Hi All,

I've started to convert my Juwel Delta 80 into a nano reef tank and I've got most things covered bar the lighting....the tank's a bit of a weird size (see below)

Click to view attachment

I've managed to fit an 18" 15W T8 across top of the tank at the front under the flap by glueing bulb holders to the inside. Between the corner brace bars is a distance of 52cm (20.5"). I don't have the original lighting but the 15W T8 is connected to a double Hagen electronic ballast so I can add another. An Arcadia T8 I Bar doesn't quite fit between the braces (it's 55cm long) so I'm kind of thinking that T5 Power Compacts are the only choice really. The question I'm asking is whether to mount a pair of Interpet PC 55W on the topside of the braces with the lampholder end on one and the cool end just resting on the other and run opentop or mount a pair of 356W PCs underneath the hood with a closed top?

As I understand it, these tubes get very hot so I'm worried about a small tank overheating with a closed top....

Any thoughts would be appreciated, I'm trying to keep the costs down as my mrs only ageed to the whole thing based on a friend offering some free coral frags

Regards,

Andy

Hi Mate,

As an Idea, what about TMC Aquarays LED. They should fit.

In terms of the 36w PC, you could have them under the hood, and add a pc fan to the lid to aid cooling.

D&D Also do the Viper 150w Clip on Halide, that could be an option as well.

Or if open toped, Arcadia Luminarie, or Series 4 Metal Halide Pendant, these can both be hung as opposed to sitting on the tank.

Have a look on fleabay, there are normally some good deals about.

Cheers

Gary

Hi Gary,

Yeah I had thought about the Aquarays, what about using the 15W T8 double as Blue Actinics at the front and back with a Marine White (all white LEDs) in the middle (single/double - not sure)? I'm not sure about the mixed LEDs Marine White & Reef Blue, from what I've seen of people's pictures they look as though they might candystripe a bit too much for my liking.

Is there anything wrong with using a double T8 15W white pair along with the 15W T8 actinics to start with, then adding the Aquaray later (probably at Christmas) as the financial controller already has her eyes on the spiralling costs....got my eye on the Tunze Auto Topup as well you see.....along with the Tunze Reefpack 200....10Kg of STM Ultra Rock already ordered

Probably won't be adding much in the way of demanding corals for a while, I'd planned on taking this one slowly.

BTW, how much evaporation do you get from your Lido - your running with an open top, right?

Regards,

Andy

hi Mate,

With the Aquarays, you would need a few of them to get the same power as a t8 or t5. Apparently works out cheaper in the long run, but large initial outlay.

There is nothing wrong with running t8 blues and whites to start with, you can upgrade later down the line, as money permits. Also you will probably have better feel for what you want to keep, so which types of lighting etc.

Tunze Auto top up, swear by it, I would not be with out it. Bit pricer than rivals, but IMO worth every penny.

In terms of Evap, I am not 100% sure but its probably about 1 litre a day maybe a bit less. The tunze takes care of that nicely, I just fill up the 10litre water container every week or so. Yes I am open topped.

Cheers

Gary

Hi Gary,

Gone for a Hagen Glo T5 2 x 24W bar thingy from my LFS, not bad at £40 and can be hung or has extending supports. I've ordered an Aqua science Special 15K, but can't find anywhere stocking the Narva blue - is it a Polylux tube by any chance?

Andy

Ignore the Ploylux bit, I've found the 24W T5 Narva Blue 20K bulb at an online retailer for £7.60....they use the same photo for all their tubes by the look of it (hence the Polylux).

Andy

Excellent Choice,

I recently changed to them, and think they are great.

Gary