Biocube 14 opinions on Lighting needed

[Delmarr]

Hello all:

I have recently returned to reef keeping and have set up a Biocube 14.
I am looking at improving the lighting and wanted some opinions on the following options. ( I would like to be able to keep sps, clams without my ligting holding me back) (not sure about clams in such a small tank)

The tank is in my den and really needs to look like a nice piece of funiture and not a science project. So looks count as well.

1. Sunpod 70w HQI (seems popular but is 70W enough and will the lack of actinics be a problem in getting the best coral coloration.

2. JBJ K2 Viper Lamp Series II - 150w HQI (150W should be more then enough for the most demanding corals but again no actinics and not sure how the tank would look)

3. Sundial Hanging Pendant Lighting Fixture 150W HQi pendant with 2x 32W PC actinics ( Pleanty of lighting, has the actinics but NOT CHEAP.
Also not sure how to mount it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Delmarr

 

[Delmarr]

Lots of views but no opinions?
Anyone have a nano with something similar they want to
post about? Trying to nail this down to put on my Xmas list for my wife

 

[fishguttz]

I would just be wary of the amount of heat your lamps put off. I wish my mini compact had an exterior ballast so the heat wouldn't be so great on the top of my small tank. It makes temperatures fluctuate too high in the summer. Just something to think about.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Check out nano customs and nano tuners. They have some upgrade kits.

http://www.nanocustoms.com/
http://www.nanotuners.com/

 

[Delmarr]

Not having a problem finding lighting, more of a problem deciding on which one to use. As far as Nantuners/Nanocustoms The to options from them are PC mod to 72 wats which wont do for sps or clams or a 70w MH inhood deal which othere then being expensive would seem to be a quick way to cook the tank.

 

[JRWOHLER]

Not having a problem finding lighting, more of a problem deciding on which one to use. As far as Nantuners/Nanocustoms The to options from them are PC mod to 72 wats which wont do for sps or clams or a 70w MH inhood deal which othere then being expensive would seem to be a quick way to cook the tank.

You can get the modified hood and they will include the iCa nanno chiller. That might be part of the solution. I have also seen somewhere...sorry I cannot remember exactly where a T5 mod, not sure if for your size tank though. Last but not least how about LED lighting or is that way out of budget? Just a couple thoughts no real answers.

There are also a couple pendents that go with the frameless tanks that come with a base. Pretty sweet again not cheap.