Lighting a 14 gallon with 10 gallon footprint

somuchpaint · 01/12/2009, 11:03 AM

I have a (currently empty) tank that is 14 gallons with the footprint of a 10 gallon tank (20.5 x 10 x 16.5).

I am considering getting this:

Coralife Aqualight Quad Tube Compact Fluorescent Strip Lights

"Amazing 96 watts of compact fluorescent lighting from a single 20" light fixture. The innovative Quad Tube bulb is like having four normal output fluorescent light bulbs in one. Space saving design provides bright light conditions ideal for mini-reef aquariums, refugiums, planted aquariums, or as supplementary lighting where space is at a premium. Feature a stylish yet durable anodized aluminum housing with on/off switch and an energy efficient internal electronic ballast for reliable and lasting performance. Highly polished reflector maximizes light output and distributes it evenly across your aquarium. Protective acrylic lens cover prevents water splashes from coming into direct contact with lamps.

Saltwater compact fluorescent strip light includes 50/50 Quad Tube that combines 10,000Ã‚Â°K and True Actinic 03 blue phosphors to provide ideal lighting conditions for saltwater aquariums... 96 watts and 20" L x 7" W x 2-1/2" H. "

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9654+13734&pcatid=13734

This would give me approx. 6.8 watts per gallon, but I have read that watts per gallon is not a really good indicator of how much usable light you really have.

What would this lighting likely support photosynthetically? (through a glass top, as I have read too many posts of jumping fish)

Also, does anyone with experience with this light know if the actinics can be turned on without the 10K's for dusk and dawn effects?

fishtk75 · 01/12/2009, 05:00 PM

I read and saw this light and you can not turnoff the actinics its one big bulb all on or all off. if you want 10k and actinic separate you need to go with Coralife 24" Aqualight W/2-1 Watt Lunar Moon LED Lights

somuchpaint · 01/12/2009, 09:57 PM

The tank isn't big enough for 24" lights.

No other options?

fishtk75 · 01/13/2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by somuchpaint
The tank isn't big enough for 24" lights.

No other options?

24" is when they go two bulbs and two switchs.

I seen this I do no know your $ but look at this is is 20".
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...HMMMDMLM2.html

I look around and search maybe someone makes a 20" but at this time I see no companies making none. It is up to you how you like.

somuchpaint · 01/13/2009, 08:05 AM

I couldn't get the link to work. Metal halides make me nervous, though, because I have a toddler and a preschooler at home. Justified?

What about the 20" Dual Satellite 2x40W SunPaq w/Lights by Current.

"State-of-the-art SunPaq lamps last twice as long as standard fluorescents, and produce 3 times the light output! The 10,000k Daylight lamp will provide your tank with clear, crisp sun-simulation. The Blue Actinic lamp penetrates deep for proper absorption by corals and plants, and the fantastic Lunar Light shimmers simulated moonlight throughout your aquarium, encouraging spawning and fascinating nocturnal behavior. Twenty four hours of perfect lighting in low profile, black powder-coated aluminum housing. Featuring a built-in electronic ballast, polished aluminum reflector, and on/off switches for each individual lamp so you can customize your lighting schedule. The Satellite is the smart choice for complete, efficient lighting." (http://www.aquariumguys.com/dualsatellite1.html)

I'm not sure if on/off switches for each individual lamp means you can put the 10K and the actinic on different lighting schedules.

This would be 80 watts (which comes to 5.7 watts/gallon). It is less light, but it looks like it would fit, and allows the lights to be operated independently.

Any opinions about this light?

AZDesertRat · 01/13/2009, 08:27 AM

I have the 96w powerquad over my 16G Bowfront and it works great. The tank is mostly softies with some LPS but did have monti caps at one time until they got crowded out.

The light used to be on a 15G Via Aqua until it cracked and the contents were moved into the 16G bowfront. I wish I had a current picture to show you the growth since the bowfront pic was taken, it grows like crazy.

fishtk75 · 01/13/2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by somuchpaint
I couldn't get the link to work. Metal halides make me nervous, though, because I have a toddler and a preschooler at home. Justified?

What about the 20" Dual Satellite 2x40W SunPaq w/Lights by Current.

"State-of-the-art SunPaq lamps last twice as long as standard fluorescents, and produce 3 times the light output! The 10,000k Daylight lamp will provide your tank with clear, crisp sun-simulation. The Blue Actinic lamp penetrates deep for proper absorption by corals and plants, and the fantastic Lunar Light shimmers simulated moonlight throughout your aquarium, encouraging spawning and fascinating nocturnal behavior. Twenty four hours of perfect lighting in low profile, black powder-coated aluminum housing. Featuring a built-in electronic ballast, polished aluminum reflector, and on/off switches for each individual lamp so you can customize your lighting schedule. The Satellite is the smart choice for complete, efficient lighting." (http://www.aquariumguys.com/dualsatellite1.html)

I'm not sure if on/off switches for each individual lamp means you can put the 10K and the actinic on different lighting schedules.

