zoanthid-dominant nano cube light ?...

[reefman23]

My friend has a 12g nano dx. He has given me many zoa frags, all of which have colored up much better in my tank... especially the pinks and oranges. I have a 20L with a 14,000k 70 watt MH and 2x40 watt 50/50 PC's. As a result, he wants to upgrade his lighting to get similar results as mine.

Here is the question... what would be the best upgrade for him?

1. Add a third PC bulb... maybe 2x10,000k, one actinic

2. Make a retro like mine... one 70 watter and the two existing 24 watt PC's.

3. This is his favorite choice... AquaMedic Ocean light 1x150 watt (13,000k-20,000k)

Again, this is a Zoanthid-dominant tank that he would have no problem running topless if the MH is the best choice. I am just concerned that a 150 watter is too much for a ~12" tall tank not to mention the heat problem seems how there is no sump.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Jesse

 

[cowcio]

Of those options, I like number 2.

For a 12 gallon tank, a MH is definitely a luxury. But I would not overdo it with the 150W, you are right in thinking that it could be a bit much for a zoa dominated tank.

I don't like to overlight, because it wastes electricity.
I will say this... on my 45 I have a retrofit of 2*65 PCs and 1*175W MH. I run the MH only a few hours a day, if any. The PCs are enough to even keep SPS alive in my tank. Now, they are not thriving, but they do well.

So.. option 2 IMO

 

[mfinn]

I'd go with the 2nd option, if you can get it in a 12k to 20k bulb.
The 150 watt might be a tad too much. IMO

 

[cowcio]

Just to add to what I said previously....

Your friend could probably run the PCs for 10-12 hours and the MH for only 3-5 hours. I don't know if this would be best for growth, but those are the hours that I would run mine on a tank like that.

 

[reefman23]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7293551#post7293551 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cowcio
Just to add to what I said previously....

Your friend could probably run the PCs for 10-12 hours and the MH for only 3-5 hours. I don't know if this would be best for growth, but those are the hours that I would run mine on a tank like that.

Thats what i do with mine too... the PC's run for 12 hours, the MH runs like a "high-noon" pattern for about 5 hours.

Well, I will be the one building it for him. Its a pretty easy DIY, and will save him a few $$$ considering the only major purchase will be the www.illuming.com 70 watt MH.

Thanks for your suggestions,

Jesse

 

[rubysmomma1]

Since I'm beginnig a zoas 24 gallon nano in the fall, I was also concerned about lighting. Would the 12 gallon difference in my tank make my options for better lighting different than reefman's friend?