lighting requirement for a 120 gallon tank

[Kojek]

Hey there,

I would like to know if this "rule of tumb" for lighting applies (3-5 watts per gallon)

For example, if i have a 120 gallon tank, and taking 4 watts per gallon as an example. I would require 480 Watts for my 120 gallon tank?

would such a measurement be advisable ?

Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

Cheers

KOjek

[dr evil]

the design of you tank also counts......esp the height.

[reefer guy]

types of livestocks..... u have to consider....

[Kojek]

Hi guys

Thanks for your replies , dimensions are 4 ft by 2 ft by 2 ft

Keeping LPS and few softies.

What do u guys recon ?

any feedback is appreciated.

Using 4 Corallife fl tubes, 3 tubes 10000 K and 1 tube 20000K.

Each tube is 36 watts.

I know some of you guys would advise me to use MH, but I would not consider that option yet. so whats the next best thing ?

Trying to work with what i have without a total makeover.

Cheers

Kojek

[reefer guy]

hi bro... if u dont have the urge for sps, i think its enough.. but on second thought, 4 x 36w = 144w..... little difference from a 150w mh which is brighter and penetrates deeper.... but then again, u need at least 2...

cheers!

[Kojek]

Hi bro

Thanks for the feeback, but what would be the next best thing , VHO ?

to add on to the existing setup ?

Cheers

KOjek

[reefer guy]

IMO, if u add more lights instead of getting and replacing ur existing w more intense lights, u r just adding up ur electrical bills w less effeciency in ur lighting. have read before that to be able to get a really good lighting using fl, u will have to literally cover ur tank w fl lights....

[dr evil]

u cant keep much using FL.....FL are for FOWLR tank.

Why dont use MH???.....for your tank, a 2 x 250watt wound be nice. Just diy for 1 reefer.....power!!

[clowntrigger]

why not use 6x54w T5 tubes? I am using 4x54W T5 and I can keep SPS, LPS, clam and softies. Of course, the clams and SPS has to put right to the top of the tank, few inches below the light.

[Tanzy]

The watt per gallon theory is debunked and holds no water nowadays. It was never an accurate assessment of the lighting in the tank.

Don't use VHO unless you are barking mad or live in the US. T5 tubes will do. For a 4' tank, two 150W MH will be the most aesthetically pleasing. Nothing beats the caustic lines and surface glitter from a point source of light.

[Clownfish]

i seriously tink DIY MH is cheap loh... u wont regret it....

if heat is the issue, then u shld at least try to hav T5.....

cos the intensity of FL is not enough for 18 inches and above....

[Kojek]

Hi guys

Thanks for taking the time to share.

will go for T5.

Best Regards

Kojek