Lighting for 125?

[whispurr]

I have a 125 gallon tank that I would like to set up as a reef tank. I have had saltwater before, but only used the fluorescent lighting that came with the tank. This time I think I would like to have clams and corals. (Are they compatible with crabs, shrimp, etc.?)

So for my lighting. It's very confusing! My tank has a hood that sits off of the top of the tank about 8". The flourescent fixture is inside that. I was looking at some of the MH fixtures on e-bay and got myself confused.

What would y'all recommend for a 125? Right now I only have $400 to put towards the lighting, but I don't want to skimp now and be sorry later. I'd rather save more for the lighting and do it right.

Suggestions?

Thank you!
Teresa

[tendar]

Well if you want to clams then you will need Metal halides.
How many braces are there going across the top of the tank?
If there is only in the middle you can get by with 2 halides and with some shopping around you can probably get a couple of retro kits for $400. If there are 2 top braces dividing the tank into 3rds then you will need 3 since you dont want to place a halide directly over one of the braces.
One thing you will have to watch is your water temp climbing with low canopy as halides get pretty hot and will heat up the tank even more with a closed canopy and more with a low one.

[whispurr]

There is only one brace in the middle. I was thinking of modifying the hood so it stood up a little taller off of the tank. I only have one strip of fluorescent lighting currently, it sits right on top of the glass over the tank. I was thinking I would put a VHO in that, but then won't the MH melt it? This is so confusing!

Once I get my lighting figured out, I'm good to go, there is just so much to learn about it.

Thanks!
Teresa

[tendar]

Depending on the type or should I say color temp of the bulbs you use in your halides you may not need or want any VHO in there. Yes raising your hood will help alot. Place a fan in there or on the back plowing the hot air out will help alot also in controling heat.
No Halides wont melt a VHO but VHO's are pretty expensive to setup as much or more than a single halide setup. If anything you can use you single strip light for some actinic light in there.

[mushrooms]

i want to move my 55gal to a 120 gal tank, on the new tank i want to use only ONE 20k 250wMH w/ tow 4'VHOS. rigth now on the 55 gal i have two 20K 175MH w/two VHOS , you guy think that only one bulb will work for the 120 gal tank?i planning to put most of the hard coral on the center of the tank

[tendar]

It will work yes just going to have to keep any sps and clams in the middle like you said and lps and softies to the sides and bottom.