How many MH pendant should I need in 1m cube tank

[7thheaven]

I am thinking of the cube tank (1m x 1m x 50cm L x W x H)
and how many 250w pendant should I buy? (SPS tank)
NOW I have 2 PFO pendant (for 250watter,400watter)

It is not easy the determine the proper number of pendant cause I have
never been made cube tank.

3 pendants is enough? how about 4? too many?

and I will add 2 VHOs and 2 T5 bulbs in my future cube tank for actinic.

[moonpod]

actually Vince, I think 2 pendants and the supplementals are enough. Sort of depends on your aquascaping.

[7thheaven]

Thanks moonpod~

Can 2 pendants are enough to cover all of area in tank? I heard the average length
of covering pendant about 60cm (2feet) so I am wondering 2 pendant located on
center is enough to keep SPS. and I will reduce the quantity of live rocks and main
filteration is of course zeovit system. how about side bottom? is it available to place
SPSs?

[mesocosm]

Greetings All !

I vote with moonpod ... depending upon the aquascaping, I would think that 2 pendants plus actinic supplementals would be more than adequate.

so I am wondering 2 pendant located on center is enough to keep SPS.

You might wish to consider staggering/off-setting the positions of the pendants, as opposed to hanging them both in the center. This will help to maximize light on the substrate (side bottom") regions.

Sort of depends on your aquascaping.

Indeed ... with good planning, you should be able to create a variety of light intensity zones which will accomodate any brightness requirements, generate interesting light vs. shadow regions/contrasts, and allow for specimen repositioning as individual pieces adapt to your ecosystem.

Can't wait to see the pictures ...

JMO ... HTH.

[7thheaven]

Thanks mesocosm...

and What is a staggering/off-setting the positions of the pendants?
that means between two pendants should have a proper gap when I install 2 pendants
in center?

[mesocosm]

Greetings All !

... What is a staggering/off-setting the positions of the pendants?
that means between two pendants should have a proper gap when I install 2 pendants in center?

The "gap" can be on either a linear line, or a diagonal line. In other words, the lights can be parallel to one another, or they can be "staggered" ... one pendant shifted towards the back, and the other shifted towards the front.

HTH.

[mesocosm]

Greetings All !

With the understanding that I'm a klutz with homemade graphics ... ...

By in "parallel", I meant like this ...



By "staggered", I meant like this ...



Notice how the substrate/"side bottom" region coverage/area (the white spaces within the box) can be manipulated by where you place the light sources. Also notice the number and variety of light intensity zones (represented by the overlaps of the colored rings). Planning out how you want your lights to interact could prove to be hugely helpful as you visualize your system ...

... at least it helps for me ...

What moonpod was talking about comes into play here ... aquascaping. Once you've visualized/diagramed how your lights will work together, you can design your aquascape/rock architecture to take full advantage of their interaction.

HTH.

[7thheaven]

Wow...Thanks for great information...I think you are superman..

[nyfireman3097]

rule of thumb wit MH is everyone cover a 2 foot x 2 foot area
Nick

[Orion76]

Good to see a forum where sensible lighting options are recommended!

[nyfireman3097]

i find it easy to stick with the 3 foot rule
Nick

[7thheaven]

I changed my mind that I can reduce the tank size from 1m to 3feet(90cm)

(LxWxH=90cm x 90cm x 50cm : about 100gal)
If I use lumenarc, some people say I can use one Lumenarc in this tank.

so I am thinking one 400w 14K or 20K bulb with L in my tank?

What is your opinion?