10/15g DIY lighting advice needed

[Stidd]

I am in the beginning stages of creating a small reef setup where I work. I've got a great spot for a 10g AGA on a stand. I am leaning towards a 10 gallon but may also do a 15 tall All-Glass-Aquarium. I know the lighting would be significantly different between the 2 since the 15 would actually be 18" deep rather than the depth of a 10 at 12" deep. Both tanks however are 20" Long and 10" Wide.

I would love to be able to keep some Acros. so I am leaning towards a 120w Metal Halide with either some 50/50's, 10000K, Actinics, VHO etc...

As you can see, I am really looking for some suggestions. I would like to build the light unit myself to not only save on cost but to also learn and enjoy that aspect of the hobby. I realize that with the lighting, I am going to have to think about the heat but I can worry about that later. Maybe just apply some fans and hang the fixture so its not too close the to water surface. Do I have to run open top on something like this or can I apply eggcrate?

So any suggestions on where to look for the parts needed? Also, what would you run on a 10/15g?

Thanks a bunch for you help in advance!

Guy

 

[ycrazyy]

I would check out Hellolights, they have some great retro kits for you to mod into a new or existing hood. I would make a nice canopy and install whatever lighting you feel necessary and just make sure you get some cooling fans in there to keep the heat from the MH away from the tank.

 

[Henry22]

I wouldnt base your tank decision on a spot for a 10 gallon, but that is just me. I have a 15 gallon tall, but no SPS right now. Its lighted by the coralife aqualight 96watt powerquad. Its a goo light, but wouldnt suffice for acros. I would think for the 15, you would need 150 watts. I would defiantly run a sump on either system, with a skimmer and stuff. On the 10 gallon, you could do a 70 watt. But I would go with a twenty long somewhere else and do T5 HO lighting.

 

[Stidd]

The decision is not only on the spot available but also has to do with the price off the equipment and the maintenance. The Smaller the cheaper.. Let's face it.... Yes, Nano's need more attention but it can be done without a sump and even without a skimmer. I do have a CPR Bak-Pak I will most likely run on the tank. I would love to get flow using a sump with perhaps a SCWD on the return or something neat like that.

I'll take a look at HelloLights and check out my options. From what your saying though, it looks like 10 watts per gallon would be needed for Acros?

Guy

 

[BLKTANG]

I have the coralife 150w 20k clipon,on my 10g aga,with sps over 1 yr now no problems.I tried changing to a Phoenix 14k,& it burned the tips of my tort,& killed my millipora,even after acclimating 4 almost 6 days,i went back to the 20k de bulb,& no problems since.

 

[BAILEY464]

70 watt would be good on a little 10 gal, we have a 150 sunpod on a 24 aquapod and it is doing great