Lighting for a 36 x 36 cube

tgbaby1 · 06/02/2011, 01:50 PM

I will be setting up a 36x36x18 100 gallon cube. I'm not quite sure what I want to use for lighting yet and wanted to get some feedback on a couple options. I will be going with a MH/T5 combo installed in a hanging canopy. I will be using either lumenarc or lumen bright reflectors. It will be a mixed/SPS reef.

Option 1: 1x250w MH + 4X24w T5
Option 2: 2X250w MH + 2X24w T5
Option 3: 1x400w MH + 2X24w T5

I would like to be able to get away with only 1 MH lamp but don't think it will give me enough coverage. What do you think? Would the 400w be overkill?

Thanks

zoolan70 · 06/02/2011, 01:59 PM

What do you plan to do in terms of aquascaping? If your goal is a rock island in the center, then a single 250 would probably work, if you used a reflector with good light spread. If you plan to have rock work spread all over, that may not give you enough coverage for light-loving species.

If it were me, I'd go with rock in the center, a single 250, and 4 T5s around the perimeter.

tgbaby1 · 06/02/2011, 02:03 PM

I'm planning on several "islands" spread throughout the tank so I'm wanting to cover most of the tanks footprint.

pkirby · 06/02/2011, 04:23 PM

have you considered LED lighting? Lower electric bill, especially if you are considering a 400w MH, plus no replacement of bulbs, and you can adjust the light spread by changing the lenses... you can dial in your color pretty well if you get dim-able drivers... LED cost quite a bit more up front... even if you DIY, but long term it's a great option. If you don't want to DIY, check out AquaIllumination. Definitely not the cheapest on the market, but great product.

tgbaby1 · 06/03/2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkirby

have you considered LED lighting? Lower electric bill, especially if you are considering a 400w MH, plus no replacement of bulbs, and you can adjust the light spread by changing the lenses... you can dial in your color pretty well if you get dim-able drivers... LED cost quite a bit more up front... even if you DIY, but long term it's a great option. If you don't want to DIY, check out AquaIllumination. Definitely not the cheapest on the market, but great product.

I've looked a little into LEDs and I'm not quite ready to make the switch. The Aquaillumination units would definitely be my first choice if I do.

06/02/2011, 01:50 PM	#1
tgbaby1 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: KC Posts: 155	Lighting for a 36 x 36 cube I will be setting up a 36x36x18 100 gallon cube. I'm not quite sure what I want to use for lighting yet and wanted to get some feedback on a couple options. I will be going with a MH/T5 combo installed in a hanging canopy. I will be using either lumenarc or lumen bright reflectors. It will be a mixed/SPS reef. Option 1: 1x250w MH + 4X24w T5 Option 2: 2X250w MH + 2X24w T5 Option 3: 1x400w MH + 2X24w T5 I would like to be able to get away with only 1 MH lamp but don't think it will give me enough coverage. What do you think? Would the 400w be overkill? Thanks

06/02/2011, 01:59 PM	#2
zoolan70 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 248	What do you plan to do in terms of aquascaping? If your goal is a rock island in the center, then a single 250 would probably work, if you used a reflector with good light spread. If you plan to have rock work spread all over, that may not give you enough coverage for light-loving species. If it were me, I'd go with rock in the center, a single 250, and 4 T5s around the perimeter. __________________ 500 gallon in-wall with 250 extra gallons of sumps / frag tanks / etc behind it.

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06/02/2011, 02:03 PM	#3
tgbaby1 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: KC Posts: 155	I'm planning on several "islands" spread throughout the tank so I'm wanting to cover most of the tanks footprint.

06/02/2011, 04:23 PM	#4
pkirby Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 408	have you considered LED lighting? Lower electric bill, especially if you are considering a 400w MH, plus no replacement of bulbs, and you can adjust the light spread by changing the lenses... you can dial in your color pretty well if you get dim-able drivers... LED cost quite a bit more up front... even if you DIY, but long term it's a great option. If you don't want to DIY, check out AquaIllumination. Definitely not the cheapest on the market, but great product.