Lighting Options?

[smalltownfan]

Let's just imagine that I have a big tank. (say for example the 220g at BA) and it's going to be installed in-wall. I would like to copy a SA biotope with lots of compatible flora and fauna. I would want a clean look in the tank so I can picture using a sump (50g) for the filtration system, and a place to hide the heaters etc.
Now, the lighting is something that I really would like to "imagine' in advance. Since anything above the tank rim will not be seen, except from the back, esthetics are not that important. I could not imagine banks of fluorescents, even if they are T5HO! I'm seeing pendant lights but is it feasible? What would be necessary for a 72 inch tank" Halides, halogen .....?
The date for any changes for power requirements and the electrical system for that area is approaching and I need to let the builder know what I need.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[fischkopp]

This imagination seems quite familiar ... stay tuned ... 

In my imagination there are lots of T5HO, eight 4ft tubes being the rough number. There were some thougths about MH at some point, but have been rejected. There is no cost advantage and the are not as flexible as tubes - especially if you can enable or even dim each of them individually.

[charlie]

My advice is to pre wire for the max , say halides & heaters etc.
I personally think T`5`s is the way to go & you probably don`t need 3 WPG on a 6 foot tank, more so with T5 & reflectors, i would suggest starting with 2 WPG if you T5 & reflectors.

In terms of sumps & planted tanks, nice to hide stuff & quite do able , but they can pose a tricky & sometimes frustrating project if you plan on injecting CO2, the biggest obstacle is the out gassing of co2.
My penny

[smalltownfan]

My penny

I appreciate the feedback from you and all members. I have learned so much in a short time. Many years ago my father told me, "add up the pennies and you'll be surprised at how much you have" 

Still miss him

[jart]

As pointed out already, you will not only have to pay close attention to lighting, but CO2 dispersion as well. 6 foot tanks can be rather hard to maintain adequate water circulation. I was considering a 6 foot tank quite some time ago. I started a thread on TPT and here is the link:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/35469-anyone-experience-6-foot-tanks.html

You may find some useful information in that thread.

Also:
http://bharada.com/aquaria_120.html

Maybe this will give you some ideas.
I think you may do best with 2 canisters, the outlets of each being supplied with CO2.
I really don't have much input re the lighting.
Also you should give careful thought as to your plumbing options to facilitate easy water changes.
Keep us posted.

[zima]

I would put my vote for T5HO's as well. I see it being a way cheaper alternative, and it gives you much flexibility in terms of how many bulbs you can add or remove. If you buy the tubes and the ballasts, wire the whole thing yourself, and find some nice reflectors or start with simple canopy painted white on the inside, you know you'd be pleasantly surprised at the low cost.

I have no experience with sump, but I can imagine the CO2-escape issue being a pain.