Lighting 180G (72x24x24)

[Marmot74]

Hey Guys,

I am totally new to reef lighting and want to get the correct light first time around.

I have a 180g, 72x24x24 tank.

I would like an all in one light with MH, T5 and Moonlights.

Is 3x250w a good choice? Should I get Magnetic or Electronic ballasts for the MH?

Been looking at the Belize Sun, Maristar and Aqua Medic combos but am totally going around in circles! Help

[Pazil]

What do you plan on keeping in the tank? That will determine what type of light you should be looking for.

[Marmot74]

It will be a full reef with SPS etc etc

So I don't wan't to limit myself much.

[burrows14]

Instead of a fixture would you consider a hood or light rack with pendants? 2x lumenbright large or 2 lumenarc pendants would give you plenty of coverage. at 24" deep you could get away with 250w MH. If you want to upgrade to 400w later on I would get either the lumatek or galaxy select a watt ballast's so you can switch from 250w to 400w with he flick of a switch. Then you can add t5's or leds for supplementation.

[Marmot74]

I was looking at the all in one types (MH, T5, Moonlight) like Hamilton Belize Sun. Do they suck?

[burrows14]

Ive heard good things about them from a couple of people. The only thing is that the centre brace will block out the middle MH.

[Marmot74]

The tank has 2 braces. Splitting the tank into 3rds. Wouldn't that be ideal for a 3 light unit?

[burrows14]

My mistake! I swear I read that you had only one centre brace lol Yes then that fixture would be great for your tank lol I almost went with the 60" version but I couldn't find one with mogul bulbs so I am making my own fixture lol Other wise looks like a great light

[Marmot74]

It's possible it did say that at one point until I actually looked at the tank and saw it had 2 braces

[Lance]

3x 250W MH with supplemental T5 will be fine for just about anything you want to grow in a 24" tank.