What do you use to light your nano?

[E.intheC]

I've tried a number of different combinations, and have read quite a bit. It seems like I'm having trouble; either there's not enough light or the tank gets too hot.

What do you use for lighting, and do you experience temp issues?
Do you use a chiller?

I would love to try an all LED fixture, but I don't have that kind of money.. haha.

So far, I've tried a 150 watt sunpod, PC's, T-5/MH combos, etc..

Thanks!

 

[Wolverine57]

I had used a 150W current sunpod on a 24G Aquapod. There are a few here who uses a 250W current sunpod. I had an Ice Probe Chiller by Coolworks it did the job, even in the hottest weather, no higher than 79-81

 

[E.intheC]

Thank you for the response. How much do those particular chillers cost

 

[jackson6745]

I've used 150w and 250w Sunpods. Oddly, I didn't find any heat increase from upgrading to the 250w since the 250w ballast is remote.
For heat issues I have an azoo fan on a controller which keeps me below 81.

 

[E.intheC]

jackson, the point about the remote ballast is definitely a valid one. I hadn't thought of that..

Time to get that controller it looks like.

 

[NYreefNoob]

current pro 20" t5 really no heat and only use a fan to keep 24g ap 78 degree's and my apartment stays hot

 

[Wolverine57]

You can find an ice probe as lowest $109.99 online!
But I can agree with Rich, a "Controller" is important for all systems! A controller will turn off your heater and turn on your fan or chiller when its necessary. In addition will control yours lights by turning them on and off.

 

[Chraddam]

Lighting?

I have 24g nano-been running for about a year. I use the stock 50-50's,and they work fine. The only thing I added was a 4-LED strip mounted in a Wizard fixture- I run the 50-50's for 8-10 hours/day, and the LEDs for 1 hour prior to turning the first 50-50 on (which stays on for an hour, then I kick both on and shut the LED) and for 1-3 hours after shutting down for the night. My tank has been blowing up, new corals popping up everywhere and pods, starfish, etc. doing great. I don't use a chiller or heater either-I guess I've been lucky, because everyone will say I'm crazy and this would never work, but...

...look for yourself. I'l post pics of my crackhead LED system,which cost me about $40 from an LFS closeout.

 

[Chraddam]

One more thing-

I am getting new bulbs...it's about time for a change!

 

[E.intheC]

I'm leaning toward that fixture or a Tek 4 bulb fixture.

Do you like the colors of the NEP, and are you able to keep sps/clams on the bottom/middle?

Thanks!

current pro 20" t5 really no heat and only use a fan to keep 24g ap 78 degree's and my apartment stays hot

 

[NYreefNoob]

nep

i have sps all around the tank chalices, lps, zoa's and a gbta oh and a clam. color really isnt bad, the antics pop.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

current pro 20" t5 really no heat

+1 On my 34g aquapod and the stock PC lighting on my 14g biocube.

 

[E.intheC]

thanks for the pics, nyreefnoob. I appreciate them. It's really between that and the Tek 4 bulb fixture.

Has anyone had both, and can they compare please?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rookie07]

LED from AI or ELOS (E-Lite)

No Heat transfer (or at least minimal) and great lighting comparable to MH's, and in a much small space. However cost is very high, but LED's last 5+ years

 

[jackson6745]

The T5's look very nice Rick.

I am trying T5 lighting this week. So I'll post a comparison for you E.intheC