Lighting first tank.

My first tank will be the DSA Neo Nano, water depth will only be 12" or so. I'd like to be able to keep clams, SPS possibly more. Basically I don't want to be limited by lighting and have to upgrade soon after I start. What lighting should I be looking at, halide, led or t5 or will one of the fixtures that contain all three be the way to go. Budget would be in the $500.00 range, less if possible. This would be a 24" fixture.

 

At 12 inches deep you could do HO T-5 or MH. However, isn't this that nano that's supposed viewed from the top? If so, wouldn't a clamp-on MH be best?

 

That's true. Perhaps I could use one of the adjustable hanging kits? Are there clamp on light options of good quality?

 

24" tall x 24" wide x 12" deep. I would suggest a 6 to 8 bulb T5 setup. 6x24w, 8x24w if you can fit it, will require a ceiling hand or a custom hanging unit attached to the stand.

 

Would this give the shimmer that halide does, http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...module_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI

If I used this fixture would the 6 bulb do the trick?

 

T5s do not shimmer like halides. I actually saw another neo nano with this exact light on it. Looks like its a little too pricey for my taste. Not sure why it costs 700 bucks.

 

Is a hanging pendant out of the question? The Lumenmax has a good spread on it... T5s would work also but will take up any viewing possibility from the top, if thats what you'd like to achieve... The ATI fixtures will do the trick for sure but keep in mind the $700 or so you are paying for the fixture most likely does not come with lamps, then add on another $120 or so for them...

Matt why does the ATI fixtures cost so much? Quality... Thats like saying why do ATB skimmers cost so much and Seaclones so little....

 

Can't beat quality...but I would have to take out a loan to get one of those ATI units!

I also don't like the silver finish when everything on the neo nano is not silver. Light should match the tank if your gonna go all out.

 

What about the Outer Orbit Pro?