Lighting the Cube...

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Ph4Y5e, Nov 21, 2006.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Ph4Y5e

    Ph4Y5e Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2006
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    Hong Kong , Macau, Australia
    Suggestions for Lighting the Cube...?

    And so it comes to pass, that i will soon be shelling out for probably the most expensive piece of equipment to date...the lights...

    the tank is a 31"x 31" x 28" AG tank internal measurements would be ruffly 30"x30"x26"(26" up to the brace) its also got a 4.5 inch DSB...does that mean ... tank depth is only 22" from top of sand bed to top of tank??

    its not going to be heavily stocked with corals..it still will be mainly a fish tank... but i would like enough lighting to support most softies...with probably a couple of LPS...and last of all a Clam(the mid lighting ones)...

    Being a short cube like tank... i was hoping that a combo fitting that uses 1 x 175 mh with 2 x 62w? tubes... or would t5's be a better choice... it gets pretty warm over here during spring/summer so the MH would probably require an additional chiller... so yeah... what would you do? MH? or T5s?

    I know that the shimmering effect is generated by the MH, but i think i can simulate by a clip on halogen spotlight?
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2006
    Ph4Y5e, Nov 21, 2006
    Ph4Y5e, Nov 21, 2006
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2006
    Messages:
    5,644
    Location:
    Va/Ct
    I'd look into the LEDS for it .. A new technology that seems to be coming right along I have been reading and Talked to a friend who is a lighting system engineer and lighting system designer and he is becoming totally sold on them also for a different type of application for building lighting from home under counters to commercial offices ..
     
    Tangster, Nov 21, 2006
    Tangster, Nov 21, 2006
    #2
  3. FENKER=mountain_boy

    FENKER=mountain_boy Plankton

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2006
    Messages:
    22
    Location:
    boulder creek, ca
    im building a 37g cube right now and im using a 250w 14k or 20k
     
    FENKER=mountain_boy, Nov 26, 2006
    FENKER=mountain_boy, Nov 26, 2006
    #3
  4. Ph4Y5e

    Ph4Y5e Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2006
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    Hong Kong , Macau, Australia
    well i went the cheaper route...got myself a 150w 14k mh with 2 x 24w t5 actinics... i do have higher ledges to place the higher light requirement corals and what not...so yeah ill see how i go..worse case...i can always change out the ballast for a 175 or 250... only cost me 1600hkd(divide by approx 8 for USD) bulbs and all..ill have an update on my tank soon..
     
    Ph4Y5e, Nov 26, 2006
    Ph4Y5e, Nov 26, 2006
    #4