Supplemental lighting for 10 gal?

[Boomsnapp]

Im in the process of starting another nano tank. My previous nano tank worked pretty well but I wasnt able to keep it for very long due to moving. I do have most of the leftover equipment from that tank though.

So my new tank is an Do!Aqua 10 gallon rimless. At least I think its 10 gallons Im not sure, it may be 8 or 9. I have an Current USA Nova Extreme 2xT5HO ( http://www.current-usa.com/lighting/nova-extreme-2x ) fixture from my old tank that I figure Ill use since I would hate to let it go to waste and it fits my new tank perfectly since its 18". This light isnt too strong though. Im thinking of just having some basic softy corals anyway, but I think I would still like more light? So I was thinking of going with a Ecoxotic Panorama Pro module? I think it could attach it to the T5 Fixture pretty easily. Does this sound like a good idea? Or any other suggestions would be welcome. And if I go with the Panorama Pro should I get the mixed 12k white/Blue module or maybe just the all blue module?

 

[ange062]

Im in the process of starting another nano tank. My previous nano tank worked pretty well but I wasnt able to keep it for very long due to moving. I do have most of the leftover equipment from that tank though.

So my new tank is an Do!Aqua 10 gallon rimless. At least I think its 10 gallons Im not sure, it may be 8 or 9. I have an Current USA Nova Extreme 2xT5HO ( http://www.current-usa.com/lighting/nova-extreme-2x ) fixture from my old tank that I figure Ill use since I would hate to let it go to waste and it fits my new tank perfectly since its 18". This light isnt too strong though. Im thinking of just having some basic softy corals anyway, but I think I would still like more light? So I was thinking of going with a Ecoxotic Panorama Pro module? I think it could attach it to the T5 Fixture pretty easily. Does this sound like a good idea? Or any other suggestions would be welcome. And if I go with the Panorama Pro should I get the mixed 12k white/Blue module or maybe just the all blue module?

At 3.6wpg I think your T5 fixture is more than enough to grow basic softies. But IMO, skimping on light is about the worst thing you can do (I've done it) because you will be plagued by slow growth. Eventually your tastes will likely turn towards more (like clams or SPS) that need more light.

And using my typical equivalence factor, 2xLEDwatts = MH/T5 watts (dependent highly on LED's, drivers, and optics used) the Panorama Pro is doubling your light intensity. You should be set!

Spectrum depends on what bulbs you are running. If it's white looking, you may opt for a blue/magenta combo. If you already have actinic, the 12k/453nm may fit better.

FYI, this is what the 12k/453nm looks like on my 3g pico:

 

[Agu]

I have a ten gallon with a Coralife Powerquad Pc fixture (96 watt bulb 50/50 white/actinic) I screwed an original Panorama (primarily white with a few blue) to the Coralife housing and now run both lights. Visible color is pleasing, soft corals are growing, and the PC bulb is two years old and urine yellow without the LEDs. (But don't tell anybody, lets just keep that our secret .

I'd recommend the Panorama pro but I'm not sure if the all blue would be right, esp if you change the T5s on a regular basis. I have the mixed panorama on a 5.5 and there's definitely a tendency to the blue spectrum with just that fixture.

If you like the more actinic look go with the blue LEDS, If you like more white go with the mixed, if you don't know go with the mixed, you can always swap out the T5 bulbs to actinic to get the look you want.