Lighting help for a propagation tank

I want to build a 48"x24"x12" propagation tank out of 3/8" thick clear cell-cast acrylic. I want to use single ended metal halides to light the tank. I'm thinking about hanging the lights 8-10" about the waters surface. The actual water height will be around 10.5 to 11 inches. I’m thinking of using two or three 20K Radium 250 watt single ended metal halides but maybe 150’s will do the trick? I will house all types of corals: SPS, LPS, Zoo’s, Mushrooms and Softies. How many metal halides should I use, two?

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if you only have 10inches of water,why not just save your money and use t5's?you will save alot on electric and they won't heat your water up.4 54watt t5's are equivalent to almost 400 watts halide but they don't penetrate as far into the water.just an idea for you to look into though.

 

Two 250watt MH will be more than enough to handle your tank for frags.

 

all depends on your reflectors. 24"s is pretty wide if you plan on using retro kits. Look into Lumenarc reflectors.

 

I'd go T5 for something that shallow

Are you planning on using eggcrate to make racks?
If you want I can scan my 'blueprints' for ya to use

TEK fixtures are really good for this application. DarkLordCoral uses them over their 400W halides w/ Lumenarcs! They had 4 over their runner tubs and now use 2 TEK T5 fixtures.

Less heat to worry about and you can have it really close to the waters surface.

 

Why not try Tridacna's! 2 250watt mogul halides will do you just fine!

 

Not to hijack your thread here...but do you have plans you are using to build the tank?

I would like to build one as well, and I have no idea where to start.

Also, are you going to build the tank yourself, or have someone do it?

 

I put T5's on my 30G prop tank and I can not keep SPS colour at all. Total waste of money

I'd go with MH for sure Luminarc III reflectors will spread to 48' but you may want to look at smaller Reflectors the Luminarcs are Huge. I have them

J

 

Heres the link to Lumenarc

 

Hey if you have a propogation tank, Do you have to cycle it? Or because there are no fish.......