I am planning a 90g reef and have some lighting and hood questions. I am planning initially to work into mostly LPS and not much SPS. I am ok with slightly limiting my coral choices for economical lighting. But still want some cool stuff. I'm not so into softies. I also would like to be able to keep an anenome.
1. I am slightly rethinking my lighting. I was planning on 4x65
PC (half
actinic) as an affordable way to start out with some decent output. But lately I am considering
MH. If I use
MH it would be a pair of 10k at 150W
HQI or 175W. I have read that might not be quite enough for 90g. I figure with
DSB it is not all that deep and any high light needs can go high in the tank. I also read that the
HQI have more output. I would supplement the
MH with
PC or
T5 actinics. Could the 150s be enough? If thats not really enough for high light needs then I am definitely starting out with only
PC.
2. Is a full hood a bad idea? I like the look but am concerned about heat. Of course the back is open and I would put a couple fans in and maybe even top vents. I am also concerned about cleaning and maintence. I figure a hood would be more of a pain to clean the lenses and also when starting out always moving things around and stuff. I am also wondering about the clearance in a retail hood. I am looking at the AGA classic mission series.
http://www.all-glass.com/products/fe...lassicmission/ Is there really enough room under there (8")to get a fixture and lens mounted and still have a few inches of clearance? What are some good retrofit parts or kits to use for the
MH if I go that route?
3. My main interests are to get a pleasing look and economy. (And of course adequate light.) I don't think I like too much
actinic, so I am even a little concerned about all
PC and having half
actinic. But my biggest goal is to have the most bang for the buck. I don't mind some initial investment if it will save yearly in bulb replacement and electricity. Should I consider
T5 or
VHO? I haven't read so much on those. Also I want to look into the new LED lights.
Thanks in advance for your input. ( T-minus ~4 months till tank start!
)
