Lighting My 30 Gallon Reef

Hey guys, Ive been contemplating how I could light my 30 gallon reef ( 36 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 16 3/4) and Im driving myself insane. I was looking into doing a DIY LED build from Rapid LED. If I were to do this I would want to try a multitude of different color LEDs to get the the best balanced color spectrum. Im confusing myself on how I would hook up the drivers and controller however... Im also very interested in lighting this tank with a metal halide. Could someone please chime in and give their opinion on what fixture to use? Time is a factor in this build. HELP!

 

Thought it only right to come in on this one matey! I would use 2 AquaRayb 600's and 2 T5's ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha........I had to do it! sorry norg.

Hope you get some help pal.

 

Haha! I would if I could afford it right now! Thanks man. Im hoping someone chimes in soon. I think Im over thinking this and confusing myself. It happens all too often.

 

Is that 12" W or 16" W?

 

12" W

I wouldnt mind going with this halide system but Im not totally sure about the coverage. The tank is pretty shallow so the 250 watt halide is more than enough, but Im more worried about the edges of the tank being dim. If needed I have two par 30 bulbs I could use to light the ends though. Any ideas, comments or opinions on this anyone?

 

3 BoostLED par30s with 60* optics.

You could do 3 Ecoxotic par38s if you are really worried about coverage. 8)

 

I have two of them and I wouldnt use them on an SPS reef. I did on my biocube and it worked but Im more interested in halides or a DIY build.

Cayman Sun 250w HQI Reflector

I was thinking this system supplemented by the par 30s if need be in the dim areas.

 

If you did LEDs, I wonder if you would control the dimming to your controller through the LSM or VDM for the Apex?

What about the halide with 1 par30 on either end of the tank?

 

Thats what I was thinking of doing.

As for the Apex, Im not totally sure. Im still figuring out how alot of the electrical components work myself. Im no where near being able to call myself knowledgeable with DIY LEDs.

 

I haven't looked into enough to actual explain to you how to put it all together. Perhads Evolved will explain it to you.

I know you can control dimming capabilities through a reef controller, with the addition of electronics modules. I believe there is one specifically for DIY LEDs. I just forget the exact name of it.