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View Full Version : Building new 36x36x27 tank , which light to use ?


jman77
10/05/2008, 06:18 PM
Hello Everyone,


I'm going to start a marineland 150 Deep (36x36x27) and would like to know which light to go with ? I'm thinking of 4 T5's , and 1 x 400 or 2 x 250 w Metal Halides,

I already have the 250 ballasts from my current tank , as well a IceCap Ballast for the t5's, but I'm not sure if I should go for the 1 x 400 for the tank , or stick with 250's.

Also, My current tank has a Maristar DE fixture on it which is 36 inches long, should I stick with that, or move to something else ?

Tank will be a mix of SPS and LPS corals.

RokleM
10/06/2008, 06:42 AM
I would go for the 1 400 and 2-4 T5's. I have the 200, and plan to move the 2x400 and 2-4 T5's from my 180, but I have 4' wide to work with.

EnderG60
10/06/2008, 09:17 AM
1x400w and 4x39w t5's around the perimeter

RokleM
10/06/2008, 10:19 AM
I don't know if I'd go around the perimeter. Unless you go with the same bulbs, you might get some funny color issues depending on the combo you use. I'd suggest 2 left 2 right or 2 front 2 back. Not to mention, they might not physically fit well depending on canopy size.

Also, I'd recommend using a wide spread reflector like the LumenMax2 (that's what I'm going to move over) instead of a more direction like a LumenBright. LumenMax2's can hit 30-36" pretty well, where the LumenBright's threads seem to be pointing towards a perfect 24" coverage.

Your rockwork could have a bit to do with the layout too.

livingstone
10/06/2008, 11:30 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13493354#post13493354 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RokleM
...Also, I'd recommend using a wide spread reflector like the LumenMax2 (that's what I'm going to move over) instead of a more direction like a LumenBright. LumenMax2's can hit 30-36" pretty well, where the LumenBright's threads seem to be pointing towards a perfect 24" coverage...

RokleM, do you know how the LumenMax Elite is, spread-wise, compared to the LumanMax2 and to the LumenBright?

My 36x36 is on order so I'm working this out as well.

Thanks,

c2300
10/06/2008, 11:58 AM
I have one 400W 14K aquaconnect with Luman mini for my 30"x30"x20" cube.

RokleM
10/06/2008, 12:01 PM
I've heard it's mostly directional (downward) as well, however there doesn't seem to be a lot of people to comment on them as of yet. Just what I've read in the very few threads I've been able to find.

saltysteven
10/07/2008, 11:30 AM
400 mh - with nice full size reflector
4 vho's.

i have a 3x3 cube and i run two 175 with 4 vhos and its really nice!!
id get the 400 to cut the cost on bulbs ballests and reflectors in half.
my tank is also 21 high but i keep the lights 1 ft from water

areze
10/07/2008, 02:13 PM
400mh on a big lumenmax elite is a given. but the light is going to get shadows on the face of your rockwork.

I think itll be more than 4 flourescents to cover the face of the rockwork from perimeter lighting, this is going to have a canopy? unless you build it out so you can fit 36" tubes your going to be stuck with 24" bulbs, and I dont think 4 24" tubes is going to do anything for you.