Reef lights for a 20G Hex?

[knpjdad]

My first post!! 8O

I would like to setup a 20G reef with maybe a clown or two in the tank also. The tank is about 18" wide, I was looking at the POWERQUAD RETROFIT (1 X 96W ). Would this light be okay? I'm having a hard time finding something for a small hex setup.

Thanks!

 

[Jolieve]

knpj, I understand what you're going through. Hex tanks are probably very hard to put lighting over because their shape doesn't fit in with standard light fixtures in the hobby.

Could you post a link to the light fixture you are looking at? I'd need to know a little more about it before I can tell you if it will work out for you.

Thanks!
J.

 

[knpjdad]

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/catego ... 03814.html

I'm not sure if I can just sit this on-top of my tank, or will I need to build/buy a hood for it also?

I was into saltwater tanks back around 1987!! Wow, have things changed!! :roll:

Thanks!

 

[ChrisRD]

Looks good to me.

BTW knpjdad - welcome to Reefs.Org.

 

[knpjdad]

Great!!

Thanks for the help, AND the Welcome!

Looks like I'll be spending a LOT of time here!!

Take Care![/quote]

 

[Jolieve]

Yeah, that light looks great. Yes, you'll need to build a canopy for that light. I don't envy you for building a canopy over a hex tank. Perhaps you can purchase one prebuilt?

Then all you have to do, if you need additional cooling, is grab a buddy with a hole saw and put a hole in it for your cooling fan so it can blow the hot air out. Make sure you have the fan in hand first, and measure twice before you cut the canopy.

Hope this helps!
J.

 

[knpjdad]

Anyone know where I can buy one?

 

[Anonymous]

you might actually need to find a smaller light. if your tank is 18" wide then the light will need to be smaller. remember that it's going to be embedded in a hood that takes up space in the canopy ... and just because the canopy is 18" wide, that doesn't mean the recess in it is the same. it's less due to wall thickness and suchnot...

 

[Jolieve]

I'd check petco or petsmart... see if they have them to fit your tank's dimensions. If not, go to your lfs with the measurements of your tank. They should be able to order one in for you, this would be easiest if you knew who made your tank in the first place. Then they'll be able to find you an exact match for the size.

J.

J.

 

[Jolieve]

Good point Hwarang!

 

[knpjdad]

Go Point! Hwarang

Okay.. I was also looking at PowerCompact pendant systems they are MH and they already have a hood! Anyone think this would be the better way to go?

http://www.customsealife.com/f_powercom ... halide.htm

 

[Jolieve]

I like halides.. I have a pair over my 75. Depends on the height of your tank, but if you want to keep sps and clams.. they are another good way to go.

J.

 

[knpjdad]

Well, I think by the time I buy a Canopy, PowerQuad light combo, I'm going to have just as much, if not more, into it, then If I would have just bought the MH lights to begin with... Guess I might as well, go for the good stuff, Before my wife catches on to how much this new hobby "addiction" will cost! :wink:

Thanks for all the input!

 

[Anonymous]

well if you want my advice try finding an aquarium other than the hex (unless you already bought it). i don't like the hex for several reasons


1. low surface area (impedes oxygenation)
2. too tall (reduces light intensity at lower depths of tank)
3. canopy cannot fit large capacity light
4. difficult shape to aquascape in (you'll be forced to create a rubble mountain out of many smaller bits of LR than a different shaped tank of the same dimensions).


If you're still shopping for the tank, consider a corner tank (looks like one quadrant of a circle; it has a bow front...

or maybe a cube tank. i was just looking at some at petco when i went to buy kitty kibble. i think i really like the cube shape (one of the things that interests me about aquariums is the visual contrast of something so organic, irregular and splotchy being bound by something so precise and linear and man made; a cubic tank further pushes this visual effect).

or maybe one of those 5 sided corner jobs.

they have decent 30 and 50 gallon sizes by various mfr's ... the bonus about those is they are large enough to accommodate a MH ... and a single MH can do the trick over a corner or cubic tank.

i really think you should reconsider your tank, even if you already bought it. after all, it's not even the most expensive part of the aquarium setup.

 

[knpjdad]

LOL!!! I guess its back to the 'ol drawing board!! LOL!

I do have the tank.. (FW Setup right now) But got bit by the saltwater bug again, and thought I would convert it. The more I look, the more I think your right. forget about the hex, and go with something a little more standard!

BTW: I printed off your note to show my wife... You said it better then I ever could!

 

[Anonymous]

eh?

 

[ChrisRD]

FWIW, I agree with changing out the tank if that is an option. I also prefer MH to fluorescent if it's in the budget.

 

[Anonymous]

oh ps do not take my post as a recommendation to shop at petco. . . i was just window shopping when i was buying cat food, you know, looking at various shapes to see if i liked anything better than the oceanic 54 corner tank... i would find a better manufacturer than what they sell at petco...

 

[knpjdad]

Anywhere on the net sell Glass tanks anymore? All I can find is Acrylic? or is that the lastest and greatest, and I'm missing something?

 

[Jolieve]

They don't generally sell glass tanks on the net, because they are very expensive to ship. You'll probably end up heading to petsmart or petco to get your tank.

J.