I wanna do it myself lighting.

[KidNano]

I've searched and searched on line for lighting ideas. I have a 12.5 gallon Aqua Euro USA tank that no body makes anything for besides Aqua Euro USA. Got it at my LFS. 2x18 watt compact flourescents came with it. I eventually want to get an anemone, some crazy coral and a clam. That would require more light yes? Any ideas of kits I can get to fix my hood up a little. Would I have to get MH or would T5 work for this. should I aim for 5 watts per gallon? More?

recommendations welcome. I've e-mailed Nanotuners and will probably follow up with a phone call.

 

[reefman23]

Only normal output (NO) T5's come in sizes that will fit over that tank. T5HO (high output) come in 24" and larger. That being said, MH is probably your best choice for you selections.

HOWEVER, I have to state my opinion here. Skip the anemone. It isnt a practical choice for that size tank. Alos, wats-per-gallon is meaningless. It is not a ccurate estimation of lighting on a tank. For example. I have 96 watts of T5 lighting on my 20L. That is 4.8 watts per gallon. That is the same as, if not a a step up from, my 150 watt MH that I used to have which put me at 7.5 watts per gallon.

The easiest way to upgrade the lighting would be to get a fixture such as the Sunpod or some other sort of pendant or fixture and either hang it over the tank or use legs to rest it on top of the tank.

HTH,

Jesse

 

[KidNano]

Jesse, I just saw your do it yourself lighting ballast. I think that would work for me. Ok now the question is. What kind of lights should I use and how much wattage in order to keep happy clams? If I need a MH for a clam I think I have an idea for that with some fans and what not.

Thanks

 

[amf82380]

the more vibrent colored clams like the crocea and the maxima would either requir the HOT5 or MH there are some other breads of clams that dont require as much lighting but keep in mind small tanks equal large stabilty swings which could equal a head ach when it comes to the clams also what are you planning on stocking the tank with before you think about clams and corals you need to consider what your going to keep in there for fish and inverts as im sure you know that some odnt mix well with others so some back ground on them would be helpful but i think youll find others agree that clams and such can be tricky to keep sucessfully im not saying it cant be done with other forms of lighting but the majority of the people keep them under halides or the T5HO its not worth the risk to the animal nor your wallet to take a chance and try something else I mean utiltmily its up to you but im sure others will share their opions with you.

Aaron

 

[reefman23]

Agreed... T5HO or MH. Happy clams need stabilty too like Aaron said... a small tank can be very tricky to keep stable enough especially with the extra evap you will get with the inreased lighting.

Jesse

 

[KidNano]

OK.... Jesse mentioned that the T5HO' are to big for my tank which leaves me with the MH. will the 70w MH work 3" above the surface or should I go with the 150 watt? SkipM said in another post that he'd recommend the 150. even for my 12.5 gallon. But if I'm going to mount it with-in my hood and it will only be 3-4" above is 150 too much? I could do the 70 with PC or T5NO.

:?:

 

[reefman23]

YOu would need the 150 watter. THe 70 watters are just very inefficient and the PAR is low. Plus you will have a HUGE selection of lamps compared to the 70 watter.

Jesse

 

[KidNano]

The 150w K2 Viper HQI is probably the way to go huh? It seems to be the only 150W that's close to $200. Plus it's small. I might be able to take the arm off and mount it under my hood with a couple (or more) of fans. Any thoughts on that idea ;-) ?