Lighting suggestions for shallow 4” canopy

[Swoff11]

Good morning

I’m looking for lighting suggestions for a new tank I’m cycling (build thread coming eventually lol). The tank itself is 10’ long and 2’ deep. The issue I’m having is the canopy is only 4” tall. I’ve been looking at the orphek lights and ai blades. I’m also considering t5s but I’d rather not try to replace 16 bulbs with such little room if I can avoid it, but I do like how they reduce shadowing.

I’d really like to keep this on the affordable side if I can but I guess that’s just the issue with such a large tank.

My plans for the tank are sps dominate mixed reef with at least 1 clam.

What do y'all suggest for lights and mounting?

 

[oreo54]

Good morning

I’m looking for lighting suggestions for a new tank I’m cycling (build thread coming eventually lol). The tank itself is 10’ long and 2’ deep. The issue I’m having is the canopy is only 4” tall. I’ve been looking at the orphek lights and ai blades. I’m also considering t5s but I’d rather not try to replace 16 bulbs with such little room if I can avoid it, but I do like how they reduce shadowing.

I’d really like to keep this on the affordable side if I can but I guess that’s just the issue with such a large tank.

My plans for the tank are sps dominate mixed reef with at least 1 clam.

What do y'all suggest for lights and mounting?

More info needed..
That hood split into 2 5ft sections?
How wide is the tank?

Any leds or ballasts stuck inside that hood will suffer if not ventilated.

I assume you thought of 2x 8 by 4ft t5ho's?

 

[Swoff11]

More info needed..
That hood split into 2 5ft sections?
How wide is the tank?

Any leds or ballasts stuck inside that hood will suffer if not ventilated.

I assume you thought of 2x 8 by 4ft t5ho's?

The whole canopy is one solid piece. It opens up in 2, 5 foot sections 4 inches deep into the canopy. I don’t think that would be too much of an issue if all I need to do is drill a few holes through the top to mount the light directly I could probably sink them too to keep it flush.

There’s some ventilation holes on the back but I don’t think it would be enough unless I can get a couple fans in there as well (probably wouldn’t be too difficult). I didn’t even think about how to mount the lights when I bought it

Tank itself is 2 foot deep 10 foot long and 2 foot tall.

Yeah I have been looking at some different fixtures for t5 lights on Amazon. Mostly something like viviosun because it seems t5 fixtures aren’t really made for reef tanks anymore at least on brs. The ones I have seen are fairly wide and tall so I’m slightly worried about how close it’ll be to the top of the water.

 

[X-37B]

I have 2 2 bulb 48" T5 fixture.
Was a hybrid and never used.
I would give them to you if you were local.
48"×5.5×1.5.

 

[Swoff11]

I have 2 2 bulb 48" T5 fixture.
Was a hybrid and never used.
I would give them to you if you were local.
48"×5.5×1.5.

Yeah those look thin enough to probably work too. I may end up going with t5s to be honest.

 

[rtparty]

Ditch the canopy or alter it significantly

That size tank being SPS dominant is not going to be cheap to light properly. Limiting yourself to 4” clearance makes it even tougher and more expensive

AI Blades will work at that height but you’ll need like 6 of them

 

[Swoff11]

Ditch the canopy or alter it significantly

That size tank being SPS dominant is not going to be cheap to light properly. Limiting yourself to 4” clearance makes it even tougher and more expensive

AI Blades will work at that height but you’ll need like 6 of them

I have thought about it but I think I’d rather put it on some risers or hang it from the ceiling joists if I did that. Definitely considering all the options first. I’m guessing if I did end up going with blades I’d do the 2 grow 1 glow they suggest.

 

[oreo54]

I have thought about it but I think I’d rather put it on some risers or hang it from the ceiling joists if I did that. Definitely considering all the options first. I’m guessing if I did end up going with blades I’d do the 2 grow 1 glow they suggest.

Hanging it opens up tons of options.
Still would need to increase ventilation though.

To be honest.. I'd just build a new one if you hung it.
It's just a box. No need for fancy hinges ect.
You also wouldn't need it split in 2 sides.

You really need ROUGHLY about 500-900 watts ( 3 @ 215w G6 radions seems about a normal config) of leds for your 300gal tank.
Using bars is about your best option BUT like the Quanta Helix states:

NOTE: This light is air-cooled and is not designed for unventilated enclosed canopies.

46.5" or 58.5" choices (well currently stock looks really low)
80w or 100w each
$230 to $280 each

6 Blades is like $3000 in your preferred configuration ( 4 grow, 2 glow)
Using the hood "as is" it's probably best to find bars that are lensed 120 degrees. 90 degrees and short distances (under 4") can be problematic.

A300gal tank w/ 3 xr30 g6's suspended (see the wires) in a shallow hood.
They have over 120 degree lenses.
Those "cones" aren't very eye visible but the camera picks it up well.