What would you use? Poll

[cale262]

Originally Posted by mseepman

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

[ponokareefer]

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.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by ponokareefer

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.

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.

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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.

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

[burrows14]

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

[lastlight]

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.

[shrimpchips]

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!!

[cale262]

Originally Posted by shrimpchips

... Going the full length doesn't make sense with your Eurobrace. ...

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

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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.

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...

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

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.

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.

[mseepman]

Originally Posted by cale262

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

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.