Lighting for 4ft tank

[popimac]

Hi people,

I will be getting a 4x2x2 ft tank soon. It will be braceless and all sides crystal. I am struggling to find a suitable lighting for the tank, both on practical and aesthetic aspect.

I am considering metal halide, t5 or led.

Hopefully someone can suggest me based on experience.

Thanks in advance!

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[Realcaster]

My tank is quite similar in specs 4ftx 2ft x50cm. Reason for height difference is because of the following reason.

1) not many Aquatic light can penetrate 2ft depth effectively. Other than MH light, I am not aware of other lights that can do it.

2) I did some calculation for 50cm height tank, you will need more than 12mm thick crystal glass. My 50cm height tank is using 12mm Crystal glass, at this height, my tank still bow a little.

[popimac]

Thanks for your note, Realcaster.

Agree on the light penetration. I kind of notice most 4ft tanks have 45cm height instead. Maybe I should consider that too.

As for the thickness, what you mean by bowing? One tank maker did recommend me to go 15mm instead but obviously it will cost more.

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[Vainkid]

Hi im learning too. Read from past thread its better to use led that is 3w each.

So far i see in seaview they have those 3w led light call green element evo that cost 220 (if i rememver correctly.)

Do we have another alternative ?

I set a budget of 1k and now it has exceeded trying to trim off corners)

[AQMS]

2ft depth is a tricking situation,it also depend on what kind of plants you intend to keep.
if you are going for low light plants it should not be a problem,for tank thickness i will definately go for 15mm.
Your tank volume is 450lt that is a lot of force and its braceless..

[Realcaster]

[QUOTE=popimac;846699

As for the thickness, what you mean by bowing? One tank maker did recommend me to go 15mm instead but obviously it will cost more.

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Bowing as in the tank glass bend outwards due to the water pressure. It's quite scary if you see one

[popimac]

2ft depth is a tricking situation,it also depend on what kind of plants you intend to keep.
if you are going for low light plants it should not be a problem,for tank thickness i will definately go for 15mm.
Your tank volume is 450lt that is a lot of force and its braceless..

I intended to create a Dutch aquascape. This situation really give me 2nd thought now.

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[popimac]

Bowing as in the tank glass bend outwards due to the water pressure. It's quite scary if you see one

Wow.. Damn scary indeed. Really cannot play play. Haiz. Will give serious consideration for 15mm now.

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[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah, if you are going for a 4x2x2 tank, go for thicker glass, especially if its crystal glass as they tend to be "softer" (due to the reduction in iron content)... its 1.7x the volume of a 4x1.5x1.5 tank (432L vs 243L), the weight and pressure on the taller panels is much greater.

Only thing is the cost of crystal glass skyrockets like crazy when you start to choose thicker versions from local tank makers.

[AQMS]

Will give serious consideration for 15mm now.

Dont consider do it,it will give you peace of mind...

[BFG]

My 4x2x2 ft tank is 15mm too ! Thicker is better . Go all out on tank , do not cut corner for safety sake . 500 liter ++ not a small amount especially when its on the floor in a minute or two .

[popimac]

Thanks for the advice peeps. Need to check on the pricing for 15mm. Any tank maker to recommend?

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[popimac]

My 4x2x2 ft tank is 15mm too ! Thicker is better . Go all out on tank , do not cut corner for safety sake . 500 liter ++ not a small amount especially when its on the floor in a minute or two .

Hi BFG, may I know what lighting are you using for your 422 tank?

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[BFG]

I'm using Maxspect , the one before Razor . My tank is saltwater though . For my next tank , Razor is my choice .

[popimac]

I'm using Maxspect , the one before Razor . My tank is saltwater though . For my next tank , Razor is my choice .

Would using maxspect for planted freshwater be an overkill? AL Hydra?

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[BFG]

Controllability is my choice , follow by cost . These modern led lighting are not overkill as you can control their output level . If it fits your criteria then get it . For lighting , buy new is better in my opinion . Led and bulb will decay so best to buy new .

[popimac]

Controllability is my choice , follow by cost . These modern led lighting are not overkill as you can control their output level . If it fits your criteria then get it . For lighting , buy new is better in my opinion . Led and bulb will decay so best to buy new .

Thanks for the good advice, bro!

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[Orcishwarrior]

I would advise you to do an elaborate reading on which ever brands you have finalized. there are many brands out there. Some of the crucial factors are the Light spectrum
and PAR "Photosynthetically active radiation” and how much heat the LED generate and how it is being dispersed. Please bear in mind, the cooler your LED the longer the lifespan. The cooler the LED, the higher the light efficiency in percentage.

Many people made mistakes by judging the LED by wattage. Therefore, i would strongly urge you to do some homework.

As for your aquarium tank, here is just some of my thoughts. A superior Craftsmanship for your tank is equally important. Meaning to say, the silicon that is to be used to gel the 5 pieces of glass pane together must be of good quality especially for "minimum silicon standard" as far as manufacturing a crystal tank is concern and ensure there is absolutely no formation of any bubbles in any part of the joints for this part of the advise cannot compromise when it comes to a tank bigger than a typical 3 footer and lastly, the joints are uniformly glued together, you cannot have the top silicon gel thicker than the bottom or otherwise.

[popimac]

I would advise you to do an elaborate reading on which ever brands you have finalized. there are many brands out there. Some of the crucial factors are the Light spectrum
and PAR "Photosynthetically active radiation” and how much heat the LED generate and how it is being dispersed. Please bear in mind, the cooler your LED the longer the lifespan. The cooler the LED, the higher the light efficiency in percentage.

Many people made mistakes by judging the LED by wattage. Therefore, i would strongly urge you to do some homework.

As for your aquarium tank, here is just some of my thoughts. A superior Craftsmanship for your tank is equally important. Meaning to say, the silicon that is to be used to gel the 5 pieces of glass pane together must be of good quality especially for "minimum silicon standard" as far as manufacturing a crystal tank is concern and ensure there is absolutely no formation of any bubbles in any part of the joints for this part of the advise cannot compromise when it comes to a tank bigger than a typical 3 footer and lastly, the joints are uniformly glued together, you cannot have the top silicon gel thicker than the bottom or otherwise.

Thanks for the comprehensive advice!

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