lighting for nano tank

hinescom · 11-29-2001, 02:17 PM

I dont know if you would consider a 29gal to be a nano tank or not, but thats what Im going to set up. I have a very nice custom made hood that will fit a standard 29gal tank. I currently have two 55watt pc's and am considering adding a metal hallide to the mix

Which metal halide bulb would be best. Im looking at the kelvin rating, brand and size as well. I would like to get about 10watts per gallon so that I can do some nice corals. Keep in mind I will be supplimenting with the pc's I currenly have-- unless this is bad. Any opinions are welcome.

anemone · 11-29-2001, 06:07 PM

the best kalvin is 12000-14000 thats what i use without any pcs or flourescents and the corals glow

**kevinpo** · 11-29-2001, 06:51 PM

I like the 175W 10,000K German Aqualine bulb with VHO actinics. Placed on separate timers you can get a dawn dusk effect and people will love how your corals glow with just the actinics on.

Kevin
PS: I don't have experience with PC's

wgscott · 11-29-2001, 07:04 PM

One 250 W double-ended HQI would give you a hell of a lot of light. One 150 W one would probably work pretty well.

hinescom · 12-03-2001, 10:03 PM

Well I got to looking and it wil not be possible for me to do metal halide. The existing hood that I had built for the tank will be to low to the water for me to feel safe about not splashing water on the bulb, not to mention overheating problems. I think the bulb would only be about 4-5 inches from the water. Also, there is not enough room for the bulb and reflector to fit together, I would have to loose the reflector and just put some aluminum down against the wood. Possible to do, but not very efficient. SO, Im thinking of doing 4 65watt power compact lights, probably the smart lamps, Ive had freinds have great luck with them over regular pc's. This would give me 260watts total in a 29 gal tank. Not bad. I could put my more light loving corals towards the top and they should have plenty of light. What do you guys think.

jlazo · 12-09-2001, 06:39 PM

I have 20long with 2 28 watt actinic PC's and one 175watt 5,500 MH. THe tank is well-illuminated. I a small clam, a pineapple, and some softies. I will be replacing the MH bulb soon, as is has reached and passed it's effective peak. Is a 10,000k bulb availble in 175watts?

11-29-2001, 02:17 PM	#1
hinescom Citizen Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kalispell, Mt. USA Posts: 145	lighting for nano tank I dont know if you would consider a 29gal to be a nano tank or not, but thats what Im going to set up. I have a very nice custom made hood that will fit a standard 29gal tank. I currently have two 55watt pc's and am considering adding a metal hallide to the mix Which metal halide bulb would be best. Im looking at the kelvin rating, brand and size as well. I would like to get about 10watts per gallon so that I can do some nice corals. Keep in mind I will be supplimenting with the pc's I currenly have-- unless this is bad. Any opinions are welcome. __________________ I thought I was cool till I realized I was 27.

11-29-2001, 06:07 PM	#2
anemone Just Moved In Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: columbus,OH usa Posts: 16	kelvins the best kalvin is 12000-14000 thats what i use without any pcs or flourescents and the corals glow

11-29-2001, 06:51 PM	#3
kevinpo Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Spokane Valley WA Posts: 2,434	I like the 175W 10,000K German Aqualine bulb with VHO actinics. Placed on separate timers you can get a dawn dusk effect and people will love how your corals glow with just the actinics on. Kevin PS: I don't have experience with PC's __________________ SPSguy On - On

12-03-2001, 10:03 PM	#5
hinescom Citizen Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kalispell, Mt. USA Posts: 145	Well I got to looking and it wil not be possible for me to do metal halide. The existing hood that I had built for the tank will be to low to the water for me to feel safe about not splashing water on the bulb, not to mention overheating problems. I think the bulb would only be about 4-5 inches from the water. Also, there is not enough room for the bulb and reflector to fit together, I would have to loose the reflector and just put some aluminum down against the wood. Possible to do, but not very efficient. SO, Im thinking of doing 4 65watt power compact lights, probably the smart lamps, Ive had freinds have great luck with them over regular pc's. This would give me 260watts total in a 29 gal tank. Not bad. I could put my more light loving corals towards the top and they should have plenty of light. What do you guys think. __________________ I thought I was cool till I realized I was 27.

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11-29-2001, 07:04 PM	#4
wgscott Governor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: CA, USA Posts: 1,238	One 250 W double-ended HQI would give you a hell of a lot of light. One 150 W one would probably work pretty well.

12-09-2001, 06:39 PM	#6
jlazo Citizen Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 203	I have 20long with 2 28 watt actinic PC's and one 175watt 5,500 MH. THe tank is well-illuminated. I a small clam, a pineapple, and some softies. I will be replacing the MH bulb soon, as is has reached and passed it's effective peak. Is a 10,000k bulb availble in 175watts?

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