Is this an unatainable dream?

[nuggsgalore]

OK guys and gals I am having trouble finding a lighting solution.

I have an oceanic 58gal with stand cabinet and canopy. This is a deep tank the dimensions are 36.5L X 18.5W X 21H.

It is currently running as a FOWLR with about 3 inches of sand. I want to start some corals (SPS) but I can't seem to find a 36in light that will put out 5-6 watts per gallon and still sit on the glass top and inside the canopy.

MH is just going to produce too much heat and I do not have room in the cabinet for a chiller...already have a 20 gal sump and a Eheim pro2 under there and it is packed.

T-5 just doesn't seem to pack enough watts in a 36in strip. I think the best I have found is about 200 watts which is about 100 watts short of what I need.

Is there a solution to this or am I stuck with FOWLR?

I don't really want to lose the canopy and hang a light.

 

[YogiBoo]

if u get a Tek T5 or ATI, they have 8x39watts bulbs which equals 312 watts of power.. u cant underestimate t5

 

[kkil4life]

what about power compacts?
u can get easily get 4x96w in there, or even 4x55w whichever suits ur canopy

 

[nuggsgalore]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15557138#post15557138 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by YogiBoo
if u get a Tek T5 or ATI, they have 8x39watts bulbs which equals 312 watts of power.. u cant underestimate t5

Got a link for that Tek T5, all I am finding is a 48in 8 lamp. Who carries a 36in 8 lamp?

 

[nuggsgalore]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15557204#post15557204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kkil4life
what about power compacts?
u can get easily get 4x96w in there, or even 4x55w whichever suits ur canopy

Does somebody make a 4x96 watt 36 inch set up or are talking a DIY thing?

 

[sedor]

Watts per gallon doesn't apply anymore, its all about depth and Par. Any of the lights people suggested would work great for you. If going T5 I would consider either a Tek or Aquatinics fixture (do a google search for each). But you could probably get away with halides and no chiller, your just going to have to make sure you run fans that blow over you water. Its called evaporative cooling and as long as you keep your house moderately cool (75 or so) you should be fine without a chiller.

 

[kkil4life]

this is the place I was goig to order from
www.ahsupply.com
the 96w is about 35 inches long, since u said u already have a canopy u can just get their kits and install it into your canopy
I've never used their stuff but a lfs here uses it on one of their display tanks
If ur willing to retrofit this, which by the way isn't too hard, u should be golden with even 3x96

 

[nuggsgalore]

thanks for the link kkil4life, I will check them out.

Ryan,
I am googling Par and depth trying to understand the concepts, thanks for the heads up. I tried the search function on here but it was down.

 

[Caragol]

I have that same tank size and have been pretty happby with my 6-bulb Tek fixture, though 8 would be nice. Keep in mind the size of the fixture before you buy, it will likely cover most of the top of the tank if you go 8-bulb.

Also, if you go Tek, make an acrylic shield. It's really just a piece of acrylic that slides in place, the one you make may fit better than the official one. I didn't have one at first and salt creep slowly corroded my reflectors until I had to replace them. Also, get the good bulbs if you go T5, don't cheap out if you want SPS.

 

[luther1200]

Get an ATI Sunpower, the 6 bulb fixture would be more than enough light to grow SPS anywhere in that tank as long as your water quality is good.

 

[luther1200]

Here is a link. I have the same size tank except mine is a little taller, its a 65 at about 24" tall. And if I was going to get new lights I would either get this light or MH again, FWIW.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...ROD&Product_Code=ATI-3007&Category_Code=ATIt5

 

[addicted2reefin]

6 bulb nove extreme pro would even work. would be the cheapest, still retaining some quality. it has active cooling and slrs. i have a 6 bulb on my 75 and love it

 

[sjm817]

Watts per gallon is applicaple for heaters, not for lighting. A quality 36" 4 or 6 bulb T5 fixture such as what luther1200 posted would work great on that setup.

 

[nuggsgalore]

THANKS MATT!

That thing looks great and the same site sells the 36in 8 lamp, time to go take some measurements.

 

[nuggsgalore]

Scott,

I don't mind shelling out some cash as long as it is what I need, provided I don't have to change my setup.

Do you think the 8 lamp is overkill?

 

[james3370]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15557209#post15557209 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nuggsgalore
Got a link for that Tek T5, all I am finding is a 48in 8 lamp. Who carries a 36in 8 lamp?

reefgeek has the 6-bulb tek 36" w/ your choice of bulbs (they have alllll the good ones) for $429.95. that should be more than enough light
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

here is the same fixture w/out bulbs for $347.95
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...igh-Output_Fixture_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[addicted2reefin]

i think the 8 bulb is too much.

 

[jahorgos]

Go with the 6 bulb and you will do just fine.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15558135#post15558135 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by james3370
reefgeek has the 6-bulb tek 36" w/ your choice of bulbs (they have alllll the good ones) for $429.95. that should be more than enough light
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

here is the same fixture w/out bulbs for $347.95
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...igh-Output_Fixture_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[sedor]

I agree 8 is way overkill. You could possibly end up with the same heat problems as MH. Not to mention it would look pretty ridiculous hanging over all edges of your tank lol.

I still think you should consider MH pendants instead though.