Nano Reef Setup Advice

[Bean84]

Hi all, looking for some advice and hope someone can provide!

Been in the Marine game a while with a larger tank. Joint owned with my Dad . Now looking to set up a nano reef in my room.

Its an old Clear Seal tank 60 litres UK, 13 Gallons (if I've worked it out correctly). The hood that came with it is an 'aftermarket' (if you can call it that) which is pretty dated and it needs replacing as its not viable for more than 1 tube.

Tank Dimensions - 60cm length, 30 cm width and 38 cm depth.

I've looked into the original hoods for the tank and they are not an option.

Does anyone know of a decent hood that could accomodate at least T8 and then upgrade to T5 at a later date? Would 2 bulbs be enough for the depth of the tank?

Coupled with this I then need to think about the heat that the lights would pump out, hence why I've looked at overtank luminaires; such as - http/www.arcadia-uk.info/product.php?pid...p;sub=&id=4 - this would have to be the T5 unit x 4 which is near £180 - to be able to have separate switches, this does seem like a costly alternative as I could just buy a whole set up for that price.

The nearest decent LFS for Marines is over 30 mile away so thought i'd try here first,

Hope this makes sense and that someone can help!

Ben

 

[SkiFletch]

luminaires are probably your best bet. As expensive as that may seem, it's actually a halfway decent price

 

[Bean84]

Due to set up costs I'm a little bit limited, by this i'm talking about the costs for a cabinet and hood.

Thinking of this combo -

Cabinet - http/www.valueaquariumcabinets.co.uk/aqu...nch-p-1257.html
Hood - http/www.valueaquariumcabinets.co.uk/aqu...nch-p-1272.html

This would come in just shy of £100 gold nuggets - with this hood I may try the Compat T5 Lights (Interpet) - Will this be a good choice? What sort of wattage would I have to look for with this depth of tank? (At work at the moment so cant really abuse this too much, wanted a quick answer - but i know Steelhlr has pinned a guide up).

Bean

 

[fiskkeeperpro]

i have the luminaire that you have the link for and its really good. I got mine cheaper though from my lfs. The trouble with having compacts t5s is heat. With that hood, you may have heat issues so you will have to add some small fans, for that, i would get 2 55w units here they are a good price and with 110 watts you could have a wide range of corals.

 

[Bean84]

i have the luminaire that you have the link for and its really good. I got mine cheaper though from my lfs. The trouble with having compacts t5s is heat. With that hood, you may have heat issues so you will have to add some small fans, for that, i would get 2 55w units here they are a good price and with 110 watts you could have a wide range of corals.

Cheers to you both for finding the time to reply to me

I'd really like the luminaire, but have a couple of reservations. Price and the separate switches! The 4x unit comes with separate switches, which i would rather so i can set the lights to timers. Or would the 2 light unit suffice then run a separate LED Moonlight for a couple of hours after the mainlights go out?

Its a pain that i cant see the hood before i buy it, i've read quite a bit on here already about people with Fans to cool the surface - and shouldnt be an issue - room permitting. If i go for the 2x55w, the bulbs maybe too big at 21". If i go for the 36w it'll be 16" bulbs. Have to play it by ear if/when i get the hood.

Reading through what i've written I just need to bite the bullet, but need some comforting advice first!

 

[Bean84]

Went into the localist Maidenhead Aquatics today and found in amongst the tanks the - Interpet River Reef 50. 94l in size with T5 Compact and LED lighting along with 2 Fans. Built in filtration. Including the cabinet it'll be under £200. Had a look at a couple of threads around and people seem pleased with it - Problem solved. Wallet will be suffering tomorrow!

Bean

 

[BigC]

Wallet will be suffering tomorrow!

I dont have a wallet anymore, starting my nano has left it feeling rather depressed.
I'll have to sell a kidney to stock the tank.
Regards
BigC