Lighting Help for 12"X12"X12"

[dwdenny98]

Here are some details about what I am planning for a DIY AIO tank that I plan on building soon. The tank display will be 12"X12"X12" and 6" for the equipment area for a total of 12"X18"X12". My question is lighting. I like Zoas and LPS (love SPS but not right now maybe down the road). I wont mix corals will more then likely be a species tank. I am looking at a 70W DE fixture (http://www.fishneedit.com/75w-metal-halide-pendant-ligh75.html) with a 14k or 20k bulb or the buildmyled (http://www.buildmyled.com/custom-reef-spectrum/) custom color of course.



What do you all think? I am leaning toward the MH but I know there might be heat issues and will take care of that when the time comes.

[Jon B]

You might consider a par38 LED bulb. I would think just a single 18W bulb would be sufficient.

[joe_himself]

I second a par38 bulb, with 16 inches of coverage, youll be fine.

[dwdenny98]

I have seen several PAR38 bulbs but how how do you dim them. Saw on rapidled the triac (wall dimmer) will work guess you just wire it inline with the lamp cord.

[kallan]

I just ordered one of these flood leds from ebay... http://www.ebay.com/itm/300840440453?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 along with an actinic 12" stunner strip from him as well. Should be here by the end of the week. My small tank is about 13" x 13" x 18". Hopefully, this will not be too strong...only 20W.

[zoolover]

I have a cube with the same dimensions, got a par 38 bulb from boost led. All I have in it are zoas and ricordea and everyone is very happy! Hope that helps.

[Jon B]

I have seen several PAR38 bulbs but how how do you dim them. Saw on rapidled the triac (wall dimmer) will work guess you just wire it inline with the lamp cord.

Look online for "inline" dimmer for dimming solutions.

[smy168]

Kessil Pendant?