What would you use? Poll
 

What Lighting would you use for a 36"Lx32"Wx20"H, one peice euro brace, mixed reef system...

I would DIY my own LED setup...on a 36" it would be really easy and very affordable.

I thought about the DIY route,...but I have to be honest with myself here,

1. I'm electrically challenged and
2. I've started many other DIY type projects and very few of them ever came to completion:redface:

Voted for the 2*250MH.

If you only use 1 metal halide in that large of a tank will, your edges will likely be dim.

LED prices are still pretty high compared to comparable MH, so I would wait until they came down in price. You can spend quite a bit on a fancy MH fixture if that is what you are looking for.

I voted 1 MH for this same reason. On a mixed reef you may want areas of less light, one 1 bulb is half the heat.

On a small build, I don't think you need to have very many electrical skills. You do have to finish the project though...haha.

does this mean my tank is going to stay in pieces?? lol

LOL, that's not a DIY, that's a "Do It 4 Someone Else",...I'm pretty good at getting those done, But it's usually 100% dependant on the other parties schedule...well maybe 75-80% :wink:

option
 

i would use the 24 vertex-my 60 inch over my 220 peninsula(72 long) has enough light spread as it is also 12 inches over the water

i second that.
i do have a tank same dimensions and the above lighting setup.

I vote for a 10x39w ATI Powermodule :)I switched over from a 2x250w 4x54w t5 and I love it! lots of par, great colour and it looks slick above my tank. I personally don't miss the shimmer lol

My tank is 36L x 24W x 26H

I used to have 1x250w + 2x24W T5

I could tell with a single point light source that the corals anywhere NOT directly under the bulb really had no growth or color on that shaded side. Adding another bulb has made a world of difference in growth and colour. Plus the crossover zone has even more light and those corals are definitely loving life.

Of your choices, I'd lean to the 24" vertex unit. But like the above poster, I'd do a shorter T5HO unit if that's a choice too. Going the full length doesn't make sense with your Eurobrace. And doing the shorter fixture is very Euro too - and makes more sense, and looks better. Your fixture won't look like a lid for your tank.

FWIW, I have a 42" x 24" x 24" tank with an 8x39w Sfiligoi Stealth. It's dead sexy and I can see the light on in my condo from work!!

Just saw this. Yeah I am now having tough times finding shadier areas for a few corals not liking the extra light as much as the sps.

Yeah,...something to think about....


Certainly a valid point and something to consider...


I have a nice IceCap MH fixture (1x250/2x39 T5HO/2xmoontubes) I may just and try for the time being...

Thanks all & keep the thoughts coming...

Maxspect LED fixture or T5 Powermodule.