This would be 80 watts (which comes to 5.7 watts/gallon). It is less light, but it looks like it would fit, and allows the lights to be operated independently.

Any opinions about this light?

Yes on/off switches for each lamp mean you can put two timers on to make it run independently for 10k one time and actinics different time. Yes the Sun Paq is good and 20 inches I see.

fishtk75 · 01/13/2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AZDesertRat
I have the 96w powerquad over my 16G Bowfront and it works great. The tank is mostly softies with some LPS but did have monti caps at one time until they got crowded out.

The light used to be on a 15G Via Aqua until it cracked and the contents were moved into the 16G bowfront. I wish I had a current picture to show you the growth since the bowfront pic was taken, it grows like crazy.

That light look good growing coral.
What setup you use beside the lighting that is working for you as to for feeding the corals and keeping Cal,Alk and ph? Looking at small tank as that one too to setup 16g. now I see that somuchpaint found a 20" Dual Satellite 2x40W SunPaq w/Lights (Current) makes a good small one.

01/12/2009, 11:03 AM	#1
somuchpaint Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Fauquier Couny, VA Posts: 11	Lighting a 14 gallon with 10 gallon footprint I have a (currently empty) tank that is 14 gallons with the footprint of a 10 gallon tank (20.5 x 10 x 16.5). I am considering getting this: Coralife Aqualight Quad Tube Compact Fluorescent Strip Lights "Amazing 96 watts of compact fluorescent lighting from a single 20" light fixture. The innovative Quad Tube bulb is like having four normal output fluorescent light bulbs in one. Space saving design provides bright light conditions ideal for mini-reef aquariums, refugiums, planted aquariums, or as supplementary lighting where space is at a premium. Feature a stylish yet durable anodized aluminum housing with on/off switch and an energy efficient internal electronic ballast for reliable and lasting performance. Highly polished reflector maximizes light output and distributes it evenly across your aquarium. Protective acrylic lens cover prevents water splashes from coming into direct contact with lamps. Saltwater compact fluorescent strip light includes 50/50 Quad Tube that combines 10,000Ã‚Â°K and True Actinic 03 blue phosphors to provide ideal lighting conditions for saltwater aquariums... 96 watts and 20" L x 7" W x 2-1/2" H. " http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9654+13734&pcatid=13734 This would give me approx. 6.8 watts per gallon, but I have read that watts per gallon is not a really good indicator of how much usable light you really have. What would this lighting likely support photosynthetically? (through a glass top, as I have read too many posts of jumping fish) Also, does anyone with experience with this light know if the actinics can be turned on without the 10K's for dusk and dawn effects? Last edited by somuchpaint; 01/12/2009 at 11:21 AM.

01/12/2009, 05:00 PM	#2
fishtk75 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: PA Posts: 1,530	I read and saw this light and you can not turnoff the actinics its one big bulb all on or all off. if you want 10k and actinic separate you need to go with Coralife 24" Aqualight W/2-1 Watt Lunar Moon LED Lights

01/12/2009, 09:57 PM	#3
somuchpaint Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Fauquier Couny, VA Posts: 11	The tank isn't big enough for 24" lights. No other options?

01/13/2009, 08:05 AM	#5
somuchpaint Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Fauquier Couny, VA Posts: 11	I couldn't get the link to work. Metal halides make me nervous, though, because I have a toddler and a preschooler at home. Justified? What about the 20" Dual Satellite 2x40W SunPaq w/Lights by Current. "State-of-the-art SunPaq lamps last twice as long as standard fluorescents, and produce 3 times the light output! The 10,000k Daylight lamp will provide your tank with clear, crisp sun-simulation. The Blue Actinic lamp penetrates deep for proper absorption by corals and plants, and the fantastic Lunar Light shimmers simulated moonlight throughout your aquarium, encouraging spawning and fascinating nocturnal behavior. Twenty four hours of perfect lighting in low profile, black powder-coated aluminum housing. Featuring a built-in electronic ballast, polished aluminum reflector, and on/off switches for each individual lamp so you can customize your lighting schedule. The Satellite is the smart choice for complete, efficient lighting." (http://www.aquariumguys.com/dualsatellite1.html) I'm not sure if on/off switches for each individual lamp means you can put the 10K and the actinic on different lighting schedules. This would be 80 watts (which comes to 5.7 watts/gallon). It is less light, but it looks like it would fit, and allows the lights to be operated independently. Any opinions about this light?

01/13/2009, 08:27 AM	#6
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	I have the 96w powerquad over my 16G Bowfront and it works great. The tank is mostly softies with some LPS but did have monti caps at one time until they got crowded out. The light used to be on a 15G Via Aqua until it cracked and the contents were moved into the 16G bowfront. I wish I had a current picture to show you the growth since the bowfront pic was taken, it grows like crazy.