So want input from this great community! I am taking a bunch of my spare equipment and a past QT tank and making another setup. Want to try specifically SPS. Going bare bottom with some rock just to start from there. The only thing that is making a little stir crazy is the dimensions of this tank. I know the 12 inch wide is not the best especially with the 36 inch length also 21 inches deep . What would you suggests for the reef lights. I was thinking about maybe a couple light bars but not sure that would be strong enough. And also considering the reefbreeders 32 but is that too much? Any suggestions?
Lights for a 36 inch-long by 12 inch wide tank?
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piranhaman00
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Ati sunpower 6 bulb
Bpb
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At 12” front to back depth, a 4 bulb t5 would be the max you could fit if using decent reflectors. If it were me personally, I’d use a pair of Orphek blue led strips and a 2 bulb t5 unit.
Bpb
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This would probably be my choice
Supra Slim Line Dual T5 Retrofit Fixture
Space Saving Retrofit T5 Lighting for you Canopy! Supra Slim LIne Dual T5 Retrofit Fixtures are perfect for hoods or canopies that are tight on space. They can be mounted with the included eye bolts and just add your favorite T5 bulbs and plug it in. For that extra pop with accent lighting add a...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
Most all lights will need to be hung/suspended. Very few options have tank rim leg mounting.
Tuffyyyyy
2500 Club Member
You could also get 4 of these instead of 2x T5 and 2x LED Bar. I've purchased a few of these and they're terrific. The ones I linked are purely 470nm, but I know they have bars available on there with whiter spectrum. I've also read other users that reach out to the seller and they'll put in whatever spectrum you want for a couple extra dollars.
www.aliexpress.com
36.98US $ 20% OFF|Populargrow 54w/81w/108w Led Aquarium Light With Only 470nm Blue Spectrum Strip Light Beautiful Your Coral Reef Fish Tank Lamp - Lightings - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com
Here is the specs for the non-dimmable ATI T5 units. I would get a 4 bulb.
| 36" ATI SunPower 4x39W | 35.0 inches | 9.4 inches | 2.1 inches | 40-80 |
| 36" ATI SunPower 6x39W | 35.0 inches | 13.4 inches | 2.1 inches | 60-120 |
LeftyReefer
2500 Club Member
I'd go with (2) Smat Farm lights. about $110 each.
great spectrum, ramps up/down, moonlight function if you want it, multiple lights sync wirelessly, dimpled lens provide nice shimmer too.
great spectrum, ramps up/down, moonlight function if you want it, multiple lights sync wirelessly, dimpled lens provide nice shimmer too.
Indeed they will. +1 for the 4 bulb ATI...
Yes. With 6 you will get *some more PAR, but it will be diminished returns since it really won't fit very well.
I would run a combo of 3 Blue+ and 1 Coral+, but there are lots of ways to skin that cat. You really can't go wrong as long as you stick to ATI and Giesemann bulbs.
The display area of my Nuvo 30L is 36" long, 10"(ish) wide and 12" deep. I run 3x AI Primes and get great coverage with very little shadowing.
My tank is only 12" deep, but with my LPS/softie settings, the lights only run at 65% of max power (center light is only about 35%), so there is plenty of headroom for SPS and a deeper tank.
ETA: I run all the lights 10" off the water, and the outside lights (centered) 8" in from each end of the tank. I run the outside lights as a pair in the app. The middle light runs the same schedule (same ramps, color mix, etc) but I control it separately so I can really get my PAR dialed in. Because of light overlap, the middle light runs a much lower intensity than the outside pair does.
I also run 3DReefing diffusers on all the lights for decreased discoball effect and better light spread. It's been a great combo for me.
My tank is only 12" deep, but with my LPS/softie settings, the lights only run at 65% of max power (center light is only about 35%), so there is plenty of headroom for SPS and a deeper tank.
ETA: I run all the lights 10" off the water, and the outside lights (centered) 8" in from each end of the tank. I run the outside lights as a pair in the app. The middle light runs the same schedule (same ramps, color mix, etc) but I control it separately so I can really get my PAR dialed in. Because of light overlap, the middle light runs a much lower intensity than the outside pair does.
I also run 3DReefing diffusers on all the lights for decreased discoball effect and better light spread. It's been a great combo for me.
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tmc13
Community Member
I have a tank setup with the same dimensions and went with three of the AI prime 16HD's and can grow SPS just fine. Here's a link to my build thread if your interested in how I set them up.
www.reef2reef.com
Nano Build - 22 gallon Mr Aqua (closed loop)
I'm currently in the works downsizing from my 65 gallon to a 22 gallon Mr Aqua. l will be installing a closed loop for flow using the OM flow diverter, so there will be no pumps visible in the tank. The only visible piece of equipment will be a 400 gph fiji cube low profile overflow that will be...
www.reef2reef.com
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moz71
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The display area of my Nuvo 30L is 36" long, 10"(ish) wide and 12" deep. I run 3x AI Primes and get great coverage with very little shadowing.
My tank is only 12" deep, but with my LPS/softie settings, the lights only run at 65% of max power (center light is only about 35%), so there is plenty of headroom for SPS and a deeper tank.
ETA: I run all the lights 10" off the water, and the outside lights (centered) 8" in from each end of the tank. I run the outside lights as a pair in the app. The middle light runs the same schedule (same ramps, color mix, etc) but I control it separately so I can really get my PAR dialed in. Because of light overlap, the middle light runs a much lower intensity than the outside pair does.
I also run 3DReefing diffusers on all the lights for decreased discoball effect and better light spread. It's been a great combo for me.
THank you both! i was looking at these thought two but obviously three now. Still haven't decided as I am battling how I should mount hang any light! Wife doesn't like hanging from ceiling so I may be building a canopy! Really trying to think this out before i purchase something! Since this is my technically third tank in house I am in no rush but coming along nicely!I have a tank setup with the same dimensions and went with three of the AI prime 16HD's and can grow SPS just fine. Here's a link to my build thread if your interested in how I set them up.
Nano Build - 22 gallon Mr Aqua (closed loop)
I'm currently in the works downsizing from my 65 gallon to a 22 gallon Mr Aqua. l will be installing a closed loop for flow using the OM flow diverter, so there will be no pumps visible in the tank. The only visible piece of equipment will be a 400 gph fiji cube low profile overflow that will be...
on my 40B i will be doing: 2 smatfarm LED's, and 2 aliexpress LED bars(might just do 1 bar)
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