Prop tank lighting

[thebicyclecafe]

Have a question for all of you guys here. Currently setting up a prop system that's 4'x2'x1' for acros and montis. What I'm planning on using is one 400W DE or SE pendant that will be suspended about 2.5-3' above the surface to cover the entire surface of the tank. Bulb will be mounted parallel to the length of the tank. Would that be enough lighting? I'm planning on using a 10,000K bulb as well. On the sides, I would keep lower light species.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Malolo]

At those heights light levels fall off alot. I am using 400 se in a prop system also and I feel like I'm losing too much at 18 to 24". I am currently running at a foot. I am considering trying a higher Par rated bulb because I too would like to keep my lamps higher, but refuse to compromise on intensity. A freind of mine uses sunmaster bulbs for prop and swears by them.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

How low could I go and still get that wide coverage?

 

[Malolo]

You should be able to get 2' of coverage @ 12". Somewhat dependant on the size of your reflector.

 

[thebicyclecafe]

Regularly at 12" or so I usually use a 250W, so technically wouldn't I be able to run a 400W, for more spread, farther from the surface?

 

[marine_freak]

Go with a lumenarc Mini reflector at 12" you will not have a problem with coverage.....

 

[thebicyclecafe]

Over a 4'x2' area? Seriously? What about a lumenarc regular?

 

[marine_freak]

2' x 2' area for sure 4' x 2' you would be stretching it........ I do not know any refector that will cover that large of an area at 12"

 

[zapata41]

i second the lumenarc, i run the full size ones over my display and a mini over the prop tank. light spread is superb with them

Tim

 

[thebicyclecafe]

So if I want to cover the 4'x2' area with that how high could I have it at 18" or so?

 

[zapata41]

well i dont know about the 4 x 2 area but a 2 x 2 is no problem

Tim

 

[panic]

The Lumenarc regular gets pretty nice spread at 12" - you could put lower light pieces at the ends

 

[thebicyclecafe]

How about T-5 HO, would that work? Anybody have experience with the teklight units? Just need to get an idea of how many tubes to use, and what length. The left of the tank is an overflow area so that doesn't need to be be lit.