Light Usable for Reef tank?

Saltine · 07/03/2013, 05:10 PM

This light came with my new tank pictured below, is it possible to upgrade the ballast and bulbs to use for a reef tank in a tank this deep? Or do i just have to get a different setup ?

Thanks!

bnumair · 07/03/2013, 05:27 PM

i think its too deep of a tank for those lights. tank looks 30" in height and those lights will be good only for few inches deep into water so practically u will have to put everything on top. then again sensitive sps corals may not like the lights.

tallball158 · 07/03/2013, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnumair

i think its too deep of a tank for those lights. Tank looks 30" in height and those lights will be good only for few inches deep into water so practically u will have to put everything on top. Then again sensitive sps corals may not like the lights.

+1

greech · 07/03/2013, 06:02 PM

Power compacts can usually maintain lps and softies but as mentioned the light penetration is not going to be much. The flat reflector and the lack of cooling (don't see any fans) don't help either. I think you would be ok with shrooms, leathers, Xenia, etc. but I wouldn't try too many lps unless they are in the upper third of the tank.

Saltine · 07/03/2013, 07:26 PM

what type of lights should I look at for a tank this deep? Thanks so much for the help.

PS what do you think this light is worth to sell on say craigslist?

scubaprashant · 07/03/2013, 07:32 PM

You aren't going to get much for it, but I'd save it for a rainy day. If you are on a tight budget, look for a used T5 setup on craigslist and change out all the bulbs. If you want a fixture that isn't going to give you an annual expense, you should look at LEDs. I think for just starting out, you should go for a 4-6 lamp T5. It'll give you your best bang for the buck and shouldn't cost you much 2nd hand.

Saltine · 07/03/2013, 07:42 PM

thanks scuba, is there a place on here that recommends lights and pump sizes for certain tank sizes?

I know i need to get a skimmer, pump, lights, and wavemaker but no clue what size for the tank and I've been reading up but cant find an exact location of the info.

Thanks
Salt!

greech · 07/03/2013, 08:04 PM

Do a search for lighting a tank your size. If you go with T5s, I think you will be much happier with a 6 bulb. Kessil pendants might be worth looking into for LEDs but there are lots of options in the LED market. Halides would give you good spread and good penetration but will run hotter and lie T5s will mean annual bulb replacements.

Don't skimp on lighting. Doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. Buy quality the first time even if its used.

07/03/2013, 05:10 PM	#1
Saltine Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 495	Light Usable for Reef tank? This light came with my new tank pictured below, is it possible to upgrade the ballast and bulbs to use for a reef tank in a tank this deep? Or do i just have to get a different setup ? Thanks!

07/03/2013, 05:27 PM	#2
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	i think its too deep of a tank for those lights. tank looks 30" in height and those lights will be good only for few inches deep into water so practically u will have to put everything on top. then again sensitive sps corals may not like the lights. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

07/03/2013, 06:02 PM	#4
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	Power compacts can usually maintain lps and softies but as mentioned the light penetration is not going to be much. The flat reflector and the lack of cooling (don't see any fans) don't help either. I think you would be ok with shrooms, leathers, Xenia, etc. but I wouldn't try too many lps unless they are in the upper third of the tank. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

07/03/2013, 08:04 PM	#8
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	Do a search for lighting a tank your size. If you go with T5s, I think you will be much happier with a 6 bulb. Kessil pendants might be worth looking into for LEDs but there are lots of options in the LED market. Halides would give you good spread and good penetration but will run hotter and lie T5s will mean annual bulb replacements. Don't skimp on lighting. Doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. Buy quality the first time even if its used. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

07/03/2013, 07:26 PM	#5
Saltine Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 495	what type of lights should I look at for a tank this deep? Thanks so much for the help. PS what do you think this light is worth to sell on say craigslist?

07/03/2013, 07:32 PM	#6
scubaprashant Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 211	You aren't going to get much for it, but I'd save it for a rainy day. If you are on a tight budget, look for a used T5 setup on craigslist and change out all the bulbs. If you want a fixture that isn't going to give you an annual expense, you should look at LEDs. I think for just starting out, you should go for a 4-6 lamp T5. It'll give you your best bang for the buck and shouldn't cost you much 2nd hand.

07/03/2013, 07:42 PM	#7
Saltine Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 495	thanks scuba, is there a place on here that recommends lights and pump sizes for certain tank sizes? I know i need to get a skimmer, pump, lights, and wavemaker but no clue what size for the tank and I've been reading up but cant find an exact location of the info. Thanks Salt!