd_n]

PUB? he's from down under mate!

oh yah.....didn't notice

[Bandit]

Yeah, was thinking of going that way actually.

Anyone else have any opinions?

[scarab]

Agree on the 6.5K and 20K of 400 watters.

Achilles Tang's reef was running this combo and you have seen photos of his reef. He might have changed fr 6.5k to 10K but the older photos still look awesome and his growth is phenomenal.

[reefer guy]

been thinking about this configuration, think it would work the same for u? comments and advices please....

[scarab]

been thinking about this configuration, think it would work the same for u? comments and advices please....

That's the one bro.

[Bandit]

I would go with the same config, but using one reflector on the left and one on the right... that way the colours from the lamps can blend a little easier.

[jd_n]

I would go with the same config, but using one reflector on the left and one on the right... that way the colours from the lamps can blend a little easier.

i second ur thoughts.....if i were to do like wat reefer_guy had mentioned.

For a 6.5ft, 2 MH infront is definitely nt enough to cover frm left to right but u get good coverage from front to back. The best scenario would be 8 x MH . 4 infront and 4 at the back. Or y nt go abit more extreme, 5 infront and 5 at the back. I believe the blendin of 6.5k and 20k will look great.

[junyong84]

8 MH? wow! u will have a green house effect in ur hse! haha

[weileong]

been thinking about this configuration, think it would work the same for u? comments and advices please....

Was thinking of 4x250W (20kk and 6.5k combo) or 2x400W 10kk or 2x400W 20kk.

Any feedback?

[reefer guy]

Was thinking of 4x250W (20kk and 6.5k combo) or 2x400W 10kk or 2x400W 20kk.

Any feedback?

bro, what's the length of your upcoming setup? i was advised by robe to use 2 x 400 in this configuration, which i think is good... but guess will try to go for 2 x 250w 10kk + 2 x 250w 6500k (as advised by scarab) i will put my 400w on standby just in case the 4 x 250w wont work for me

[weileong]

Upcoming still 4ft. Now the questions is 250W 6.5kk + 250W 20kk higher PAR or 400W 10kk or 400W 20kk higher PAR?

based on the wattage alone I think 250W combo is better.

[reefer guy]

i am no expert on lightings actually, just getting tips and advises from experts

but IMO, 4 x 250w will give a better coverage in a 4-footer, BUT compromise putting light-loving sps in the lower level of tank as i dont think it will penetrate well as much as a 400w can do....

as for par, not really sure either; 250w 6500k or 400w 10000k i think is the decisive point. If i were to consider 400w 20000k, id rather go for 4 x 250w....