Lighting for a 36 x 36 cube

[tgbaby1]

I will be setting up a 36x36x18 100 gallon cube. I'm not quite sure what I want to use for lighting yet and wanted to get some feedback on a couple options. I will be going with a MH/T5 combo installed in a hanging canopy. I will be using either lumenarc or lumen bright reflectors. It will be a mixed/SPS reef.

Option 1: 1x250w MH + 4X24w T5
Option 2: 2X250w MH + 2X24w T5
Option 3: 1x400w MH + 2X24w T5

I would like to be able to get away with only 1 MH lamp but don't think it will give me enough coverage. What do you think? Would the 400w be overkill?

Thanks

 

[zoolan70]

What do you plan to do in terms of aquascaping? If your goal is a rock island in the center, then a single 250 would probably work, if you used a reflector with good light spread. If you plan to have rock work spread all over, that may not give you enough coverage for light-loving species.

If it were me, I'd go with rock in the center, a single 250, and 4 T5s around the perimeter.

 

[tgbaby1]

I'm planning on several "islands" spread throughout the tank so I'm wanting to cover most of the tanks footprint.

 

[pkirby]

have you considered LED lighting? Lower electric bill, especially if you are considering a 400w MH, plus no replacement of bulbs, and you can adjust the light spread by changing the lenses... you can dial in your color pretty well if you get dim-able drivers... LED cost quite a bit more up front... even if you DIY, but long term it's a great option. If you don't want to DIY, check out AquaIllumination. Definitely not the cheapest on the market, but great product.

 

[tgbaby1]

have you considered LED lighting? Lower electric bill, especially if you are considering a 400w MH, plus no replacement of bulbs, and you can adjust the light spread by changing the lenses... you can dial in your color pretty well if you get dim-able drivers... LED cost quite a bit more up front... even if you DIY, but long term it's a great option. If you don't want to DIY, check out AquaIllumination. Definitely not the cheapest on the market, but great product.

I've looked a little into LEDs and I'm not quite ready to make the switch. The Aquaillumination units would definitely be my first choice if I do.