help with lighting.

[ilostnemo]

So guys looks like im settling down and getting married. So in turn my gift from my fiancee is a reef tank! It's a 27 gallon cube 20w x 18 d x 20h. Im looking to go led or MH. And i want to have the ability to have all coral. Mostly i would want my sps higher and im looking for lighting 150 and under. Anyone got suggestion?

 

[oyf709]

Too bad my fixture is 24" otherwise it would be good for your application ( unless you can hang it ). I would strongly suggest PAR38, which is perfect for cube tank. I would not get MH for a small tank like that

 

[ilostnemo]

Hmmm. How much is your fixture? And i would need more than one par38 though correct?

 

[oyf709]

here it is
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forum...le-with-free-shipping-245988.html#post2328389

As far as for PAR38, it depend on the bulb itself. some of the PAR38 has 120 degree optic and over 30W, then 1 would be fine, if 12W each then you will need more than 1

 

[ilostnemo]

hmmm. And only par 38 with over 30w have 90 degree optics... yay,,, any other suggestions guys and gals?

 

[ktomminello]

What is your pin set up like (straight 4, compact fluorescent, square pin)?

 

[ilostnemo]

what do you mean?.

 

[oyf709]

you can try 2 PAR38 12 or 15W

 

[ktomminello]

My BioCube has 2 straight 4 pin (Euro) bulb set up, there are 4 connector pins in a straight line on one end of the bulb. There is another 4 pin set up that is in a square.These bulbs look like 2 connected thin fluorescent bulbs. Normal hoods come with a 2 pin fluorescent bulb.....

 

[ilostnemo]

do you have any pictures of the fixture?

 

[ilostnemo]

My BioCube has 2 straight 4 pin (Euro) bulb set up, there are 4 connector pins in a straight line on one end of the bulb. There is another 4 pin set up that is in a square.These bulbs look like 2 connected thin fluorescent bulbs. Normal hoods come with a 2 pin fluorescent bulb.....

Its not a biocube.

 

[ilostnemo]

Found 2 par 38s with 90 degree optics... it is remote controlled one where you can control the lighting spectrum from red/blue/purple OCReef Dimmable Wireless Remote PAR38

or one with 90 degree optics

OCReef CREE PAR38, including Blue, White, and Red

which one should i go with?

 

[ilostnemo]

they are cree leds as well

 

[ktomminello]

I'd take the first choice, but that's just me, lol

 

[Jmkb02]

Hey, just a quick note... aQ knows his stuff. Keep in mind, your going to get what you pay for and with a "smaller" tank, your gonna be kinda limited. I would recommend going with a dimmable unit no matter what you do....

 

[ilostnemo]

I never said he didnt know his stuff. lol And ive had alot smaller tanks than this as well. If this tank was going to have t5s believe me i wouldnt even be asking. Ive had more than enough t5 lights.