Looking for lighting advice for my 125g

[dj_giantti]

I could still use some help on my lighting. I have a 125gal tank that is 6ft long and I wanted to host mainly SPFs what combo of lighting should I use. I also want to have the show tank color.

What I have

2-400w PFO MH 2000k blubs
2-250w PFO MH 2000k blubs
8-65w power compacts blue actinics

[Michael7979]

So you are running all that is listed above?
Or are those lighting choices?

I say 3 MHs, 250 or 400, with vho or t5 actinics. Not a big fan of PCs.

HTH

[dj_giantti]

Those are what I have a my house to work with. I am will to buy more if needed.

[Michael7979]

I would use the 2-400w on the outside with 1-250w in the middle. Then spread out your pc's for the actinics. This way you have a lower light in the middle for lower light corals.

As stated earlier I don't like pc's for actinics but if you have them use them. I like vho's. I have not used t5's but a lot of people swear by them.

Hope that helps..........

[R-3]

I would use the 2-400w on the outside with 1-250w in the middle. Then spread out your pc's for the actinics. This way you have a lower light in the middle for lower light corals.

As stated earlier I don't like pc's for actinics but if you have them use them. I like vho's. I have not used t5's but a lot of people swear by them.

Hope that helps..........

I agree with Mike. 2 400s and a 250. Vho or T5 for supplementation.

[dj_giantti]

If I wanted to go with VHOs what should I go with and where is a good place to pic them up? Can I use the same bal as the PCs

[CA2OR]

http://www.fishneedit.com/metal-halide.html

[R-3]

What ballasts are you using for the pcs? Some of the bigger workhorses would work for the VHOS.

Im not sure who stocks VHO bulbs though Brandon. I would call most of the sponsors on here and see if they have 6' Vhos instock. I think a WH7 or 8 is what you need.

Most people buy the super actinics if they want a bluer tank.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idProduct=UF3245&size=72%20inch%20(160%20watt)&child=UF3725&IdCategory=FILTBUFLVB&category=VHO_Fluorescent-Fluorescent-Light_Bulbs-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies&tab=1

Or they buy the Actinic white for a little whiter.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?action=view&idProduct=UF3243&idCategory=FILTBUFLVB&category=VHO_Fluorescent-Fluorescent-Light_Bulbs-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies&vendor=&child=UF3723

You could do one of each which would be nice. Talk to Jason in Salem at CRPC. I know he runs 6's over his tanks. Maybe he has a spare ballast or bulbs. I will call ya this week Brandon and maybe I can stop by.

[R-3]

http://www.fishneedit.com/metal-halide.html

I wouldnt buy from there. Ya get what ya pay for.

[CA2OR]

Is that a bad place? I have never bought anything from them but I did see that they had really cheap prices. What is wrong with them? I am not argueing with you just don't know.

[dj_giantti]

That would be great if you would not mind stopping by some time to check out the tank.

Thanks

[CCR]

jAY had some 6 footers actinic URI. I run 4 with 2 ice cap 660s... 3 400w 15k XM Did I miss it??? How deep is the tank?

[R-3]

jAY had some 6 footers actinic URI. I run 4 with 2 ice cap 660s... 3 400w 15k XM Did I miss it??? How deep is the tank?

Duhh I forgot about Icecaps. I think there was one for sale on here somewhere.

[dj_giantti]

Im lost right now.. Could you guys explain what your chatting about?

[Michael7979]

URI = actinic bulb type in vhos
icecap 660 = is a ballast, one 660 can run up to 4 -4ft. bulbs and other options with shorter length bulbs.

HTH