72X18X18 (100gallon) Reef Build

[daugherty]

here is a couple links that could help

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/sh...ight+Universal

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/sh...+Retrofit+Kits

[Altohombre]

great looking photoshop work and picture of Jack

[fatman]

For commercial use (aesthetics of viewing less important) I would only run three 150 watt HQI halides 6500 K or 10000 K over a tank with those dimensions. Where as with a deeper tank say 25" to 29" both of which are more common for a 72" long tank, I would have to run three 250 watt HQI halides minimum.
For a display tank of those dimensions, if I was paying straight retail for the lighting, I would still just use three 150 watt HQI halides but would switch to a bluer appearing light such as a 14000 K or even a 20000 K. That would be more than adequate light and supplemental lighting would not be needed. Supplemental lighting evolved as a way to provide more blue light in the days where about the only halide lighting that was available was 6500K bulbs. Except when T-5 lighting is used as a supplemental lighting (which would mean a retrofit or home built set up) the supplemental lighting provided is really more for aesthetics than for coral growth. seldom are lighting systems even tested for PAR performance that are combination systems. They usually test T-5 systems, halide systems (HQI and standard), VHO Flourescent, NO flourescent and Power Compact flourescent systems, not combinations of those. The PAR performance at any depth for any lighting but the T-5 or the halides is pretty dismal. Actually, VHO are OK, but are pretty much fading out of common usage.
Basically I would recommend 450 watts of HQI halide in a K value you find pleasing rather than a multi lighting type system.

[kosmo]

Update!

So there hasn’t been a lot of action on the tank lately. I’ve had mad bills come my way seemingly out of the blue. Of course as much as I’d like to ignore them I can’t… greedy companies and their… greedy…ness.

Anyway, I picked up my pumps and some of the plumbing bits I needed. No pictures of the plumbing yet I should have some up by next week. Right now I’ve thrown in some of the live rock from my previous build as well as some temp lights to start the cycle. Friday of next week my skimmer, heaters, and power heads come in. Finally a few weeks later I should be receiving part of my lights.

I know fatman said it would be easy to light my tank, but very much in my style I think I went overboard… You’ll see what I mean… (no LED’s… I’m not paying 5grand for 72” LED light bar)

In the meantime, pictures!

[bobby]

Looking good. I also like those dimentions. I like the 18 inch high better that the 21 +.

[yote]

I'm with Bobby.That tank will be a breeze to work in.
Since its only 18"deep.Look into a set of T-5s.Their a whole lot cheaper than LEDs.A set of Nova Pros and I think you'd be unlimited in what you can keep.

[Piggy]

Your tank is coming along. Looks like it'll be easy to work in. Keep us updated.