Which light for 45 cube?

rsg4 · 07/17/2012, 09:43 AM

I'm at the point to where I need to get my light for my tank. I really like some of the new led units coming out now. But I keep thinking maybe I should wait and just do MH. Anyone have a 45 cube or similar with MH and no heat issues? Or same with leds instead? Just looking for feedback on your system and how you like it. Thanks.

rsg4 · 07/19/2012, 05:38 AM

Anyone?

Entropy · 07/19/2012, 09:18 AM

I would just go with a single 250w 14k Phoenix and call it a day. Heat should not be an issue if you run a pendant and the top is not sealed in a canopy. Color will be great and you can grow just about anything you want. Actually you could probably get away with the 150w version just as well.

rsg4 · 07/19/2012, 09:53 AM

I do have a canopy, but the top is wide open as is the back too. That's been my concern with MH. I just don't want to add a chiller. With a fan added to the canopy, would I have any issues with heat? Also I don't want to have to use my AC to cool the room down anymore than I normally do. It's usually about 75-78 in my house during the summer time. Thanks again.

JAustin · 07/19/2012, 10:46 AM

250w hqi with lumin max elite or luminbright pendant. You won't need a chiller. Just a fan.

Entropy · 07/19/2012, 12:19 PM

With an open canopy you should be fine with the room at 78F. I have a similar setup (well 3-4 times bigger), and the lighting (250w MH + 130w PC) raises the water temp about .5 degrees by the end of the day with the room 78-79F. The coldest my tank gets is 79F (heater setting) and the hottest I have seen it this summer is 80.7F (AC off downstairs). A small fan would probably help, but mine doesn't kick in until 82F. The light will heat your room though, but not more than a old TV or a computer IMO.

rsg4 · 07/20/2012, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the input. I've decided to try out MH for now. I got a M58 ballast. I know not the best, but for now it's a start. What type of bulb for a 250w SE in 20k range? XM and Ushio is about all I can find along so far. Any recomendations? If this works well enough I'll switch ballast for a Radium or Phoenix.

07/17/2012, 09:43 AM	#1
rsg4 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: georgia Posts: 65	Which light for 45 cube? I'm at the point to where I need to get my light for my tank. I really like some of the new led units coming out now. But I keep thinking maybe I should wait and just do MH. Anyone have a 45 cube or similar with MH and no heat issues? Or same with leds instead? Just looking for feedback on your system and how you like it. Thanks.

07/19/2012, 09:18 AM	#3
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	I would just go with a single 250w 14k Phoenix and call it a day. Heat should not be an issue if you run a pendant and the top is not sealed in a canopy. Color will be great and you can grow just about anything you want. Actually you could probably get away with the 150w version just as well. __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

07/19/2012, 10:46 AM	#5
JAustin Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,628	250w hqi with lumin max elite or luminbright pendant. You won't need a chiller. Just a fan. __________________ 211g Planet Aquariums Hybrid PVC bottom 48"x34"x30" and steel stand from CustomReefCreations - Reeflo Super Dart - OM 4way - SRO XP3000 External - ATI Dimmable 8x54w - Apex.

07/19/2012, 12:19 PM	#6
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	With an open canopy you should be fine with the room at 78F. I have a similar setup (well 3-4 times bigger), and the lighting (250w MH + 130w PC) raises the water temp about .5 degrees by the end of the day with the room 78-79F. The coldest my tank gets is 79F (heater setting) and the hottest I have seen it this summer is 80.7F (AC off downstairs). A small fan would probably help, but mine doesn't kick in until 82F. The light will heat your room though, but not more than a old TV or a computer IMO. __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

07/19/2012, 05:38 AM	#2
rsg4 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: georgia Posts: 65	Anyone?

07/19/2012, 09:53 AM	#4
rsg4 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: georgia Posts: 65	I do have a canopy, but the top is wide open as is the back too. That's been my concern with MH. I just don't want to add a chiller. With a fan added to the canopy, would I have any issues with heat? Also I don't want to have to use my AC to cool the room down anymore than I normally do. It's usually about 75-78 in my house during the summer time. Thanks again.

07/20/2012, 06:10 PM	#7
rsg4 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: georgia Posts: 65	Thanks for the input. I've decided to try out MH for now. I got a M58 ballast. I know not the best, but for now it's a start. What type of bulb for a 250w SE in 20k range? XM and Ushio is about all I can find along so far. Any recomendations? If this works well enough I'll switch ballast for a Radium or Phoenix.