Lighting and hood options?

[NaClFinatic]

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! )

[Rob]

90 gallon tanks can be a bit tall. the 150W will suffice IMO, just keep any high light corals at the top of your rock work and you should be fine.

for the hood, yes that's fine, just make sure its adequately ventilated.

for actinics, i love actinic lighting, and i have found its important for the health of your corals, and for good coloration.

i would say go with either the MH and T5, or all T5, and you should be fine

[NaClFinatic]

Ok for a moment lets go with all T5s... I see 28W, 39W, and 54W in 48" length. What would be needed to get an adequate amount of light? How many bulbs? Even mix of white and actinic? Do T5 bulbs really last 2-3 yrs? That woudl be great! Also any reccommendation on good retrofit kits or parts?

[PSH]

When I was planning to use T5 for my 75 I was going to use 8 48" 54 watt bulbs. Four T-5 Ocean White bulbs and four Actinic 460nm. Now I plan to use just 2 of the Actinic bulbs with my Coralife MH fixture.

[NaClFinatic]

If I were to go with MH, where can I get a 150W HQI retrofit or a fixture that could be mounted under a hood? I haven't found any, except a pendent that might fit, but I think it would be a little close to the water.

[NaClFinatic]

Hello lights has a reasonably priced retrofit for 150W HQI. But it doesn't include the lens. Has anyone used this before? It looks like the reflector has a slot that the glass lens would slide into, but I'm not sure. Does anyone know about this? Also can I just go the the glass shop and ask for a piece of UV glass?

[Rob]

you would want to use plexiglass, something that can handle the heat. one problem with glass is that its going to heat up very hot, and a splash of water could shatter it.

i believe is UG-58 acrylic (plexiglass) that you want to look for. the exact type might be wrong, but this should get you in the right direction

[NaClFinatic]

OK, this seems reasonable and includes UV shield. http://www.hellolights.com/15hlmhrekith.html But, it talks about being sealed from moisture and humidity. Is it adequate the way it is to mount under a hood or should more percautions be taken?

[Reefbaby]

NaCl - many people are starting to use all T5 lighting in their tanks and are very successful with it. There's several advantages, especially for you - they take up less space, can be situated closer to the water surface, use much much less energy than MH, and the bulbs are much cheaper to replace.
Here's an example!
And check out this amazing tank that only lit with T5 bulbs!

[NaClFinatic]

Thanks! I think I am leaning towards a full hood with T5 for now. I can upgrade later to MH if needed and keep a couple T5 actinics. That one tank is incredible! Es tut mir leid nur ein bischen deutsch! It would be very interesting to read about.

I am also considering going with just one MH at one end to get some high light area and then some 2ft T5 or PC at the other and 4ft actinic T5 for the whole length.

If I use all T5 (HO 54W) (90g with DSB will be less than 20" deep) how many bulbs will I need? Maybe a better way to put that question: What could I keep with either 4 or 6 bulbs? (I'm interested in having a bubbletip, some LPS, and a few SPS. How deep would I be able to place these with 4 T5 bulbs? or with 6?)

[Reefbaby]

I'm not familiar with the 90g sizes. could you give me the measurements of the tank?

[NaClFinatic]

standard 90 gallon is 48 W x 18 D x 24 H in inches

[Reefbaby]

My 125gl is also 24" high, although I have a mixture of