[bassman]

I just set up a 230 gal to use as my refuge and sump. It's BB with live rock, some LR rubble and a ball of cheato.

I looking for suggestions on the best lighting to grow my cheato to large proportions, I would like to have it cover 75% of the water surface, rougly 4'x2'

The tank is 72"x24"x30"H and has a 5/8" glass center brace measuring 2'x2'. I am not sure how this will affect the lighting, I would think it would hinder the penetration of the light somewhat. I just don't know if it will make a difference or not growing cheato.

I am thinking of something like a 48" PC Hood with 4x54watt, 6700K bulbs
Going with something like this 1/2 of the lights would be blocked by the center brace, once again I don't if it really matters enough to worry about.

Or I could go with a couple pendants and place them on either side of the center brace but then the center isn't getting any direct light.

One other choice for lighting is to buy 6-8 Phillips Daylight CFL 27 w bulbs and make my own fixture.


I am really struggling to make a decision on this one LOL, any insight would be greatly appreciated.