Seeking Lighting Suggestions/Advice

[LCGoldman]

I need some input on lighting designs for my 92g corner tank. I've decided to upgrade from my 2x92w PC lights. I think I can ask my father-in-law who's very handy to build me a hood as a holiday present

Being that the tank is in the shape of a quarter circle, I thought of two possible ideas on how to light it:

Plan A: Three 175w MH bulbs arranged in a triangle plus two 96w PC actinic bulbs (not sure where those should go. Any suggestions?), or,

Plan B: One 250w MH bulb in the dead center and three 96w PC bulbs in the shape of a triangle around it (Should all three be actinics? Other combinations?).

Being that I am completely in the dark (no pun intended) about Metal Halide lighting, I welcome any and all suggestions as to what to buy (i.e. what manufacturers, what components, etc., etc., etc.).

In regards to the interior of the hood, what is the recommended finish to use?

What size, and how many, fans?

Should I be aiming for the lighting to be eight inches above the tank or perhaps higher?

If there's anything that I've forgotten to consider please let me know.

I welcome any, and all, comments, suggestions, thoughts. And, ummm donations

 

[Len]

Hi Lonnie,

I'd go with plan A. Actually, I recommend you get three 250W double-ended halide pendants if you can fit it and your outlet can handle the juice. If the bulk of your corals are going to be in the middle, maybe one 250W DE and two 150W De flanking it will suffice. These are awesome lights, more efficient then the single-ended "Mogul" socket halides. PFO, Sunlight Supply, and Aqualine Bushke all make outstanding DE pendants (often referred to as "HQI").

For the finish, I'd use gloss white paint. I've used both oil and acrylic based with no problems. Start with 2 4" fans and add more if it's inadequete. Two should suffice.

Lighting should be 8-12" above the tank. Using a hanging pendant system will allow you to adjust the height easily.

 

[LCGoldman]

Thanks Len,

Funds are an issue... Any one who's asked me what they can get me for the holidays, I'm telling the MONEY this year LOL.... but, not to sound greedy, I will tell them what it's for... kind of like a gift registry LOL.