mister crabs Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I might be getting a good deal on a 110g cube tank. now I gotta figure out lighting. (scratch) dimensions are 28x28x31. I want to go with 24" T-5's but worry about depth. am thinking about a 400w halide but also worry about heat. trying to avoid a chiller. any help appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Depends on what you keep obviously but I would say a 400W is needed. To reach a depth of 31" and be effective I think a 400w is a must. I think 1 400w wouldn't be that bad over a 110G+. Buy a nice lumenarc to achieve a nice spread and run a fan across the sump to help cooling. Later Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectra Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Yes go 400W MH you will need the light with that size of cube. As for heat it should be fine I run a 250 on my 30 oceanic cube now and run the light cycle way longer than I should and heat is not an issue yet. I do not run a fan either. I know I am going 400 on my next cube and it is only a 60 gallon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister crabs Posted April 17, 2008 Author Share Posted April 17, 2008 ok....sounds good then. I am thinking that new lumenarc reflector or whatever it is thats more rounded. then a couple t-5 retros for actinic. i might have to build a taller canopy tho since the one on it is only 8" off water. may need to go a full 12". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I set people up with T5 systems for depths of 36"+ quite often. It can be done! For your dimensions, I would put 8 lamps in there. It will allow you keep anything you want. 8 x 24w = 192W.... Little more economical than a 400 with the additional T5's. Also, if you choose to go MH, the 400 is not really necessary. Get a 250 with good par, pair it with a good reflector, a good ballast, and you'll have enough light. Either way, you're heading in the right direction -Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 A couple years ago when using reflective sheets, or using a "gull-wing" style was the norm, I would of agreed and said to go with a 400W lamp. Now-a-days, if you fork over the extra cash for a good reflector/lamp/ballast, you can really save long-term with the electric bill savings while providing your corals with the same amount of useable light. -Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 I'm with Sam. You have so much more flexibility with T5s. You can get any color you want out of any combo of bulbs. Less heat, less electricty, and longer bulb life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectra Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 MH all the way go big or go home(laugh) I liked my T5s and the heat was not even a factor but still love the shimmer of the MH and the growth compared to the T5s. If heat comes into play will get a fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamatSLS Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 There's only one way to settle this..... Grow off! Even though I unfortunately live and breath lighting equipment, I'm the first to admit that the importance of water flow and stability FAR outweigh the importance of light. If you're tank is stable with solid parameters, and you have proper water flow, you will have great success growing coral with either setup. Both lighting systems have positives and negatives. All you need to do is figure out which is better for you personally, and go with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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