Lighting for a nano shallow reef

[lunner]

Hi all,

I am having a problem deciding between these 3 light fixtures for a shallow reef measuring 20"x20"x12". It will house a RBTA, some corals and a few fishes. May also serve as a frag tank for a few SPS frags. 1" sand bed. Around 9-10" of water

These are the 3 lights:
20" Nova Extreme Pro T5 6x18W
20" SunPod 150W
20" SunPod 250W

I'm kinda worry with the MH is because most of the light will be concentrating in the center of the tank? To solve this problem, I would have to use the hanging kit and suspending the fixture over the tank...?

Also these 18W T5s are only made by Current at this time.

I just hate getting the wrong stuff...

Any input would be great. Thanks

 

[lunner]

This should be in the "Tank Threads" .... darn it

 

[ecvernon]

well for the halides 150 watt would be enough. best to decide if you can you deal with the heat of the halides on a small tank. may not be a problem now but could be in the summer. just thinking ahead.

 

[lunner]

This nano shallow tank is linked to a display tank w/ a chiller attached. But yeah, i am kinda worry with the extra heat too... :irked:

 

[lazibonez]

Alan, are u doing an sps frag tank or for your RBTA? U might as well do 24x24 footprint, since one single MH bulb can cover this area. 250 w MH is an overkill for a 12 inch height tank. I would go 150 w. If its only for your RBTA, then T5 is good enough especially if u are concern about heat issue. And u should think about doing a canopy or cover, I know u are putting expensive wrasses in there, they will jump easily in a shallow tank. BTW, I am still waiting for your bellus angel. lol.

 

[alfani]

150w sunpod, i have similar frag tank but only 10 inch tall. i have 360 LEDs on it now, i even thought the 70w MH was too much

 

[lunner]

Thanks for the advice guys. Yeah mostly for my RBTA, but I also want to use it as a grow out tank for some SPS frags too.

Lazi, I want a bigger size too. But 24"x24" would be too big for my space. Oh and stop the Bellus harassment LOL j/k