lighting recommendation for 50 cube

[atlweb]

AI sol: 250w (need one or two?)
Giesemann: 150w or 250w
Marineland 24'' 24 hour lighting system: 150w HQI, with 4x24 T5 and 2 LED


Anything else I am missing? I want to be able to keep sps and don't want to be limited, however I do not want to fry my corals either. The less money spent, the better... but I don't want to buy something that is not quality either.

The 50 cube dimensions are 24x24x20 by the way...

 

[hammcd]

id say at least 250w...id think anything larger than a 30 would need and 250w unless its shallow although the marineland 150 with the T5s would probably be great for it and also add some pop to the color

 

[atlweb]

Since it is only 20in. high... it makes me think a 150 with t5's could be enough to grow things out pretty well. It is the same height as a Solana and a 150 does very well on there. An extra 4 inches on length and width won't matter as long as my rock structure is still more centered, and the t5's could help out with covering those areas as well.

I appreciate your input... I may just have to cave and spend the extra money on the 250 just to be safe.

 

[atlweb]

After talking with Dave about my lighting dilemma, he recommended trying a single AI sol fixture on the tank, and then possibly upgrading to 2 if need be. I like this idea, to be low on heat, save energy, and be able to program the lights.

Does anyone with an AI fixture have experience with those tank dimensions? I am thinking about doing one SOL with the controller and hanging kit. Does anyone know if one controller can control 2 Sol fixtures (if I decide to upgrade to another in the future)?

 

[atlweb]

Never mind, after lots of debate and opinions... I decided to go with my gut and go MH. Too many people with similar set ups needed 2 sol units to get the proper growth, and even then they admit not having the same color and growth with SPS as with their old MH's.


Other than Geisemann, are there any cheaper, but still good quality 250w MH with t5 mixed fixtures? Any brands, advice, etc. would be great.


Is anyone familiar with Hamilton lighting? Their Belize sSun 250 watt looks nice...

 

[tdam]

I have a tank with the exact dimensions as you. I have the AI's and i'm happy with them. My SPS growth have not been great. But it's worth the energy savings and coolness it provides.

 

[snowmansnow]

IMO

buy this... and never look back

ATI PM 6x24w Dimmable 24".... VERY sweet

 

[atlweb]

tdam;678345 wrote: I have a tank with the exact dimensions as you. I have the AI's and i'm happy with them. My SPS growth have not been great. But it's worth the energy savings and coolness it provides.

You have a 50gal and a 150?

Edit: I actually just picked up a giesemann 230 plus. 1x250 MH + 2 24w T5's. I wanted something with a good reflector and would be easy to hang / sleek looking. I am hoping it turns out well!

Thanks everybody for suggestions!

 

[cbj25]

If you have an canopy, I would put a 250w mh and 2 stunner led strips for actinic supplement