Hello,

I'm debating between a 180 and a 150. I really think I like the idea of a 60" 150 better than a 72" 180. The problem is I can't find many 60" light fixtures.

I'm thinking I would probably have to build a hood of some sort. How do you incorporate MH lighting into a hood? I thought about getting two pendents and hanging them over a 60" PC fixture (4x65) but wouldn't the fixture block out a lot of my precious, expensive HQI light? How do people manage this issue?

I may be trying for over kill. I could always make a hood using just PC lighting. The most light demanding plants I'd be interested in would be HC, dwarf hair grass, or micro sword. Otherwise its mostly Echinodorus sp. and crypts.

Suggestions? Pictures of solutions would be cool too.

Or should I just say to hell with it, get the 72" and buy the coralife pro?

People always say get the biggest tank you have room for and have the time and money to set up and keep up. So, just based on that I think you should get the 180. And, 3 MH pendant lights would work very nice over that.

Go for the 180. You will be happier in the long run...........

I have a Current outer orbit 3x150w 6500k MH fixture that is 72"...

Cost a pretty penny. Happy with it, but I could have spent a lot less......

Based on your species, you do not need MH. I think a nice set of Compact Flourescent T5 will do nicely.........

Esp with MH, you want to think about suspending them so you can adjust as desired..........

yeah, the 180 isn't that much more expensive I guess. Any idea how much more expensive monthly it would be to run it (electricity/water)? Probably only be marginally more expensive monthly too...

I wouldn't even bother calculating it

Just get the 180 and enjoy!

Do yourself a favor and get the best of anything that you can afford.

Filter, pump, C02, and lights are your biggies, so think long term. Your goals, tank may change over time............

Also, think about water changes, if you plan on doing them. Anything to automate is good...........

Hamilton Lighting makes a 60" four bulb T5 HO kit that I put over my oceanic 180, it's worked perfectly.