halide lighting for semi circular tank

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by James_SD, Jan 20, 2009.

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  1. James_SD

    James_SD Plankton

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    near San Diego
    I have semi circular (half cylinder) tank (48" diameter along the back, 24" thick front center to back, and 24" deep) that I am about ready to fill with water. I am not sure what will go in it, but most likely no hard to keep corals, no destructive fish, probably I will just start with live rock package from Tampa Bay Saltwater and see what I get. It will be mainly an underwater garden with only a few, small, non-show stealing fish. I need advice on the lighting.

    Goals:
    1. would like to use pendent(s) hanging from ceiling above tank (probably CoralVue lumenbright)
    2. don't want to double my household electric bill.

    Questions:
    1. what are the differences between single ended and double ended bulbs (DE would allow neater looking pendent without bulb socket hanging out the side?
    2. Can I put a single pendent over the center of the tank or do I need multiple light sources (2 pendents side by side)?
    3. Can I get away with just the halide pendent(s) or do I need flourescent actinics as well?

    Thanks for any advice.

    James
     
    James_SD, Jan 20, 2009
    James_SD, Jan 20, 2009
    #1

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  2. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2008
    Messages:
    2,108
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    DE NEEDS protective shield as it WILL emite dangerous UV rays whereas the SE are already shielded. DE give you more spectrum options USUALLY!
    You may or may not double your bill but Hey thats what meerwasser is all about!!
    One pendent will cover roughly 2' sq, at least it will cover 2' EFFECTIVELY!
    The fluorescent actinics will add to the spectrum and PAR values but also accomplish the dawn/dusk effect. Otherwise you have full blown or nothing!
    For your tank I would recommend two MH bulbs or a T5 fixture or retro.
    If you are planning on only MH I would recommend a 14,000k or 20,000k bulb to give you that blue you are missing without the supplementals.

    I take it you mean by under water garden you mean coral dominant, which would mean a decent lighting system. Just plan ahead as no one likes to buy something inadequent only to upgrade later!
    I would recommend the double MH w/ supplemental or T5
    check out sunlightsupply.com or aquactinics.com for some good ideas. And yes a 24" deep tank CAN be lit with T5!! I should know! :-D

    Happy lighting!
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    #2
  3. James_SD

    James_SD Plankton

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    near San Diego
    To clarify, underwater garden is macro algaes, feather worms, things that sway in the current, basically whatever appears in the first few months by itself after adding the Tampa Bay package. I won't have big showy fish, maybe some like gobies that hide a lot but add occasional motion.
     
    James_SD, Jan 20, 2009
    James_SD, Jan 20, 2009
    #3