Alright so i have to decide on a light for my
35.5"L x 23.5"W x 12"H shallow tank.
I want to be able to grow anything I want (clams, sps, etc.)
The light will sit in this hood/canopy - the bottom of the canopy is 6" above the tank is 11" tall.
I can fit -
- 2x175w halides (using reef optix 2 reflectors) + Iwasaki 14k bulbs + electronic ARO ballasts.
- 4x39w T5HO retrofit kit running 2 ATI Blue+, 1 ATI Purple+ and 1 ATI Aquablue Special
total cost on this is about
$460 (I already own the t5 bulbs and ballasts - so i havent included them in the cost)
506 watts of light - bulb replacement cost yearly is $230
Cons - potential heat issue? electrical consumption? I had another thread going which many of you assisted on I am under the impression i shouldnt need a chiller with the 175w halides. I can run them at night in the summer if needed to offset the temp.
OR
ATI 8x39w Sunpower which is
$500 (living by the border has its advantages1) - this light is 17" wide so there would be a narrow area at the front and back of tank that wouldn't be lite but i don't plan on stuffing corals against the glass. I already have 7 brand new t5's so i just need one more.
312w of light - bulb replacement cost yearly is $176
