If you used a reflector like this http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/sl...Reflector.html



*edit* is this better? :redface:

hmm marie the link doesnt work..

and the tank is 30x30x18 i checked.

Not sure I understand. Your signature area shows a 90 gal FOWLR for sale, you have a 29 gal Reef In Progress? And you're not sure whether to go for a 70 or 45????

yah, the 29g is terrible dimensions, and the 90 is to big. im buying a cube so it fits better

much better thank you =)
thats a good price for those!

Ah, I see. Thanks for clearing that up, although I see many folks run multiple systems. It can be addictive... After getting my 75 gal used from a lady in Richmond, I purchased a used 65 gal the inhabitants of which I incorporated into the 75. Last December our LFS had a sale on tanks so now I have a drilled 90 gal sitting empty in the basement. Hope to set up the 90 in a room divider config with the 75 or 65 as a basement sump.... eventually...

If you use a LumenArc (my choice pick) or a LumenMax it will spread the light 30x30". They are "specialized" reflectors designed to spread the light evenly over a larger area. They are best used with a SE bulb, but will do ok with a DE. J&L carries the LumenArc as well, but they aren't on the site. Email them for a price.

You already have the HQI ballast, just buy one of these reflectors, and a SE socket to go into it instead of a DE socket, and pick a compatible SE bulb to run on the HQI ballast for optimal performance. Or just use your current DE socket. It's just that the reflectors will be designed for either the DE or the SE so you have to decide before you get one.

Also, the Lumenarc has two 4" ducts built into it for optional fans. You can also buy glass to use with it for DE assembly. The LumenMax will not accept glass.

thanks myka that clears things up a lot, if i go for the 70 i will definitely be doing this!

That 70g cube is a nice tank. I'm not keen on where it's drilled though, but it would work just fine. It's a great size (as long as you use a suitable reflector)! :)

yah for sure. im still not overly satisfied though, im not sure if i want to get the 70, or the 45, there is only a difference within 5 inch on each side. but im not sure if the 70 is the way to go or not