asfullax
New member
Hey all,
Well, I have spent almost the entire week looking for nano lighting for my 10 gallon, unfortunately, I am left with more questions then answers. I figured I would share what I have found and look to see if anybody is willing to divulge what they plan on using.
This list is not a definitive, complete list and is based on my research / experience. Information here should be taken only as an opinion and not fact. I have excluded NO and experimental lights because there are too many variables and in general, NO light is not sufficient for nano REEF systems with anything other then hardy corals.
MH (70w-175w):
Ballast Cost: $69 - $150
Bulb Cost: $40-$89
use for SPS: Yes
use for LPS: Yes
use for Softies: Yes
use for Clams: Yes
smallest size Available: N/A
Benefits: works very well, the best overall solution for performance
Downsides: Heat and cost are two MAIN factors. the average setup will run up to $200 for a nano setup. nanotuners DOES have setups starting around $139 with DE/HQI bulb.
Power Compact (18w, 24w, 36w, 55w):
Ballast Cost: ~$30 for DIY
Bulb Cost: $15-$22
use for SPS: Caution
use for LPS: Yes with regular feedings
use for Softies: yes
use for Clams: with extreme caution
smallest size Available: 6"
Benefits: Power compacts deliver good light for the cost, unfortunately, depending on the bulb and distance to creature, lighting MAY be too weak for some corals.
Downsides: PC's are hot, requiring fans. They also loose their spectrum after about 6 months, and overall efficiency after 9-10 months.
VHO:
Ballast Cost: $30-$69
Bulb Cost: $19-$24
use for SPS: Yes
use for LPS: Yes
use for Softies: Yes
use for Clams: With Caution
smallest size Available: 18"
Benefits: par / lumens is greater then PC allowing for a more diverse collection of animals. They do not heat up as much as the PC's.
Downsides: VHO is still hot, although you could get away with slits or light air flow. VHO ballasts are expensive and not commonly found at local lighting stores. VHO also does not come in any size less then 18" restricting the size of the tank.
T5:
Ballast Cost: $15-$45
Bulb Cost: $15-$22
use for SPS: Yes
use for LPS: Yes
use for Softies: Yes
use for Clams: Yes / With Caution
smallest size Available: 24"
Benefits: T5 is very inexpensive for a very nice system. Ballasts can be found at virtually any lighting store and bulbs are fairly cheap and have been known to last more then 12 months. The light output is much greater then any other fluorescent.
Downsides: Not many manufactures create T5HO bulbs, restricting the "Look" and competition for better equipment. Bulbs are only found at specialty shops commonly found online. Lastly, T5HO bulbs minimum length is 24" which severely limits the ability to use this technology on smaller nanos.
Well, I have spent almost the entire week looking for nano lighting for my 10 gallon, unfortunately, I am left with more questions then answers. I figured I would share what I have found and look to see if anybody is willing to divulge what they plan on using.
This list is not a definitive, complete list and is based on my research / experience. Information here should be taken only as an opinion and not fact. I have excluded NO and experimental lights because there are too many variables and in general, NO light is not sufficient for nano REEF systems with anything other then hardy corals.
MH (70w-175w):
Ballast Cost: $69 - $150
Bulb Cost: $40-$89
use for SPS: Yes
use for LPS: Yes
use for Softies: Yes
use for Clams: Yes
smallest size Available: N/A
Benefits: works very well, the best overall solution for performance
Downsides: Heat and cost are two MAIN factors. the average setup will run up to $200 for a nano setup. nanotuners DOES have setups starting around $139 with DE/HQI bulb.
Power Compact (18w, 24w, 36w, 55w):
Ballast Cost: ~$30 for DIY
Bulb Cost: $15-$22
use for SPS: Caution
use for LPS: Yes with regular feedings
use for Softies: yes
use for Clams: with extreme caution
smallest size Available: 6"
Benefits: Power compacts deliver good light for the cost, unfortunately, depending on the bulb and distance to creature, lighting MAY be too weak for some corals.
Downsides: PC's are hot, requiring fans. They also loose their spectrum after about 6 months, and overall efficiency after 9-10 months.
VHO:
Ballast Cost: $30-$69
Bulb Cost: $19-$24
use for SPS: Yes
use for LPS: Yes
use for Softies: Yes
use for Clams: With Caution
smallest size Available: 18"
Benefits: par / lumens is greater then PC allowing for a more diverse collection of animals. They do not heat up as much as the PC's.
Downsides: VHO is still hot, although you could get away with slits or light air flow. VHO ballasts are expensive and not commonly found at local lighting stores. VHO also does not come in any size less then 18" restricting the size of the tank.
T5:
Ballast Cost: $15-$45
Bulb Cost: $15-$22
use for SPS: Yes
use for LPS: Yes
use for Softies: Yes
use for Clams: Yes / With Caution
smallest size Available: 24"
Benefits: T5 is very inexpensive for a very nice system. Ballasts can be found at virtually any lighting store and bulbs are fairly cheap and have been known to last more then 12 months. The light output is much greater then any other fluorescent.
Downsides: Not many manufactures create T5HO bulbs, restricting the "Look" and competition for better equipment. Bulbs are only found at specialty shops commonly found online. Lastly, T5HO bulbs minimum length is 24" which severely limits the ability to use this technology on smaller nanos.
Now lets hope the 70w has enough spread to cover the 20". I have to reaserch that one.
