Lighting?

[WWS]

I have a 29 gallon bio cube that I want to increase the lighting for live corals. I am looking at getting an outer orbit HQI/T5HO lighting ballast.

What I am not sure of is how much light I shoud get. I am leaning towards 2 x 250 W MH but will this be too much light or should I go with 1 x 250 W MH?

Thanks for the input

 

[Bifferwine]

For a 29 gallon tank, 1 x 250 is definitely all you need. 2 x 250 is WAY overkill. Watch out for how much that heats your water up.

 

[hibye]

try one clamp on

 

[WWS]

How high off the water should the lighting sit

 

[hibye]

dont knoe find that out yourself till you get the right temp

 

[yote]

I'd start at least 12" then move the light up or down depending on the heat transfer.

 

[reeffreak]

I would go with the 1x250w also.Place them 18'' or so and see if it gives you any heat issues.

 

[Alexander]

thus the reason I do not do mh lights

 

[bobby]

Me too. Too much heat.

 

[Alexander]

yeah with canopys its way too much heat my 3 fans do just fine on my vho lights but hell no on halides.

 

[WWS]

If I want to add some SPS corals and clams, dont I have to use metal halides?

 

[reeffreak]

If I want to add some SPS corals and clams, dont I have to use metal halides?

No,T5's with individual reflectors will be just fine for SPS,clams and anemones.It doesn't run as hot as MH either.

 

[WWS]

What are some good products that would work for a nano tank? I am up for spending less money for adequate lighting rather than a lot for HQI. Thanks

 

[reeffreak]

What are the dimensions on your tank?

 

[WWS]

the dimensions are:

20.1"H x 19" W x 20.8" L

 

[reeffreak]

Only 21'' long huh?I was hoping for 24'' long.

Nobody makes an odd length like that.Its either 18'' or 24''.If you don't have a problem with hanging the lights than these two would get my vote.They are 24'' fixture,the Aquactinics being the better of the two.Either would work great....

Sunlight Tek Light T5 Hood - 24" x 4 bulb: Premium Aquatics
TX5 Series Aquactinics 24" 5 lamp T5 fixture - no lamps: Premium Aquatics

 

[WWS]

Is there a certain brand of T5 bulbs that are better than others?

 

[reeffreak]

Yes the UV and ATI bulbs are the best.I hope you don't ask for my recommendation on what bulbs to get.Everybody has different taste on what look they like the best,for instance,I like crisp blue with a hint of purple and pink.

The guys at Reefgeek.com are bunch of great people.Shoot them an email or call,they should help you with your choices more.

 

[WWS]

Does anyone make T5 ballasts similar to the above with moonlighting LEDs? I really like the night time lighting from the LEDs.

 

[reeffreak]

Current Nova makes a good fixture with lunar lights but it doesn't have individual reflectors.The reflectors is in my opinion,the most important thing when deciding on T5 fixture.If I had to chose lunar or IR,I'd go IR.Coralife makes a separate lunar light,its 3/4 watt suction mounted.You would only need one,they are very bright as far as lunar goes...about $15.