Shallow Reef Lighting

[Lowenbrau]

I am setting up a 36" x 36" shallow reef tank with a depth of only 8".

My initial thoughts are that I want to do a SPS dominated tank. I was leaning toward halides, specifically Double Ended. With the tank footprint of 6' square, most traditional halide/t5 fixtures will not spread out that far.

Any ideas? My biggest concern is the depth of the tank. I almost assume I will have to go with pendants..........

Thanks.


Mike

 

[cdrewferd]

Why not LED's? 2 Kessil's would more than cover that and they're real small LED pendants.

 

[Lowenbrau]

I saw them at AquaMart....$259 a piece. Not sure LED is the best option for SPS...I just got AI Sol's for my 150...no idea yet on growth and color

 

[SAZAMA]

that is gonna be sweet.

 

[andyrm66]

I've got a 36x36x18 400 watt 10k XM, 800 par on the sand bed, good spread. With 20k MX 125-200 on sandbed. Would probably be perfect for that depth. Looking to sell as I think I might go LED, how soon you looking?

 

[Lowenbrau]

I have the tank, the sump and skimmer and an additional 180g I should have by next weekend. I will be using them together. So in the next couple weeks.

 

[KatahdinKid]

I like the idea of a shallow tank, are going to build a top down viewing box?

With an 8" depth, I would imagine anything over a 200w MH would be overkill. I've seen a lot of SPS tanks with LED's so I dont think theres an issue there, plus most units worth touching allow you adjust your blue and white lights. That way youre not tied to 20k/15k color temps. something to think about.

 

[andyrm66]

200 watts would be fine, except when you're trying to do it with one point source of light. You have to raise it 12-18" from the water to get a nice good looking even spread.