Ideas on lighting for my next puddle

[Alastair]

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on what I should use in the way of lighting on my next low tech set up.
On my current puddle I'm only using 2 54watts from my ati sunpower.
However, I'm about to place an order for some glass for a 5ftx5ftx30cm or a 5ftx4ftx30cm.
I'm curious to think if the ati with all 4 tubes but higher up would give the tank sufficient lighting and spread but still keep it low light.
Not too keen on having multiple lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling.
Will be starting this next project with in the next couple of weeks so need to get everything planned.

Cheers


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[BigTom]

I think it might be time to invest in a PAR meter and take some test readings

PS, if it were me upsizing I'd definitely be increasing the tank height to 40 or 45 cm, gives a few more scaping options I reckon.

 

[wazuck]

How about DIY led spot lights?

10w LED, heatsink, driver and 60 degree optics.

Light spread at two feet from the wall.

 

[Antipofish]

Hi Al, I agree, I think 40cm would be more of an option and at 5ft it would still look quite low. Also I would go with 5ft x 4ft, but I dont like squares, lol. Sounds interesting though

 

[Alastair]

Yeah I'm thinking 40cm instead of 30 so will wait to see what price jump it makes.
It's just lighting I'm wondering about, as not quite sure ill get enough spread from the ati unit alone.
Not quite up to making my own led rig either.


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[Nathaniel Whiteside]

You getting rid of your current tank mate? Seems a shame.
What's the Dimensions?

 

[Alastair]

Hey mate, yes taking it down to do the same but on a much much bigger scale.
My current is lxdxh 120x70x30


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[Nathaniel Whiteside]

almost my next intended tank size.

I wanted a 120x60x30 though. Easier to build a 4 foot by 2 foot cabinet

 

[Antipofish]

almost my next intended tank size.

I wanted a 120x60x30 though. Easier to build a 4 foot by 2 foot cabinet

Will you all shut up about these big tanks. You are giving me a size complex 8) 8)

 

[Ady34]

Stick with the ati and see how it goes. What size is it again, I'm sure you can plant appropriately to get the maximum from it and like you say you could run all 4 tubes but higher up to get greater spread. Then the money you save in lighting can go towards the 40 high tank you really want!..... by which time if its not enough the tank will already be bought and you can get a new light too

 

[tim]

Or sell nat your puddle and put the procedeeds towards the next one because you know really he wants that tank

 

[Nathaniel Whiteside]

Or sell nat your puddle and put the procedeeds towards the next one because you know really he wants that tank

let me know if you do want rid and how much mate! Might be interested, depending on my DIY cabinet setup

 

[Alastair]

Will do mate. Course ill want rid I couldn't keep this running along side a 5x4ft too ha ha. Ill be starting up my next tank hopefully with in next two or 3 weeks, well the cabinet first, so a good few weeks off yet

 

[Antipofish]

Will do mate. Course ill want rid I couldn't keep this running along side a 5x4ft too ha ha. Ill be starting up my next tank hopefully with in next two or 3 weeks, well the cabinet first, so a good few weeks off yet

Have you decided on the size yet ? Are you going for the slightly taller one given the other dimension ? Its gonna ROCK mate.