Lighting a 12" cube

Tripwyr · 03/12/2014, 05:14 PM

I'm hoping you guys have some input on lighting for nano sized tanks. The tank is 12x12x12", and I don't want light to limit my livestock choices for any reason. If I want a blue maxima on the sandbed, I'd like to be able to do that.

With that said, I've been looking at both Metal Halide and LED. Obviously quality T5 bulbs small enough do not exist. I'm not sure of the rules regarding brands here, and both are non-sponsor self distributed brands.

I've been looking at a 70w DE metal halide pendant, with a 14k or 20k Ushio DE bulb. The LED unit I've been looking at is a 36w full spectrum fixture.

I'm leaning towards the MH because like many others, I prefer the appearance. However, the 70w is an odd form factor, and the fixture itself is quite obviously fairly cheap and doesn't really have any aftermarket reflectors or ballasts.

Can anybody make a recommendation?

jdstank · 03/12/2014, 05:51 PM

The Kessill A150W would make a great looking light for a cube with those dimensions and would certainly provide more than enough light for any coral, clam, etc you want to keep in the tank.

Tripwyr · 03/12/2014, 06:02 PM

Sorry I should have been more clear, I already have an LED unit picked out, but I would prefer to use Metal Halide if it is possible/practical. What I'm asking is whether the 70w unit size is practical for this size of tank, or whether anybody has a recommendation for a compatible MH unit.

I did a search and the brand has been mentioned before, so hopefully it is safe to tell you that the MH unit I am looking at is the Fishneedit 70w metal halide.

Reefvet · 03/12/2014, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tripwyr

The tank is 12x12x12", and I don't want light to limit my livestock choices for any reason.

Heat from the 70W MH will be your limiting factor. You'll have a lot of evaporation if you manage to cool it with a fan and you'll have to use an ATO to keep it anywhere near stable salinity.

There's a reason you don't find any good reflectors or enclosures for the 70W MH. Think about it.

The Kessil A150 is a good recommendation.

Tripwyr · 03/12/2014, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefvet

Heat from the 70W MH will be your limiting factor. You'll have a lot of evaporation if you manage to cool it with a fan and you'll have to use an ATO to keep it anywhere near stable salinity.

There's a reason you don't find any good reflectors or enclosures for the 70W MH. Think about it.

The Kessil A150 is a good recommendation.

I already have a tunze nano ATO, but you make a good point about heat generation. I hadn't fully thought through the heat generation of the MHs, and while I know that my setup can deal it, I'm not sure I want to.

Thanks for the help.

moondoggy4 · 03/12/2014, 09:25 PM

I have the same tank and Kessil light but I believe that the Kessil would be too much, I can cause my yum's in my 120 to move because of it. I have not set it up yet just have most of the parts, but no room to put it my house.

03/12/2014, 05:14 PM	#1
Tripwyr Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 60	Lighting a 12" cube I'm hoping you guys have some input on lighting for nano sized tanks. The tank is 12x12x12", and I don't want light to limit my livestock choices for any reason. If I want a blue maxima on the sandbed, I'd like to be able to do that. With that said, I've been looking at both Metal Halide and LED. Obviously quality T5 bulbs small enough do not exist. I'm not sure of the rules regarding brands here, and both are non-sponsor self distributed brands. I've been looking at a 70w DE metal halide pendant, with a 14k or 20k Ushio DE bulb. The LED unit I've been looking at is a 36w full spectrum fixture. I'm leaning towards the MH because like many others, I prefer the appearance. However, the 70w is an odd form factor, and the fixture itself is quite obviously fairly cheap and doesn't really have any aftermarket reflectors or ballasts. Can anybody make a recommendation?

03/12/2014, 05:51 PM	#2
jdstank Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: MD Posts: 182	The Kessill A150W would make a great looking light for a cube with those dimensions and would certainly provide more than enough light for any coral, clam, etc you want to keep in the tank. __________________ 37x33x18 95g Shallow Reef Current Tank Info: 150 gallon reef

03/12/2014, 06:02 PM	#3
Tripwyr Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 60	Sorry I should have been more clear, I already have an LED unit picked out, but I would prefer to use Metal Halide if it is possible/practical. What I'm asking is whether the 70w unit size is practical for this size of tank, or whether anybody has a recommendation for a compatible MH unit. I did a search and the brand has been mentioned before, so hopefully it is safe to tell you that the MH unit I am looking at is the Fishneedit 70w metal halide.

03/12/2014, 09:25 PM	#6
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	I have the same tank and Kessil light but I believe that the Kessil would be too much, I can cause my yum's in my 120 to move because of it. I have not set it up yet just have most of the parts, but no room to put it my house.