lighting question for 30 cube

[jimknutson]

I am going to be starting up a 30 cube next week and I want to get it ready for the corals in my 14 gal cube. My 14 gal cube has a 70 watt halide on it. My corals are mostly sps and they take up the whole top 2/3rds of the tank. So my new tank is 20x20x20. What are my best lighting options. I would go with a 250 watt halide but the wife does not want that. I can not afford the ecotech or the AI sol nor do I need that much programability. I am open to dyi but I have no idea how many watts I would need out of the LEDs to get the same par as a 250 watt halide. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[db366]

http://www.aquastyleonline.com/categories/DIY-LED-Lighting/DIY-LED-Kits/">http://www.aquastyleonline.com/categories/DIY-LED-Lighting/DIY-LED-Kits/</a>

[IMG]http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-53/24-Ultra-Premium-LED/Detail">http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-53/24-Ultra-Premium-LED/Detail</a>

And then there is always the pendant I always post lol. Your not too far away if you ever want to stop by and check it out.

The top link uses Bridgelux LEDs and the bottom is CREE, do your research and see what side you take on them.

 

[jimknutson]

Wow the bridglux is way cheaper. Would 24 3watt LEDs be enough. Would they have enough penatration for the corals near the sand.

 

[dakota9]

I upgraded from a 14g bc to a 30 cube. I used a Coralife Clamp-on 150watt MH w/ a 14K Ushio bulb and can attest that wasn't near the amount of light for sps!!!!!! Fortunately, I do not particularly care for many of the SPS.....

You'll need the equivalent of at least 250 watts to keep SPS, more would be better, IMHO

 

[jimknutson]

I agree that i will need 250 watts or equivalent. I researched and some people say the bridgelux are not as bright as the cree's but also some people say they are the same. My biggest question now is how many 3watt bulbs would equal a 250 watt halide. Next question would be what optics would get the light 20 inches to the sand.

 

[lilrobb]

I have a LED lit 30cube, I use 90degree optics (mainly for the light spill prevention and get 300+ par on the sandbed, still 150+ with actinics only...

 

[jimknutson]

db would that black box you always post support sps more specific acro's

 

[gort]

I have a tank with a coralife light fixture, 2 150 watts halide bulbs. Not knowing much about LED's , What would you replace my fixture with from the first link you provided?

Tank is 24 deep, 18 wide, 36 long.

 

[jimknutson]

Robb what led setup are you using