Stock lighting in a tank

[mrhoddy]

Hi all

Went out today to my LFS and they had the following tank:

Boyu Mt50 tank 27G, (45cmx49x49) i think its the UK version of the 24G Nano Cube, (the crack problems are now sorted im told). I really like the look of this tank (well the g/f does he he he) cos its neat, compact and self contained however.......The stock lighting for this is 1x24W PC 50/50 tube, but it has two fans in the hood already and area for a fuge etc.

The stumbling point is the lights, now i dont want a MH yet, so here are my thoughts:

I have done some research and i think i could retro fit another 24W pc unit (which is 12") or a 36W PC unit (which is 16") into the hood. This would give me a total of 60W (ie 24W+36W) in 27gal.

1) Is the classed as low or med light intensity etc and what could i put under these?

2)Any other suggestions as to bring up the wattage of the lights IE getting T% under the bonnet somehow.


Will get there in the end, too much research = too many choices = more research etc etc he he he

 

[trido]

I would list this as low light intensity as it is just alittle over 2 watts a gallon. The (very) general rule of thumb is 3-5 watts a gallon. I would reconsider buying it just for looks. I have recently done the same and returned my first purchase to buy a Better set up from scratch. Doesnt look as fancy but my corals are all real happy.

 

[LA-Lawman]

I would say Medium....

two reasons... the tank is not very deep. you will get good light penetration if you use a 36w 10k bulb and then use a 24w 50/50 or actinic.. I have a buddy using them on his cube and he is growing some sps... he has lps in there with no problems...

if you decide to go nuts with this rig. I would pull the pc's and put a 70w or 150w DE halide in there and add some small fans to the setup.... you will see fantastic coloration with the halides....

some people retro the nano cube hood with multiple t5's but it is a little tedious cramming all the lights in there.

hope this helps