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Help w/ Lightning Choices
One of the few changes i will need to make is upgrading my lighting system....
As some of you know - a MH fanboy here....
Starting a new build with the 72"x48"x20" Glass Cages display.... My 48" Giesemann Spectra is not going to cut it.... Feel there is simply no MH equivalent for LED currently, perhaps with a single exception....
I'm in discussion stages with James @Orphek on the "new" Amazonas 960. Will need 2 fixtures to cover my SPS dominated display... fully controllable, fully customizable, single-point light source, UV-ish offering, with less heat added directly to the tank. Will cost about the same price as the 4x250w Halide retrofit Hamilton system + 6xOR120 bars i was planning initially.....
Would love to get everyone's thoughts on this option.....
.... or do i go with the Hamilton MH + OR2 setup? I am building the system with sharp focus on reliability, and minimal maintenance...
For your reading pleasure....
Amazonas 320 Aquarium LED Lighting • Orphek
Orphek Amazonas 320 LED Light Fixtures are developed specifically for public aquariums and other venues displaying reef or freshwater aquariums.orphek.com
Nate, I'm really enjoying the tank build so far. I think this is going to be a great size for your upgrade!
One thing I like to think of in large aquariums with regards to lighting is 1. what will your rock structure be like and 2. where do you plan on having different corals growing? These two questions really help me to limit lighting to only the most important areas of the tank. If you have large spaces of sand for swimming fish these areas don't technically need to have the same amount of PAR as where the corals will be growing (unless you plan to do other photosynthetic organisms there like clams, gorgonians, seagrass, etc.). Centering the highest PAR around where coral growth will be can help to alleviate how much lighting you have and cost, plus you can always add LED bars/T5s later if you feel certain areas need more light. Hope this helps some!