Lighting for 24/28 gallon nanocube

[nterry]

Hi,

I am thinking about getting a new tank dedicated to zoos. Due to space constraints, it will be a 24/28 gallon tank. How much lighting will I need to get eye-popping zoos in a tank this size? I am planning on getting some sort of all-in-one system (nanocube, oceanic, etc) and am curious what kind of lighting I need. I figure that zoos can survive under relatively low light, but if they don't look super cool, what is the point?

Thanks,

nterry

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Bump, anyone ???

 

[evb9]

i don't know much of the all inclusive tanks, but i know nanocube has the hqi lighting system which is a halide(your best choice imo), if your good at diy you could probably rig some leds to go with it, honestly leds get the craziest colors from zoas ime. I love this time at night when my leds are on, anything and everything looks amazing. IF you got alot of coin you could run full leds and i'd be envious lol. I too wanted to know about lighting, i run 4 t-5s and want to know if running different colors will pull out more color in my zoas, good luck!

 

[phil121]

I was thinking the same as evb9. I thought they now came with HQI. It is pretty easy to add some LED's to those. You will definitely want to replace the stock bulb that they come with if you want better colors. I used a Phoenix 14k, but there are several that are nice. I like the XM 20k as well.

 

[jdareef]

Don't know if you bought the tanks yet, but here's an idea. Pricey but you could probably find it cheaper on eBay or something.
http://www.opentip.com/Pet-Supplies/Oceanic-Biocube-Gallon-Aquarium-Hqi-Lighting-p-1545572.html

 

[jrb_dakine]

Do you have a price range?
Good lighting is not cheap unless your a D.I.Y'r.

Also, are you going topless, do you care about shimmer, is heat going to be an issue you have to worry about?

I never even thought about these when I first started my Nano and I wish I could do it all over again.

 

[nterry]

I don't have a price range in mind. Less expensive is better, but I am willing to save my pennies for a nice system.

I definitely don't want to go topless--we have several young children at home and the temptation to put their hands in a topless tank is just too overwhelming. I know the jbj 28 has a small amout of topless area in the back....have to think carefully about that.

I am leaning towards the new jbj nanocube led system, but I have heard a few complaints about issues with the ballasts dying, so I am a little bit nervous about it. That and it is a new system, so there may not yet have been time to get the bugs worked out.

I have been considering the oceanic 29 with the stock 72W bulbs. I have also thought about various nanocustoms versions that could potentially double the lighting. I just like the way jbj 29 would easily allow me to integrate a fug in the back for cheato. The system is going to be in the living room and the mrs severely frowns on extra stuff hanging off/around the tank. I'll probably have to wipe the lid weekly to keep it the salt creep off and make sure it looks passable, lol.

any other thoughts?

 

[russ13]

i think you can add a refugium to any of those tanks.as long as you can remove the paint from the back.i made my own light for about 20 bucks and it realy helped my system to lower nitrate and phos.now i have a 24x24x12 and i am using the wm biopak pellets to try somthing new.i am blown away buy the results.i would highly advise trying this.good luck with whatever tank you choose.

 

[kmay]

I have a JBJ 28 with a CPR hang on refugium. I bought a light that fits perfectly on the back and the cheato is growing perfectly. I have the stock lights and Zoos seem to do fine. I might be selling this system (it is only three months old) so if you live close, it might be a good deal. I live in Bloomington, IN.
Kim

 

[DanRhomberg]

I don't have a price range in mind. Less expensive is better, but I am willing to save my pennies for a nice system.

I definitely don't want to go topless--we have several young children at home and the temptation to put their hands in a topless tank is just too overwhelming. I know the jbj 28 has a small amout of topless area in the back....have to think carefully about that.

I am leaning towards the new jbj nanocube led system, but I have heard a few complaints about issues with the ballasts dying, so I am a little bit nervous about it. That and it is a new system, so there may not yet have been time to get the bugs worked out.

I have been considering the oceanic 29 with the stock 72W bulbs. I have also thought about various nanocustoms versions that could potentially double the lighting. I just like the way jbj 29 would easily allow me to integrate a fug in the back for cheato. The system is going to be in the living room and the mrs severely frowns on extra stuff hanging off/around the tank. I'll probably have to wipe the lid weekly to keep it the salt creep off and make sure it looks passable, lol.

any other thoughts?

I have the AquaEuro 28 with hood.

Honestly, If I had it to do over again I'd do the JBJ or topless. The JBJ open back area is perfect to add a skimmer. I cant do one and keep that finished look in my livingroom. Dont get me wrong, I love my tank, but I didnt know about skimmers and such when starting and the AquaEura is a "Bit#h" to DIY the hood for mods, lights ect...

I'm running the PC lighting 35w x2. I just added some SPS on the upper part of the branch coral 2 weeks ago. so far so good...

I need to update my pics later today, but you can see it at 3 and 4 mo old here.... http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1853460&highlight=danrhomberg