SPS Cube plans

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Matt..Ill shoot you a PM!

Ok, some updates.

Ok, we have tank again, LOL (crazy quotes until now). Same specs 30x30x25, rimless, overflow (regular black acrylic overflow box) and two 2 in. holes in the back. So, that concludes the tank search. Having a carpenter build the stand to match the new furniture we are getting. Anybody ever seen the Elos stands? Something like that..should be nice.

Now, the next step-- Lighting!.. I need your opinion/comments on this:

The Lumenarc Double-Ended pendant.

I plan on doing 400w.




Is it enough light for whats in my plans? (dumb question..i just like reassurance..LOL)

Thanks!

[LoneStar]

I think that would be plenty of light. The only question I have for you is what color spectrum and what brand are you planning on? (you don't have to answer cause I have no idea what I'm going to use on my tank yet :lol)

Other than that, you can't go wrong with the performance of the Lumenarcs. Well only if you make your own copy

[ClownReef®]

LOL Lone,

Im thinking of using a 12K blub, although i don't know if there is a 12K HQI bulb out there. If not, ill probably be using a 14K.

Thought i'd post a picture of my "muse" tank. It belongs to Invincible569 on ReefCentral.

[LoneStar]

Yes that tank is amazing! I've been following that since he started his thread. The lighting is amazing. I'm just waiting for him to work out the kinks of the spotlight so he can fully post his results with it.

[matt]

I imagine the lumenarc DE pendent is the best one available. Haven't seen any 400W DE bulbs, (I'm sure they're out there) and there is no true HQI 400W ballast to my knowledge. I believe that the people running DE 400W bulbs have found a ballast that will fire them, but it's not HQI.

If you go with 250, you can use a true HQI ballast (PFO makes one) and a 14K phoenix bulb. If you come over to see my set up that's whats on it.

Starfire glass is nice but still not as clear as high quality cast acrylic like Spartech polycast. Scratches are an issue, but even inside small scratches can be easily buffed out with micromesh while the tank is filled. My next tank will be an acrylic cube for sure. If they're built right they will last forever.

[ClownReef®]

Matt,

Thanks so much for your help along the way.

Do you think 250w would be ok? or 400w?

Ill PM you during this week, let me know whenever you are available so i could go and see your tank. Id love to see it and get a few ideas.

Question to everybody..

Horizontal or wall overflow??

Thanks!

[Ram_Puppy]

I think you'd do great w/ a 250 watt MH.

I was running 2 x 250s on my 120 cube, and honestly, in retrospect, I wish I had gone w/ either a 500 or 1000w in a lumenarc. in my 30 gallon cube, I have 1 PHX 20k on a 250, and I run 2 Actinic T-5s, and 2 Actinic plus (white Actinic) to balance it more towards a 14K color temp and everything seems to be doing well (outside the damage the HIATT did.)