propagation tank ideas

[kwirky]

I just got my first sps in my 120g, and it's lit with a 48x24" 8 bulb teklight unit (~420W total). The coral's grown about 1/2" on each of it's branches in the 15 days I've owned it so far. The lights are about 10" from the water surface, and the coral's about 9" below the water.

That's why I'm thinking T5 would be a great choice for a grow-out propagation tank for it's efficiency.

Any ideas on how to design a rack-style multi-tank stand for tanks 48"x14"x12"? I'm thinking of it holding 3, maybe 4 tanks, that will be added in increments as they're needed, with only one tank initially. Building materials would probably be 2x4's and plywood.

Or any ideas on the cost to have a shop build a tubular steel stand like this?

If I bought an icecap 660 ballast, I could start with one of these tanks, then add tanks and bulbs as needed when I feel the need to expand.

[LeeR]

HD sells a 2 pack of 23W 6500K (daylight) bulbs for 14$. i use them in my terrariums.

[kwirky]

Originally Posted by MacheteAvenue

HD sells a 2 pack of 23W 6500K (daylight) bulbs for 14$. i use them in my terrariums.

thanks for the help. I'm thinking I'll go with a T5 setup instead. Now I'm debating what kind of setup would be the best for the lowest cost in the long run. Either of the two:

two 4' teklight retrofits (4 bulbs in total, 2 ballasts) over the one tank, then buying the same all over again for each tank I add until I have 4 tanks in total.

Or 4 icecap reflectors and endcaps, and a single icecap 660 ballast. higher cost up front, but expandable in the long run...