Jump to content
Pod Your Reef

Light coverage for 36" tank


Smithjm5

Recommended Posts

I've been looking at several different lights, even thinking about switching to t5's, but mostly looking at leds, but 36" seems to be that awkward length that's just out of reach for one solid fixture. the tanks dims are 36x18x24" and I've been looking at the radions and I know two of the x15's would work well but I'm not trying to drop $900+ on this fixture... Do you think one radion x30 pro would be enough light if I raised it high enough, or would I still get shadowing on the edges? Same goes for the Ai lights would one hydra 52 do it? or am I better off with two hydra 26's?

Link to comment

Coral Vue T5s are 36" if still available.

 

Nope, just 24 and 60 now.

 

I have two Kessils over a 36, it's not enough. I would put 2 non pro 30s over a 36" tank.

 

Not for intensity, for coverage.

Link to comment

I would even put 2 Sols over it before one fixture. 26s make no sense to me, half the light at 2/3s the cost.

 

2 Onyx fixtures, perhaps.

 

Two of these.

http://www.rapidled.com/dual-aurora-puck-kit-dimmable/

 

But, put them in these

http://www.rapidled.com/6-x-12-premium-heat-sink-and-enclosure/ in black

Those look pretty sick, but I'm approaching a nano box quad at that price, I guess I'll just have to save more. Which kessils do you have over your 36?

Link to comment

If you are looking to do this on a budget, you can find some very nice used 36” T5 fixtures at great prices. I picked up a 36” Tek Elite 6 bulb unit with 6 new ATI bulbs, the mounting brackets, and hanging kit for $150.

Link to comment

a quad will do nicely, and if you have patience, dave is coming out with a hybrid light that will be awesome over a 40b

 

also, a reefbreeders photon 24 will cover perfectly

Link to comment

I have the same tank!

 

I heard about the coralvue blow out at the last minute, but was still able to pick up a 24" 6 bulb unit. It works beautifully. I also prefer it aesthetically, it doesn't look bulky above the tank. The coverage is great, BUT my scape is a bommie style reef and centered in the tank. If you're looking to do the same you should be fine. Lastly, if you are planning on having LR from edge to edge you may just want to keep softies in those areas.

Link to comment
NorthGaHillbilly

I've got a 24" t5 over my 36", same footprint as tours. I have it pretty low to the tank and get some shading on the edges, but it's not very noticeable with all 6 on. Still plenty of par I take it, ad I have a few acros on the frag rack

Link to comment

I've been looking at several different lights, even thinking about switching to t5's, but mostly looking at leds, but 36" seems to be that awkward length that's just out of reach for one solid fixture. the tanks dims are 36x18x24" and I've been looking at the radions and I know two of the x15's would work well but I'm not trying to drop $900+ on this fixture... Do you think one radion x30 pro would be enough light if I raised it high enough, or would I still get shadowing on the edges? Same goes for the Ai lights would one hydra 52 do it? or am I better off with two hydra 26's?

Tada!: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/353677-ati-36-6x39w-sunpower-fixture/

 

From your dimensions you listed, sounds like you have the nuvo 30L or the Deep blue professional rimless tank.

 

I had the Nuvo 30L originally. I tried radions but wasn't enough coverage and for the pricing point was a bit costly for multiple units. So I then got the 36" fixture above which gave complete coverage. Since it was 6 bulbs, it covers the entire width. I eventually had issues with the nuvo 30L and have since gotten a new tank (gift) that is too short for the 36" fixture but would like say it was the better choice than multiple LED fixtures.

Link to comment

I have the same tank!

 

I heard about the coralvue blow out at the last minute, but was still able to pick up a 24" 6 bulb unit. It works beautifully. I also prefer it aesthetically, it doesn't look bulky above the tank. The coverage is great, BUT my scape is a bommie style reef and centered in the tank. If you're looking to do the same you should be fine. Lastly, if you are planning on having LR from edge to edge you may just want to keep softies in those areas.

Do you have any pics I can see, to get a better idea of the coverage?

