Planning of a 42x32 cube....have some questions

[TIMMYE]

So I am thinking of trading in my 210 6' tank for a custom cube that is 42x42x32. I have have not decide on a couple of things yet. such as how I will drill it for a closed loop, over flow or if I will make it out of glass or plexi.

But my main concern right now is the lighting. I am really starting to like the look of the T5 tanks. I have the ballast for 8 t5's right now. So I was thinking of making a nice fixture for the 8 bulbs. Will this be enough? They will be 54 watt. Or should I plan to run 2 175 MH in the middel and then 8 T5 on the ouside? What do you guys think?

Anyone know of any tanks that are 30+ inches deep that run just T5? What do you think about a cube running just T5? If you dont think this will work, what do you think I should do? TIA

 

[thriceanangel]

I am working on a cube- not as deep as yours but I was going to use 8 bulbs with IC reflectors, and 1 250 w MH over the middle. It's less than ideal I'd say. If I had the choice and electrical costs weren't an issue I'd do a 400w MH in the middle and 8 bulbs. But everything wouldn't be on all at once. I'd gradually bring the t5's on then only have the 400w on with the t5's for maybe an hour or two before the 400w would shutt off and gradually the t5's until only the actinics were on.. then lights out.

But you could do all T5's pretty easily. I think that you would definately need more than 8. I'd go with 12-16 at least if you're not using a halide. Another issue is the width of your tank. If your tank is 42" wide, what size bulbs were you going to use? You'd have 6 inches hanging over the edge if you use the four foot bulbs.

Also what are you planning for coral? Softies LPS no problems. SPS you will definitely want more than 8 bulbs.

 

[TIMMYE]

This is going to be a mixed tank mainly SPS. As far as bulb lenght it will be 36" and the bulbs will be stagered. I am considering a 400 MH in the center or 2 175MH. But I am unsure. thanks for the help.

 

[datablitz]

it would probably be best to do 2x400watt with t5 or vho on the ends, or 2x 250 hqi DE wth vho or t5

 

[datablitz]

or you could just do 4x 400 watt MH bulbs, with like 20k color, and no vhos...

 

[purebullet417]

i would do 2x 250ws in the middle then go around it with the t5s
54w staggered arint going to be very effectibe for sps espicaly at 32 inchs tall. personaly id make the tank 48 inchs so you could get better t5s

 

[TIMMYE]

The room I have is 42 deep, but I could do 48 or 50 wide. I was trying to stay in a cube configuration but that might have to change. As far as 4 - 400 MH goes thats a lot of juice. I am trying to save as much power on this build as possible. But I am also open to all suggestions. As far the fixture goes it wether T5 or MH it needs to DIY since I plan on building everything for this tank from fixture to the tank it self. The joys of having metal fab equipment....lol

 

[hawaiian_boi]

look up reefer714 his name is steve he has 4 250w in a spinning motor and they spinn all day you probally could get away with 2 of them

 

[sabodish]

on my 36x36x30 cube im running 2x400W 10ks in lumenarc minis and get great coverage, i think this would be fine for you as well and then add some T-5s around the perimeter. im still trying to find a way to add some actinic to mine, but there is no room in the hood!

 

[TIMMYE]

I looked at reefer714's tank and I really like the rotating light rack. I am thinking 2-3 400MH with 36" attnic supplimation. Time for a little more reasearch.

 

[TIMMYE]

So I think I will be going 48x42x32 so I can have a option of using T5's. I was hoping to stay within a cube configuration, what do you guys think since it will no longer be a cube?? Think it will loose any appeal?

 

[CMcNeil]

im getting ready to build a 36x36x24 cube.i am going to use one 400w 10k in an 18"luminarc reflector with four 24"VHO's wrapped around the lumenarc.as far as you losing appeal......I THINK NOT that tank size you stated would be awesome looking and give you alot of room for some great rock work.gl on your build.

 

[TIMMYE]

I still think it will be a really cool tank, but cube;s area REALLY cool IMO....LOL I think either way it should look good.

 

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9965443#post9965443 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TIMMYE
I looked at reefer714's tank and I really like the rotating light rack. I am thinking 2-3 400MH with 36" attnic supplimation. Time for a little more reasearch.

You should have more than enough light with 2x400w on lumenarc III (19.5x19.5) and 2x 48" VHO along the side. I used to run 2x400w, LA III with reeflux 10K. You don't need the light mover or the circular mover. I just want to test different thing and find it not necessary. The only benefit with the circular mover or light mover is no hot spot in the tank. The light don't stay in 1 spot long enough to heat up the water.

Here is how my tank look with 2x400 and 4x250

Here is my new and final lighting setup