29 Gallon SPS Dominant Lighting Options??

[harmonyexotics]

Hey everybody! :)

I'm in the process of cycling a 29 gallon tank. It's going to be sps dominant, but the setup is very simple. No sump. I've pretty much got my filtration ideas down, but lighting is my current obstacle. I know MH is one of the best options for sps, but on a tank this small with no sump, heat is probably going to be an issue with that. I also hear good and bad things about strictly LEDs on sps tanks. I like the AI Sol Blue and the Maxspect Razor fixtures.

All input is appreciated. The tank is still cycling at this time with a regular fluorescent light, so I've got plenty of time to decide.

On a side note, if I can avoid it, I don't want lights that hang. I want them to mount to the tank itself.

Thanks again!!!

Tyler S.

[Indiana Reefin]

T5
I am thinking the aquatinics tx5 fixture is your ticket. Great fixture and mounts on your tank.
Another fixture that is really nice for the money is the aquaticlife.

[darkiss]

One a350w kessil

[darkiss]

I have a 29gallon as well and have overcame several issues with having a small tank if you need any advice I would be more than will to share.

[Michigan Mike]

4x24 ATI Sunpower w/ATI, KZ & GE bulbs, I'm not SPS dominate but I have bleaching issues on my sand bed with some LPS, its plenty of light.

Here's my 29. Today I moved my toadstool down to shade my trachy/welso/fungia corals.
SPS up top grows quick, good lights but low tech everywhere else..http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o535/Mike_Mcdougald/Snapbucket/C9234E3E_zpsfa818a67.jpg
I also have 150w REEF OPTIX pendants w/PHOENIX bulb on bluewave m81 ballast on 36g corner that I have extras and am going to try on my both 29g as a comparison but 4x24 sunpower is a lot of light, but 150w HQI is in my future, bulb is cheaper and looks awesome.http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o535/Mike_Mcdougald/Snapbucket/976948C7_zps6a9d96c0.jpg

[harmonyexotics]

Will a Kessil give any 'Spotlight' effect? I know they have a wide angle lens, but I have 0 experience with pendant style LEDs. Any photos of the 29? Is it sps dominant? Any thoughts about the Maxspect Razor?

[harmonyexotics]

Thanks for the photos mike. Looks great!

[Michigan Mike]

Sorry dude I missed you saying you wanted mounted lights...if halides or T5, hang your lights! It's so much better!

Good luck!

[harmonyexotics]

4x24 ATI Sunpower w/ATI, KZ & GE bulbs, I'm not SPS dominate but I have bleaching issues on my sand bed with some LPS, its plenty of light.

Here's my 29. Today I moved my toadstool down to shade my trachy/welso/fungia corals.
SPS up top grows quick, good lights but low tech everywhere else..http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o535/Mike_Mcdougald/Snapbucket/C9234E3E_zpsfa818a67.jpg
I also have 150w REEF OPTIX pendants w/PHOENIX bulb on bluewave m81 ballast on 36g corner that I have extras and am going to try on my both 29g as a comparison but 4x24 sunpower is a lot of light, but 150w HQI is in my future, bulb is cheaper and looks awesome.http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o535/Mike_Mcdougald/Snapbucket/976948C7_zps6a9d96c0.jpg


What are you doing for filtration?

[Michigan Mike]

Razor can mount on tank and should be fine for SPS.

[nanoreefer1000]

Razor

[harmonyexotics]

I like the look of the Razor too. Price is awesome as well!

[Michigan Mike]

Funny we are talking about the razor...
I just switched bulbs on my 4x24 sunpower on my 29g and it reminds me of the pics I see of the 16k maxpect razor.
I was sent the wrong bulbs but after trying the ATI ACTINIC (and needing lower PAR) I like it.
ATI ACTINIC, FIJI PURPLE, and 2 ATI BLUE PLUS.
Tis nice, a little more purple-ish but very nice.
I'd post a pic but it looks more purple in real life, think 16k maxpect.lol

[harmonyexotics]

Haha! I know what you're talking about. That's exactly the same bulb combo I used to run on my 90 gallon mixed reef! I like my tanks deep blue/purple. Makes color pop very nicely!

[Michigan Mike]

I have a hob filter with chemi pure elite(1/2 unit) and chemi pure (1 unit) .
I also have a fluval 205 canister that doesn't do much and I am about to take it off line.
I have a 2 little fishies phosban reactor (150) that I'm in process of hooking up with maxi jet pump and using BRS GFO.
No sump/skimmer/ATO or controllers yet. Very low tech..but I have good lights;)

[harmonyexotics]

I just set mine up today. Been working on the idea for a while. I was using the 29 for a QT tank for my 220 predator aquarium, but all the fish are in and I'm tired of seeing it sitting there empty. Lol

Right now there's just a small HOB filter and a Koralia in there for flow. My plan is to purchase a Reef Octopus HOB skimmer. Still not sure what size. And mod an Aquaclear 110 to put a small refugium in to grow macro and culture pods. There is space in the larger Reef Octopus skimmers to put GFO and Carbon I believe. Atleast, that's what the forums say.

Nothing about the filter system is set in stone...I'd like to get away with as little as possible hanging on the back of the tank. However, I don't want it so 'simple' that I'm having to do 20-30 percent WC's every week to keep my sps happy either.