a few lighting questions?

[JGoslee]

If you had a single pfo 150watt hqi 20k pendent, what would be the perfect size tank? Im planning on setting up a smaller sps and lps tank. This is purely in the planning stages so all I have is the light. What do you all think?

 

[MiddletonMark]

24" cube, maybe shorter than 24" tall.

I'd run 10k, though ... as 20k can have fairly low PAR. If dead-set on 20k, consider a shorter tank [18", perhaps even less].

IMO, with 1 MH, go for the 24" x 24" size or near, as the light can cover it fairly well [and the LPS might not might the shade].

 

[JGoslee]

It already has a 20k, but its 6 months old so I will probably be getting a new bulb before this tank is up and running. So a 10k would be ideal?
I have a 15gal eclipse and a 20gal high. I was thinking the 20gal would be better because its bigger. I also was considering a 29gal. Do you think that would be to big for the lights?

 

[MiddletonMark]

For SPS, I'd generally always go with the larger water volume, provided you can skim it/light it.

Just seems easier to manage parameters on a larger volume, and IMO with Acropora the more stable the better.

What's the dimensions on those tank sizes?

 

[JGoslee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6607862#post6607862 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MiddletonMark


What's the dimensions on those tank sizes?

15 gal = 20"x10"x18"
20 gal = 24"x12"x16"
29 gal = 30"x12"x18"

 

[JGoslee]

Would the 150 hqi give off enough light for the 29gal?

 

[JGoslee]

ttt

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

150W HQI DE 20K for a 29g. SPS tank......YES that will do.-IMO
-use this link to help decide which bulb to use next.
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/select2lamp.php

 

[Wiskey]

I second the 24*24*12-24 tall tank, that would be the perfect size for what you are planning. On the ends of the 29 (30 inches long) gallon you might notice the light being dim on the 2 ends (that gets annoying).

Whiskey

 

[MiddletonMark]

Yup, light will trickle to only a little on the ends ... but then again, if you want some lower-light LPS or something, you got the place.

 

[JGoslee]

E-A-G-L-E-S thanks for the link.

I think Im diffinaly going to go with the 29gal. If I want more light I can always add some t5's or vho.