impur Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I'm in the planning stages for my new 60g cube. Since I have an ARO 250w MH eballast I'd like to use that. Will a 250w MH reach the bottom of the tank well enough? I'm considering either a Luminarc III or Luminarc Mini reflector, and I'd like to use DE bulbs. I may also supplement the MH with 2-4 T5s. This will all be enclosed in a canopy. While i love my current T5 setup, I've found myself missing the shimmer of MH. So, regardless of the increased cost involved, i'm switching back. I only hope I can get the same color as my current setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectra Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Should be ok with it especially if you supliment with the t5s. I know what you are saying about the t5s my sons 175MH loooks alot better than my big tankDOH! I am going to do a MH on my smaller set up to but only half as much as your cube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 My tank is only 18" deep, and my 250W M58 magnetic ballasts have absolutely no problem lighting the bottom of the tank even with the crappy spider reflectors I'm currently using. I'm running XM 10K bulbs and my SPS are growing like crazy (even on the substrate). I'm planning on switching to Reeflux 12K bulbs soon and will replace the spiders with DIY luminarcs; with the improved reflectors, I don't expect to lose much growing-power even with the lower-PAR bulbs. IME, you'll be more than fine with the 250W on a two-foot deep tank -- especially if you go HQI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sol Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 A Lumenarc III is 20X20 or more and so would leave basically no room for suppliments. Why are you set on using DE bulbs? SE tends to be more PAR per watt of electricity, and you can get even more light because you don't have to use a glass shield. Plus the range of bulb options is much bigger. I built a full tank setup (including lighting) this size for a customer, and what I ended up using is a lumenarc mini with a 250 watt reeflux 12K SE bulb, and 2 24" t-5's, one an ATI blue+ and one a UVL pure actinic. That light setup, IMO, was perfect for this size tank. Honestly no way I could have thought of to improve upon it. Color, growth and "pop" factor were all amazing. Just my thoughts, -Sol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Miles talk to me about your lumi, I can have my shop make you one as I did my reflectors. Get with me and I can show you some plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted January 4, 2008 Author Share Posted January 4, 2008 Sol - i'm not necessarily set on the DE bulbs. You raise a good point regarding the glass shield. I thought DE bulbs gave the same PAR as SE. Guess i'll be doing some more research there. I'll keep in mind that setup you suggest. And great job on this tank BTW! I'll be recommending you to people for sure! Nyles - sweet! I had forgotten about your hookup. Lets get some beers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siskiou Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Miles, are you taking down your 75G tank? Or are you keeping that T5 and going MH with the cube? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted January 5, 2008 Author Share Posted January 5, 2008 I'll probably tear down the 75. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siskiou Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Oh no! Keep 'em both! But if you do tear it down, keep me in mind for some of your T5 bulbs, if they still have any life left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted January 5, 2008 Author Share Posted January 5, 2008 I have all my old bulbs if you want to give them a shot. I think they have about 14-18m use on them. Just come get em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siskiou Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 You mean you aren't using the TEK fixture anymore? If only I had the $$, I'd get it as a back-up for my tank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pledosophy Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 My 65g is 22" deep I believe. Been awhile, but pretty sure. I use 4 T5 39w bulbs, they all share a reflector, (ya I know but the fixture was really cheap). I have no problems with corals like zoas, rics, GSP, xenia, and some euphyillia's on the sand bed. Your going to be more then straight with the MH's and the T5's IMO HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted January 6, 2008 Author Share Posted January 6, 2008 Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm glad i can use the 250 and avoid the 400. I'd need a chiller with the 400 i think. Susanne - well i'm using it right now. Its gonna be a few months till i'm ready to move stuff over to the cube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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