24w compact florescent - Nano Cube

Needless to say I have been quite concerned about my 12 gal. Nano Cube which came with only a single compact fluorescent light fixture with 24-watt 50/50 lamp.

Knew it would probably be OK for just fish, but had doubts about the light supporting any corals at all.

Have had up and running now for three weeks and all in tank are doing great. Only the anemones are not expanding as fully as they were under stronger light, although they are surviving just fine. But softies are fully expanding and have already noticed some new zoo growth.

Just goes to show how little light is required to support a marine aquarium with lower light requirement species. I think we greatly over estimate the amount needed.

The fish don't care a bit.

​

So as things stand now, I am perfectly happy with my single light hood, and do not regret not spending the additional $ for more light.

 

I just got one myself for here at Home from the shop it was in the way, They suck! the ballast will get wet and die in a few months you may want to do something about that and that little cheap pump should be tossed out also and replaced with a better pump.. They will do fine for about 6 months .. I'm replacing that lighting with two 65 w P/C with remote wired ballast to stop the moister problem in the hood up under the reflector and that Plastic shield that caused the issue.. You can order a new hood with Fans and better lighting for them.

 

Agree, pump is crap also. Right now I have a small filter running on the side. May in time scrap the hood all together and get one of those Rio nano-skimmers.

Too bad, as I was greatly attracted to the tank's compact and self contained look. :-/