Lighting A 3 FT deep tank.

[z28pwr]

I know that for penetration Metal Halides are the way to go, but this tank is going to be a FOWLR system therefore I don't need much light, just enough to make the tank look nice and maybe keep a few Zoanthids at the 2FT depth range.

I really don't want to go with MH because of the heat they create compared to other systems and since the tank is acrylic and the canopy is short I would have to modify the canopy to put the halides high enough to where they don't melt the tank, thus I was thinking of going with a VHO setup. Initially with 320 watts of VHO and if needed could go up to 640 watts of VHO.

If you look at the 720 at Alamo Aquatics it's 4FT deep and it's light is provided via VHO, granted the store light helps alot.

What do you guys think ?

[adaminaustin]

IMO VHOs would be fine for this.

The thing I liked about VHOs is you could always fit another tube under the hood. Some way some how you could always fit another light when needed.

[captexas]

Only bad thing with VHOs is they should be replaced every 6 months. Of course if it is mostly a FO tank then it's not a big deal if the color shifts so you could go longer on them. I haven't decided how I'm going to light my 240 whenever I get it set up. I would like to try the T5s, but they are still a little pricey.

[Tim Marvin]

VHO, they don't break easy and they are cheap to replace.

[brewercm]

VHOs

[brewercm]

Or you could go with this. ;)

http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=6506

[BA]

lol,Cliff