so in upgrading to my new 120 gallon tank, i'm thinking that i also want to upgrade my lighting system. I've currently got a 6x54 watt ATI sunpower over my 75 gallon, and the light is more then adequate... but the new tank brings new demands, and this tank will be completely SPS dominated.
my new set-up however, is 4" deeper front to back, as well as 4" taller, or 4" more distance to the sand bed. The new tank also has eurobracing, so it essentially blocks out light for 4" on each end of the tank... all of these things together are making me think that a 6 bulb 48" sunpower is probably not the unit for me on this new tank.
I was thinking that i'd be better suited with a 36" fixture, because of the eurobracing.. if i stayed with all t5's maybe something like an 8x39 ATI Powermodule? Or would you go with 10? I'm also kicking around the idea of adding some metal halides to the mix, mainly because i love the look of radiums.. this has gotten me looking at combination fixtures that are around 36" and use t5's and metal halides. The ones that stick out to me are the Elos Planet, the Giesemann Infiniti (although that's 48"), and the 36" sfiligoi HQI stealth.
So judging by the cost of all of the fixtures mentioned, i've decided that i'm willing to pay in the ball park of 1,500 for the fixture.. but only if it's the right one of course, and justifies a 1,000 dollar upgrade over my current ATI sunpower.
Anyone care to offer any feedback?
my new set-up however, is 4" deeper front to back, as well as 4" taller, or 4" more distance to the sand bed. The new tank also has eurobracing, so it essentially blocks out light for 4" on each end of the tank... all of these things together are making me think that a 6 bulb 48" sunpower is probably not the unit for me on this new tank.
I was thinking that i'd be better suited with a 36" fixture, because of the eurobracing.. if i stayed with all t5's maybe something like an 8x39 ATI Powermodule? Or would you go with 10? I'm also kicking around the idea of adding some metal halides to the mix, mainly because i love the look of radiums.. this has gotten me looking at combination fixtures that are around 36" and use t5's and metal halides. The ones that stick out to me are the Elos Planet, the Giesemann Infiniti (although that's 48"), and the 36" sfiligoi HQI stealth.
So judging by the cost of all of the fixtures mentioned, i've decided that i'm willing to pay in the ball park of 1,500 for the fixture.. but only if it's the right one of course, and justifies a 1,000 dollar upgrade over my current ATI sunpower.
Anyone care to offer any feedback?