Need advice for lighting 24" x 24" x 22" cube

[freezetyle]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

I agree with Aquattro, MH on a tank that size would most deff. cause heat issues.

You don't need to go pro (Radion Pro or Hydra 52) with only 20" deep. The "regular" Radion G3, Hydra or Kessil 360 would more than suffice.

Ray

all depends on where your tank is. I have a 250w pendant on a 24*24*20 cube, and my tank stays between 77-80, even during the hottest days. but it is in a cooler basement.

Kessils are great for the uniformity as other have mentioned. you just need to think if the "minimal" controllability is an issue for you.

[xenon]

I am surprised nobody is asking what types of corals the OP is planning to keep.

Once the coral type is determined, we can then begin to recommend some lightning options.

Most of the LED's will work no matter what type of coral is being kept because the lighting intensity can be dialled back.

With that said, if he plans to keep SPS, I would shy away from LED's if maximum coloration is the goal. I don't know why but LED's are just not there yet if you want world class coloration. MH or T5 is usually a better choice.

[Proteus]

He stated that does not want to be limited with the lights he chooses so I assumed mix reef including sps

[gqlmao]

I think if you want SPS, you can't go wrong with a power module or even a dimmable sun power. 8 bulbs will be great for your set up. I run leds on my LPS and zoas and will only even run leds for LPS. I run T-5s for SPS and the only thing I would replace my T-5s with is MH, even then I would supplement with T-5s. I like the warm glow and how well the T-5s cover everything uniformly.