 

I've got a 24" t5 over my 36", same footprint as tours. I have it pretty low to the tank and get some shading on the edges, but it's not very noticeable with all 6 on. Still plenty of par I take it, ad I have a few acros on the frag rack

Hmm this really opens up options if you think the 24" would work

 

Tada!: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/353677-ati-36-6x39w-sunpower-fixture/

 

From your dimensions you listed, sounds like you have the nuvo 30L or the Deep blue professional rimless tank.

 

I had the Nuvo 30L originally. I tried radions but wasn't enough coverage and for the pricing point was a bit costly for multiple units. So I then got the 36" fixture above which gave complete coverage. Since it was 6 bulbs, it covers the entire width. I eventually had issues with the nuvo 30L and have since gotten a new tank (gift) that is too short for the 36" fixture but would like say it was the better choice than multiple LED fixtures.

It's going over a marineland 65G but close haha, I actually have been eyeing your fixture for a long time just wont have the funds for it for a couple more weeks haha, If you still have it then I was planning on buying it off you!

Link to comment
NorthGaHillbilly

My light is probably 8 or 10" off the water and there is noticeable shading on the edges when only running two bulbs, if lifted up 6 or so inches it is hard to notice. I use the shaded areas for some picky lps. It's a tough call, if the idea of any fade on the edges gets to you, go with a 36, but I'm pretty smitten wit the 24"

Link to comment

My light is probably 8 or 10" off the water and there is noticeable shading on the edges when only running two bulbs, if lifted up 6 or so inches it is hard to notice. I use the shaded areas for some picky lps. It's a tough call, if the idea of any fade on the edges gets to you, go with a 36, but I'm pretty smitten wit the 24"

I'm thinking I'm gonna just try the 6 bulb 24", the tank is 2 feet deep so the combination of that and having it off the water high enough I think I can get rid of most of the shadowing. And like you said just use it for lower light corals. You don't have the dimmable model do you? If not do you use timers?

Link to comment
NorthGaHillbilly

I'm thinking I'm gonna just try the 6 bulb 24", the tank is 2 feet deep so the combination of that and having it off the water high enough I think I can get rid of most of the shadowing. And like you said just use it for lower light corals. You don't have the dimmable model do you? If not do you use timers?

No dimming I'm afraid, two timers, I really am impressed with the ait, cord system is great. But any quality fixture with individual reflectors aught to make it happen

Link to comment

No dimming I'm afraid, two timers, I really am impressed with the ait, cord system is great. But any quality fixture with individual reflectors aught to make it happen

I'm pretty much set on the look of the ati if I get t5's. I've been looking on amazon at timers which ones are you using if you don't mind me asking?

Link to comment
NorthGaHillbilly

I'm thinking I'm gonna just try the 6 bulb 24", the tank is 2 feet deep so the combination of that and having it off the water high enough I think I can get rid of most of the shadowing. And like you said just use it for lower light corals. You don't have the dimmable model do you? If not do you use timers?

No dimming I'm afraid, two timers, I really am impressed with the ait, cord system is great. But any quality fixture with individual reflectors aught to make it happen

Link to comment

No dimming I'm afraid, two timers, I really am impressed with the ait, cord system is great. But any quality fixture with individual reflectors aught to make it happen

76290036.jpg

 

lol.. what the heck happened? that's exactly the same post..

Link to comment
NorthGaHillbilly

Either the phone or me had a brainfart... no bets on which one.

 

I've got an apex jr, but don't run my lights on it. I use the analog outdoor timers, most I see these days have limited settings, but I've been using atleast one of these for like 10 years :o. I'll look online and try to fine something similar when I get to the house

Link to comment

76290036.jpg

 

lol.. what the heck happened? that's exactly the same post..

Hahaha, I was like wait what just happened.

 

Either the phone or me had a brainfart... no bets on which one.

 

I've got an apex jr, but don't run my lights on it. I use the analog outdoor timers, most I see these days have limited settings, but I've been using atleast one of these for like 10 years :o. I'll look online and try to fine something similar when I get to the house

Lol don't worry if you cant find them, just curious

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions

×
×
  • Create New...