How to light a cube with over 100 gallons

[Ardeus]

I recently moved my tank to a cube 35"×35"×20" and I am currently lighting it with a maxspect razor 160watts. It is mainly a BTA dominated tank with some softies and a few LPS.

The fixture is getting old and in fact does a poor job in covering the tank. The fixture is positioned diagonally.

I don't like the epileptic fit inducing shimmering and disco effect either.

I love the shimmering of the metal hallides and the color and controlability of the leds.

So, that leaves me the option of Kessil or Kessil clones (jebao ak-60), right?

Or maybe the coral box bee?

How many would you think would do the job and how to position them in the tank?

(2 or 3) x jebao or 2 x coralbox bee?

I don't want to break the bank either.

 

[jda]

Large areas are lit quite well with MH on large reflectors. You won't even need high wattage with those inhabitants. Check out one of the 20 or 24" reflectors from Hamilton with maybe a 250W bulb - 175W might even work. You can have more wattage in panels or T5s to cover the same area - the reflector is a huge bonus with a wide spread like this.

Other than this, you just need to buy a lot of panels or live with dimly lit areas. You can probably use fewer and raise them way up, but you will get a lot of shadowing.

 

[Ardeus]

Thanks.

From the corals perspective, I think you are right and MH+T5 would be the way to go.

But led versatility and control is something I am not willing to give up.

The tank is right by a big windows and gets lots of indirect exterior light all day long, so I was considering these spot type leds.

 

[Breadman03]

MH+Reefbrite strips.

 

[jda]

The light through your window will not offer you much. You will still need to give them everything through your tank light.

 

[moondoggy4]

Reef Brite MH/Led look for the you tube video it is a cube tank.

 

[moondoggy4]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6nqhkWTGM this video

 

[Ardeus]

I think MH are not an option for me mainly due to their lack of controlability.

Regarding the light through the window, it's affecting the anemones schedule. The ones facing the window wake up much earlier than the the others. The window is facing south.

Another option would be the the Kelo AO100 (100 watts). The corals I have are not very demanding and I am running my old maxspect at 60/100 (white/blue) maximum.

 

[Ardeus]

 

[jda]

What are you looking to control? Other than when the light come on and go off, the rest of it is beyond unnecessary and even the most enthusiastic tire of it after a few months.

I would plan of four fixtures if you still want to go that way - there is just no other way to light a large cube that well. All large tanks have this problem.

 

[Ardeus]

I am trying not to spend too much.

I been looking at very different options, inluding 4 jebao Ak-60 and another razor (used). This last option would be the cheapest option and probably the one that would provide the best coverage and light output.

The reef brite isn't sold here and the MH options available here don't convince me or are too expensive. Over 1200 euros for a 250MH with no suplementation of T5 or leds.