Small fluorescents for a 20" sps cube

Nep2n · May 15, 2019

I'm curious if someone can point me in the right direction. I have a 30g cube (20"x 20"x 20") that I'm setting up as an acro only tank. It's been up and running for roughly 6 months and is plumbed into a much larger reef system (I calculate total system volume to be around 300g of water volume). I have a Kessil A360W Tuna Blue I'll be using but would like to supplement this with some fluorescent lighting for the added UV.
I guess I could use 24" T5s and build an oversized hood, but I don't really like that idea. Once upon a time PCs would have been an option but they seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur.
Is anyone aware of options that are out there? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

ludnix · May 16, 2019

I think going under 24" would severely limit your bulb selection. You can do the 18" 20W T5HO from coralife but you're probably only going to have daylight and actinic color options.

Nep2n · May 16, 2019

Thanks for the response. I'll definitely look into these.

dantimdad · May 16, 2019

Why not just make, or buy, 12" violet led bars for supplement?

Nep2n · May 16, 2019

Help me out with this @dantimdad. Can't seem to locate a "violet" led bar for sale as such, but that would do the trick. As for DIY, any specifics you could recommend? I can plumb anything, electrical not so much.

dantimdad · May 17, 2019

Go to stevesleds.com

He has bars on there you can customize. I would highly suggest going with almost all 420nm and a few royal blues for balance.

Nep2n · May 19, 2019

dantimdad said:
Go to stevesleds.com

He has bars on there you can customize. I would highly suggest going with almost all 420nm and a few royal blues for balance.

I was just checking out this site. Seems like a perfect option, thanks for the suggestion!!

As a matter of fact, just purchased a 50 frag tank to replace my 40 breeder, gonna look real closely at these as an option to light that system.

OneFish · May 19, 2019

ludnix said:
I think going under 24" would severely limit your bulb selection. You can do the 18" 20W T5HO from coralife but you're probably only going to have daylight and actinic color options.

I agree with this. Started an 18” mixed reef that has slowly became predominantly SPS. Now I’m just waiting for the day someone makes a nice 18” bulb and fixture.