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View Full Version : 60 gallon cube lighting ???????


CKreef
07/17/2008, 07:01 PM
I am trying to find a light for my new 60g cube. It is 24"x24"x24". I am going to keep a mixed reef lps sps and clams. What light would you all reccomend? I have looked at these 2 units but if you have other suggestions please tell me. Also this will be a hangining unit. Thanks Chris


http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=80155&cat=721&page=1

http://www.aquacave.com/t5-ocean-light-24-6-lampsbr-by-aquamedic-974.html

CKreef
07/17/2008, 10:02 PM
bump

JCTewks
07/17/2008, 10:36 PM
I would not do the outer orbit...the ones I've seen have mot had the best look.

Are you partial to all T5, T5/MH combo, or MH only? If you want to do MH only, get a lumenmax pendant and run one of the 12-15k bulbs that work well without supplementing.

CKreef
07/17/2008, 10:46 PM
I really like to have moonlights and dawn to dusk lighting. I like t5 only because of less energy costs. I do like the look of the lumenmax. Any good place to buy it? Why did the outer orbit look bad? Thanks Chris

JCTewks
07/17/2008, 10:51 PM
My opinion is that they have poorballasts in them...the ones I've seen fired even 20Kmh's that looked wierd...and the 14k looked yellow! The reflectors in that fixture SUCK too :D

You could always DIY a suspended hood and retro what you want in there and have EXCTLY what you want....like a luminarc L3mini w/ a 250w XM20K fired by an M58 ballast (highest PAR MH combo (that is not YELLOW)), ring the whole thing in 4 24" T5's...blue+ and aqua blue. that way you've got a GREAT MH reflector, individual T5 SLR reflectors, and now 4 T5's. The XM 10K/blue T5 combo is great for growth AND looks...HUGE PAR!!!

CKreef
07/17/2008, 11:02 PM
where do you suggest buying the diy stuff from?

CKreef
07/17/2008, 11:03 PM
is the lumenarc only a mogul based unit?

ganjero
07/17/2008, 11:06 PM
No, they also have DE

JCTewks
07/17/2008, 11:20 PM
well, aquacave has the reflectors along with aseveral other E-tailors...

If you go DE...
http://www.aquacave.com/luminarc-stealth-250w--brhqi-double-ended-brreflector-by-pacific-garden-brsupply-1209.html

SE...
http://www.aquacave.com/lumenarc-iii-mini-mogulbr-base-reflector-1210.html

T5...
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/SLR_Retrofit_Kits/24_inch__4x24W_SLR_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_IceCap

There are other places to buy stuff...but aquacave seems to have the best price and selection of LA reflectors, and reefgeek was the cheapest I found on the T5 IC SLR retro. If you want to split the T5's into 2 timers for different effects, get the TEK 24" X 2 retro kit...aquacave had them for $110.

hahnmeister
07/18/2008, 12:15 AM
My 60 cube was run with just a full size lumenarc 3, a 400 watt HQI ballast, and a Ushio 20,000K bulb. Very nice. I tried dual 250's, but it just wasnt as nice. I wouldnt bother with T5s until you get to 3' or 4'... 2' ones just dont make alot of economic sense, so best to do a 55g over a 60 cube in that case.

You could look into getting blue PAR30 LED spotlights if you really want the 'blues' for 'after hours' viewing. Cheap and easy way to do it.

JCTewks
07/18/2008, 12:34 AM
I agree....a single 15k or 20k in a LA pendant is the most cost effective way to go....

You could possible look into lining the rim of the LA with blue cold cathode tubes for the dawn/dusk effect...and a few small led's for moonlights. You should be able to conceal all of that within the single MH pendant.