Lighting for a 30g with SPS.

[wickedfrags]

Does this system have a sump? Also, I would decide if you ever want to have a 4' tank before you buy your lighting as this is not an inexpensive purchase.

I would consider a high output T5 set-up for the system. While halides are great, the heat they produce on such a small system may be a little stressful for SPS, specially in the absence of a sump.

[Stab_Master_Arson]

Originally Posted by wickedfrags.com

Does this system have a sump? Also, I would decide if you ever want to have a 4' tank before you buy your lighting as this is not an inexpensive purchase.

No, unfortunately I don't have a sump. I have thought about making a 10gallon one in the past,, but it has never happened. What would the advantage be as far as lighting? More water to absorb heat?

Secondly, I have seen foot long pendants hanging over large tanks. They don't take up the entire length of the tank. Would that be possible with a 30 inch canopy?

I would consider a high output T5 set-up for the system. While halides are great, the heat they produce on such a small system may be a little stressful for SPS, specially in the absence of a sump.

Never really considered T5's. Aren't they just like Pc's though with a little added horsepower? Something for me to look in to.

[wickedfrags]

On such a small system, the overflow to the sump would assist with pulling the warmest layer of water off the surface, specially important if you select a MH fixture (also removes the unsightly layer of surface film). It would also assist in cooling to a degree while the water travels to the sump. More water also helps.

I foot long pendant would cover 24"s nicely, put may produce a spotlight effect if placed to close to the water. This is by all means possible, expect lover light areas on the sides of the tanks.

The difference between compact florescents and HO T5 is shocking. A 24" HO T5 fixture would cover the tank nicely (both front to back and side to side) and would likely add less heat to the system. Go to a LFS and check them out if you can. I would never give up my 400W halides, but since I own a HO 8 bulb T5 unit (over my grow-out tank), well IMO it is worth considering.

Originally Posted by Stab_Master_Arson

No, unfortunately I don't have a sump. I have thought about making a 10gallon one in the past,, but it has never happened. What would the advantage be as far as lighting? More water to absorb heat?

Secondly, I have seen foot long pendants hanging over large tanks. They don't take up the entire length of the tank. Would that be possible with a 30 inch canopy?

Never really considered T5's. Aren't they just like Pc's though with a little added horsepower? Something for me to look in to.

[kwirky]

for your tank's dimensions I think T5 would give better lighting than MH will. And the PFO pendant is a little too focused to cover your tank across the full 30 inches. A 24" tek light or the likes (make sure it's HO and individual reflectors) would outperform a MH, especially watt for watt.

sanjay has data on the PFO reflectors and the spread's too narrow for the entire width of your tank, and overkill if you were using 2.

now as for something you can reuse on a larger tank, a sunlight supply lumenmax 3 might be a good choice. It'll do a better job than the PFO of covering your 30" wide tank, and when you upgrade the tank, you just add more lumenmax's. The lumenmax is for a 2'x2' area but you might be able to stretch it enough for your tank. You'll have some light over-reach front-back I'm assuming.