Need help from pro to set-up new 70 gal tank with lighting and water pump

[dragonblood]

I have 70 gal : 40(l) x 26(w) x 18(h) new set-up.. with 30 gal reg sump My questions:
1.If i have 36 inch t5,,,how many light(daylight) and actinic light do i need and how long i'm need to turn on the daylight before i'm turning on the actinic
2.If i'm planning to have mh..how many light plus watt do i need
3.I have 300gph overflow box and how much gph return water on air pump do i need(maybe mag 5)

I'm planning to have at least 50% sps(on top) and 50% mix lps,acan and zoa and i heard that mh used more killer watt than t5 to thrill sps..
Thanks for your guys help

 

[ZANYMASTER]

If doing MH,175w should be fine.If doing T5,daylights can be on for 12 hours if that's what you're asking.Mag5 should dthers will chime in.

 

[aznt1217]

1. Depends what corals you keep. You will need at least a 6 Bulb T5 fixture. Generally, you can run with ALL lights on for 5-6 hours (like I said it depends), then the actinics the first and last hour (for the dusk/dawn effect).

2. If you get a Metal Halide it really depends on the depth of the tank. I think it's safe to say if you run AT LEAST a 250 W w/ supplemental actinics, you should be okay.

3. That configuration of corals is okay, but like I said it depends on what you keep and what the requirements are. Metal Halide lighting is great because it cuts through the water and shimmers, just watch out for heat issues and be prepared to pay more electric.

 

[nycoralguy]

If you're planning on keeping sps, it might be more beneficial if you use MH, MH will kill you on electric. I've seen people with t5 with SPS, the color and polyps on the SPS don't come out as much, not too much growth either. Some LPS will loose there color if placed right under MH. Zanymaster is right, 175 watt should do the trick, hope you have a chiller, or a nice central air system at home. MH creates a lot of heat.

 

[AlohaTropics]

Not much electric difference between T5 and MH nowadays. 48" 6x54W T5 will run 324W while a 2 x 175 MH will run 350W. I would go MH over T5 because to get the same performance as MH with T5, you need to go with premium stuff like ATI Powermodule. Then your talking $$$$. LED consideration?