93g cube lighting

chef · #1 05-16-2011, 10:32 PM

Hello y'all, this is my first thread but have been somewhat active on the forum for a few months. I am setting up a 93g cube and am debating the lighting situation. The tank is 30 long, 22 wide and 24 deep.Paul @ oceanic coral boutique was brilliant in setting up a coast to coast and I am very excited to get her started. Question is- It has been suggested to go with a 250mh pendant. After viewing MANY ocean gardens i feel it might lack the colour of actinic. I have a dual 150w coralife i previously purchased. If I put 2x39w actinic in front and behind my mh, will this be enough light to penetrate 24 in. The sps will be up top,with lps and softies mid area.Thanx.

lastlight · #2 05-16-2011, 10:37 PM

150w wasn't enough for SPS in my old Solana. That was a 20" cube.

A single 250w wasn't all that great over my current tank (36L x 24W x 26H) due to shadows so I added another. Things are great now but I have since added a chiller. I'd never again try and run a tank with a lone single point light source. So much of the corals is in shadow.

T5 would be a great option for this tank.

chef · #3 05-17-2011, 12:20 AM

would the t5 's penetrate the 24" depth to have a brain, plate, cat eye etc. on the sand bed?

lastlight · #4 05-17-2011, 12:22 AM

t5 will have no problems at all. Especially if you have decent reflectors and enough bulbs.

I'm no expert but I'd try 6-8 24" tubes. 3" on each side will be no big deal especially when you're looking to place your lower light corals AND you need room for access around the sides too.

chef · #5 05-17-2011, 12:48 AM

Thanx for your advice lastlight. Any mh purists wanna chime in?

freezetyle · #6 05-17-2011, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

t5 will have no problems at all. Especially if you have decent reflectors and enough bulbs.

I'm no expert but I'd try 6-8 24" tubes. 3" on each side will be no big deal especially when you're looking to place your lower light corals AND you need room for access around the sides too.

i agree on the 6-8 bulb t5 unit. I have a 6bulb sunpower and while my tank has a little less depth than yours, I had no problems keeping a clam and encrusting monty on the sandbed

lastlight · #7 05-17-2011, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef

Thanx for your advice lastlight. Any mh purists wanna chime in?

Even tho I've owned a T5 fixture I consider myself a mh purist lol =) You could run a pair of 250s in something like lumenmax 3s. I have the elites and I think that's more spread than you need across 30" of tank.