lights, camera, action

[JUSTINSTEWART]

I'm setting up a 18 inch cube (25 gallon tank). I need some light for this thing. I'm going to do EI and pressurized co2. I'm interested in high light as I want to be able to grow anything. Here are some options I've chosen so far. I would like some opinions, suggestions, and pointers . Thanks!

~2x36w ah supply kit. this gives me 2.88wpg. this should fit in my canopy
at 17.5"L x 7"W x 2"H. mounted 4" above water? i would get 6700k bulbs.

~70w metal halide diy. 2.8wpg. will definately fit in my canopy.
mounted 10" above water? with a 8000k bulb.

$70 DIY 70W HQI Metal Halide - Aquatic Plant Central (i hope it's okay to put this here)

~what do you suggest? is 2.8w too much light?

 

[VaughnH]

I have been wanting to try a MH pendant light, and a cube tank is the perfect type of tank to try it on. So, I suggest you use the MH light - then tell us how well it works. You may have an easier time avoiding algae if you use the pendant.

 

[Tom Barr]

Either would work, the E ballast for the HQI is nice, no noise and is just plain better.

The spread will be nicer with the A&H, the MH will look very DIY, at least you can make a nice hood for either.

There are ballast for T5's on that site that sells the HID ballast FYI.

Regards,
Tom Barr