145g rimless lighting suggestions?

geckoejon · 03/01/2016, 07:36 PM

hello,

i'm purchasing a 145g rimless tank (48" w by 25" tall by 28" front to back), and looking for some lighting suggestions...

my main issue is the 28" front to back... most of the fixtures i've looked at would have some serious shading... i want to be able to grow anything in it. i also want to be able to control spectrum, so either all led's or a hybrid.

it is coming with a couple of the original hydras. i have thought about....

a. ditching the hydras and getting 3 hydra 52's

b. getting an 8 bulb ati sunpower, removing the middle 4 bulbs, and making a hybrid with the hydras

c. getting 2 of the reefbreeder 48" v2's, and ditch the hydras. one would leave way too much shadowing...

d. ???

Drae · 03/01/2016, 08:29 PM

Option b sounds interesting.

Wazzel · 03/01/2016, 08:41 PM

I think once you get past 24" you would struggle with hydra52's. Going with 6 hydra26's is what I would consider.

geckoejon · 03/02/2016, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drae

Option b sounds interesting.

agreed! i've never tried t5's, and i think a hybrid might be sweet. i like the idea of the even light distribution that t5's give. shadowing stinks! i wish they were 26's instead though....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazzel

I think once you get past 24" you would struggle with hydra52's. Going with 6 hydra26's is what I would consider.

hmm... i understand your thought process there, but kind of doubt i would go that route. i don't like the idea of having 6 different lights...

Chibils · 03/02/2016, 06:21 AM

I don't know what your budget is, but I would give Dave at nanobox a shout. Wouldn't be his first time doing custom work, and I haven't seen anyone who hasn't been satisfied with his work.

Also wouldn't be the first time he did a large light like that.

solitude127 · 03/02/2016, 11:05 AM

I like option B but with a little twist. Keep all 8 T5s and add a ReefBrite strip to it.

Bpb · 03/02/2016, 10:29 PM

The giesemann 2 bulb retrofits would be way cheaper and easier to space wider than the gutted ATI

geckoejon · 03/07/2016, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpb

The giesemann 2 bulb retrofits would be way cheaper and easier to space wider than the gutted ATI

Any idea where I can find the 48" fixtures? The places I've checked state that they are sold out...

Bpb · 03/07/2016, 03:23 PM

Oh just the usual bulkreefsupply or marine depot are the sites I frequent the most. You could check premium aquatics or aquarium specialty and see if they're in stock. Those seem to be radically popular as a perfect alternative to the LET lighting kits that require some DIY but for the same price

03/01/2016, 07:36 PM	#1
geckoejon Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: cocoa, florida Posts: 1,278	145g rimless lighting suggestions? hello, i'm purchasing a 145g rimless tank (48" w by 25" tall by 28" front to back), and looking for some lighting suggestions... my main issue is the 28" front to back... most of the fixtures i've looked at would have some serious shading... i want to be able to grow anything in it. i also want to be able to control spectrum, so either all led's or a hybrid. it is coming with a couple of the original hydras. i have thought about.... a. ditching the hydras and getting 3 hydra 52's b. getting an 8 bulb ati sunpower, removing the middle 4 bulbs, and making a hybrid with the hydras c. getting 2 of the reefbreeder 48" v2's, and ditch the hydras. one would leave way too much shadowing... d. ??? __________________ jonathan -- always curious, trying to learn, and try to pass along what others have shared with me -- Current Tank Info: 220g mixed reef & a red sea reefer bad fish tank :0)

03/01/2016, 08:41 PM	#3
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	I think once you get past 24" you would struggle with hydra52's. Going with 6 hydra26's is what I would consider. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

03/02/2016, 06:21 AM	#5
Chibils halide loyalist Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sugar Hill, GA Posts: 2,213	I don't know what your budget is, but I would give Dave at nanobox a shout. Wouldn't be his first time doing custom work, and I haven't seen anyone who hasn't been satisfied with his work. Also wouldn't be the first time he did a large light like that. __________________ always learning Current Tank Info: 75G new world cichlid, 25G reef in planning Last edited by Chibils; 03/02/2016 at 06:46 AM. Reason: English is hard

03/02/2016, 11:05 AM	#6
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	I like option B but with a little twist. Keep all 8 T5s and add a ReefBrite strip to it. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

03/01/2016, 08:29 PM	#2
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	Option b sounds interesting.

03/02/2016, 10:29 PM	#7
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	The giesemann 2 bulb retrofits would be way cheaper and easier to space wider than the gutted ATI

03/07/2016, 03:23 PM	#9
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Oh just the usual bulkreefsupply or marine depot are the sites I frequent the most. You could check premium aquatics or aquarium specialty and see if they're in stock. Those seem to be radically popular as a perfect alternative to the LET lighting kits that require some DIY but for the same price