Lighting a Cube (2x2x20")

[Arc Katana]

So I've got a Current Extreme 24x4 T5HO fixture with stock bulbs (2 actinic/2 daylight) and even with zoa's 5" from the top my lighting just isn't cutting it.

 

I was thinking of a 250w MH, but not sure how to use that and the T5's. I'd most likely hang the Halide, and then have the T5's to supplement the lighting. I'm not looking at keeping SPS's on the bottom of the tank, but I would like to host an anemone in there eventually.

 

Would it be overkill running the t5's and the Halide? Or would another fixture of 4 / 6 T5's be enough?

 

Thanks.

[bayreefer]

ARC I am setting up the same 24x24x20 50g sps dominated reef and I got the ATI Powermodule 6x24w fixture which is gonna be plenty of lighting to keep anything in your tank .After weeks of research I found out that this fixture puts out more PAR then a 250w MH hope this helps you out

[Arc Katana]

Hey thanks for that info Bayreefer!

 

I know I need better bulbs - didn't know that the 6x24 was that strong! Thanks for the info!

[Paleoreef103]

Ok. Two things. Go with some higher quality bulbs. Swapping out the stock current bulbs for some ATI bulbs will give you at least fifty percent more light. Secondly, if you were to pick up a 250 Halide get a quality system like a lumenarc, lumenmax, or a lumenbright. A single quality reflector should give you good coverage and penetration. If you do pick up a good halide system, the nova extreme will probably look kind of silly at the front or back of the tank for supplements. If you want to go with T5s, get another nova extreme with better bulbs for a total of 8X24W T5s and you should be golden for keeping what you want.

 

Hey thanks for that info Bayreefer!

 

I know I need better bulbs - didn't know that the 6x24 was that strong! Thanks for the info!

It's really that strong because it is an ATI powermodule. They are beasts when it comes to output. Do not expect anywhere near the same output from a current nova extreme. They're great fixtures for the price, but a powermodule they are not. They have he best reflectors, quality ballasts, and active cooling. Expensive though as you are paying for some serious quality.

[Greenstar]

Thats not a cube you idiot

[Paleoreef103]

Thats not a cube you idiot

Biocubes, nanocubes, oceanic cubes.... aren't cubes either. Why start a fight over something so trivial?

[bayreefer]

As Paleoreef103 pointed out you also have the option of the 250w MH with a good reflector that will also give you that great shimmer effect that I know I am gonna miss.As for the bulb selection I went with 4XBlue plus 1xGE 6500K and 1xFiji Purple this was suggested to me by Podpimp and if you check out his 34g Solana you will see the lighting display and the corals he keeps

[RCfan08]

250w lumenmax elite reflector (15x15inches), 250w SE phoenix 14,000k (yeah the single end version), and a lumatek adjustable ballast (can fire it at 250 or 275 on the hqi setting AND switch back and forth on the fly) is BRIGHT and the coverage is awesome. After going to lumenmax elites, I won't even waste my time with those reefoptics pendants or any of that again. The phoenix is a PAR monster for a color bulb in 250w and the fact you can get them in SE really makes them appealing.

[Crackerballer]

When I was planning on doing a 24x24x20, just like yours, I was going to run 2 4 bulb T5 setups, so 8x24w. Of course, I am a light whore as well. Maybe keep your fixture and buy another one, and swap bulbs on both?

[Arc Katana]

Hey CB,

 

Yeah I'm leaning that route (Going two sets of 4x24) - simply I can upgrade as I go. I know I need new bulbs so thats a given. I hate to use the watts/gallon ratio, but I still don't know how much depth penetration I'd be getting with the T5's. I'm not looking for SPS on the ground (15-18" down), but enough to keep an anemone with my clowns, some softies and mushrooms.

 

Thanks all for the great info - looking into Halides as well as 6x24 and 8x24 as well. I'm kind of spoiled by how much room I have on top for fixtures (24"!), so I might go the two fixture route. Even a Halide pendant if I really need it (Might be kind of cool to use a 70W MH in the direct middle with two T5 4x24 for main coverage).

 

Thanks!

[bayreefer]

sent you a pm

[Arc Katana]

Thanks for that info Bay - appreciate it!

 

Too many decisions now

[RCfan08]

70w halide is a complete waste of money...