Lighting a 10 gallon nano

[bboyin4lyf]

Hey nano lovers,

I was wondering whats the best way to light a 10 gallon nano thats going to house some LPS and softies. I was thinking getting some halogens and self installing them but I was wondering whether the heat would be an issue. would be the wattage im looking for etc?

any input would be grealty appreciated!

thanking you,

Bboyin

 

[SoS125]

I'm pretty sure halogens are a big no no as far as lighting reef tnaks. not sure they make them in the correct kelvin ratings. get some PC's, T5, or a 70 watt MH clip on.

 

[Henry22]

T5 HO are too long, you could get a 70 MH clip on(takes up room), or pendent or retrofit. You could also get the coralife 96 watt(I have, very nice light, although the bulbs are 40 online and you cant control the actinec or daylight, and no moonlights. Their is also the 2x40 watt with moonlights which is pretty good, but Im not sure about the quality. The coralife build quality is good thoug. I would probaly go 70 watt metal halide, because it gives you flexibility if you want to upgrade.

 

[manse]

Current USA also makes a 20" fixture... two 40w PCs I think individual cords and switches for each fixture, and a moonlight.

Pricey though.

Clip on MH might be a better idea. I've seen the Viper fixtures at the LFS and they look ok.

 

[R.yumaDaddy?]

I have a coralife 96 watt PC and second the recommendation, esp. on a short tank. The bulb $ is the trade off for its uniqueness. Get a 50/50 bulb also.

 

[Scott523]

For my 10 gallon i am getting the viper 70 watt (MH)

 

[kaserpick]

I've used both the coralife and Current models:
Coralife: good quality, no actinic control, no moonlight, but only 2 cords
Current: ok quality, control over actinic and daylight, w/ moonlight, but it has 4 cords (I personally think that's way too many cords for such a small light)

70w MH is nice though too.

Kasey

 

[bboyin4lyf]

thanks guys
that really clears some issues up. im going shopping

 

[supermarvin76]

I second the Coralife 96w power compacts. Great lights. I have seen a 10 gallon with these lights and frogspawn.

 

[jcarnahan12]

I have the Current that is discussed above. I love it. I for one like having the separate controls.

 

[Henry22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8155423#post8155423 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kaserpick
I've used both the coralife and Current models:
Coralife: good quality, no actinic control, no moonlight, but only 2 cords
Current: ok quality, control over actinic and daylight, w/ moonlight, but it has 4 cords (I personally think that's way too many cords for such a small light)

70w MH is nice though too.

Kasey

My coralife 96 watt has one cord, and it controls everything.

 

[Tankenvy]

If you can get enough wattage in there with pc's that's a good way to go. Cheaper startup, cheaper bulbs, less heat. But I always seem to be just a little short on light to keep the things I really want, so MH is also a great option.

 

[aquarius77]

My coralife 96 watt has one cord, and it controls everything.

Mine is the same, and it is a pretty powerfull light IMO and it fits a ten perfectly