Lighting theory question

[Tcox]

Hi all,

I am gradually working on a 2ft x 2ft cube build. I am now working on the lighting portion and have a question. When choosing lighting, would I benefit from a narrow-angle light so that the direct light doesn't contact the glass? I'm wondering if by not putting direct light on the glass if it would help keep the glass more free of coralline in the long haul. Or does having the light "bounce" off the glass help my coral?

 

[ComforablyNumb]

I'm wondering if by not putting direct light on the glass if it would help keep the glass more free of coralline in the long haul.

Yes it will...and it will keep algae off it too. I haven't had to clean my front glass in a couple of months.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2614389

 

[thegrun]

You want the light to contact the entire tank at the top water level to illuminate your fish. The higher intensities of light will still be focused in the center of the tank, but all the water should be illuminated.

 

[mjstech]

24"x24" seems a good candidate for the Chinese 165w led kit. Not sure what others you have been looking at.

 

[Tcox]

Interesting. I have looked at a number of lights. Kessil, radion, Chinese, etc. I probably wouldn't keep any SPS, just LPS and softies. ComfortablyNumb, I am intrigued by your post. I'll follow your thread

 

[ComforablyNumb]

Cool. Be sure to look at how the different lights affect the appearance of your reef as well..the difference in shimmer can be striking amongst leds. Kessils give great shimmer due to single point light emission.
One a360we will do your tank nicely and I think you'll love the shimmer vs the others. Kessils work great for my shading technique as well.

For a 2' x 2', I'd maybe go with the wide lense choice as it will cover the whole tank with one unit.

 

[OldReefGuy]

And keep in mind, light color effects growth. I have had great success with softies and 6500K MH.....awesome, fast growth.