Lets See SPS LED Tanks!
- Thread starter huskysglare1
- Start date
thanhreef
New member
Been lurking, not as nice as some but my tank , I have run various LED for the last three years. Current tank is just over a year old and lit with hydra 52
I've run all kinds of lights in the last 15 years and love my leds
I read your TOTM article.... speechless. Your tank is definitely one of the best SPS LED tanks. Thank you for sharing
M007
Acro Whore
Anyone have the link to this TOTM?
jdm1114
New member
Very nice is this a 4' by 4'?
reef bloke
Member
Hi I'll have a look to see when I spark up my Director next, do you run Director as I may be able to share my preset with you.
Hi, Many thanks . Unfortunately the tank is empty at the moment, I had to dismantle the rock to catch a killer crab and at the same time replaced an end pane of glass that I managed to scratch up so at the moment I'm in a cross over period. What surprised me was how quickly the tank grew out under LED and the good colours that the corals attained. The LED horror stories are common place on the web but I didn't find any real issues with LED. I do use a PAR meter to best gauge coral placement and how much light I'm actually subjecting my corals to however.
All the best from the U.K
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
Hi Reefbloke, Sahin here from UltimateReef. Your tank is a perfect example of LED's working just fine.
In the above quoted you mention using a PAR meter to gauge coral placement...Can you please share for the benefit of the rest of us, exactly how much PAR you subject typical SPS and provide a few examples?
Many thanks.
reef bloke
Member
Hi Sahin, hope your well
Most SPS do o.k at around 300 mmol. For best colour for Acropora species such as Tort's , SSC, millipora etc I usually aim for 400-600 mol although I have run as high as 700 over some sps. Stylo,pocci etc I usually position for between 200-400 mol, pinks usually appreciate the top end. Smooth skin lokani and carduus do well at the same levels as stylo etc with the exception being red dragon as I have found it shows best colour and growth in high PAR, odd I know.
LPS between 50-150 mol.
I think most people struggle due to worrying too much and running the LED too low on power or running too high power in shallow aquaria.
Height off the water and optics also come into play. 80 degree optics are my preferred choice running at around 10-12" off the water. Narrow optics should be run higher and wider optics closer unless running over shallow aquaria .
I also prefer multiple units in dual rows to help wrap light around corals which helps provide a sheet of light similar to T5 lighting rather than point light source in one area as this can lead to pale coral base or even die back in areas .
Just my thoughts.
Most SPS do o.k at around 300 mmol. For best colour for Acropora species such as Tort's , SSC, millipora etc I usually aim for 400-600 mol although I have run as high as 700 over some sps. Stylo,pocci etc I usually position for between 200-400 mol, pinks usually appreciate the top end. Smooth skin lokani and carduus do well at the same levels as stylo etc with the exception being red dragon as I have found it shows best colour and growth in high PAR, odd I know.
LPS between 50-150 mol.
I think most people struggle due to worrying too much and running the LED too low on power or running too high power in shallow aquaria.
Height off the water and optics also come into play. 80 degree optics are my preferred choice running at around 10-12" off the water. Narrow optics should be run higher and wider optics closer unless running over shallow aquaria .
I also prefer multiple units in dual rows to help wrap light around corals which helps provide a sheet of light similar to T5 lighting rather than point light source in one area as this can lead to pale coral base or even die back in areas .
Just my thoughts.
jsdancer
New member
My little contribution to the topic
Your tank is absolutely gorgeous!! Very colorful and the aquascape is beautifully done. I can imagine what your tank will look like in a few years once it is fully matured!
This is honestly the best info I have heard on LED lighting. I have noticed the same thing with point lighting and shading, but not many talk about it. Thanks for the PAR info, I was running most acro at 300-400, but I think I will up it a bit for my milli.
sahin
Ultimate Reefer
Beautiful tank. Please post some close up photos of the sps.
Reef Reactor
Member
Been lurking, not as nice as some but my tank , I have run various LED for the last three years. Current tank is just over a year old and lit with hydra 52
I've run all kinds of lights in the last 15 years and love my leds
Stunning tank !!! do you have a build thread?
reef bloke
Member
Hi
Not on Reef Central no, i have a TOTM link someone has dropped into the thread above somewhere but its to a UK forum so i dont want to link to it again in case im breaking the rules.
Not on Reef Central no, i have a TOTM link someone has dropped into the thread above somewhere but its to a UK forum so i dont want to link to it again in case im breaking the rules.
harmonyexotics
New member
Can you post your Hydra 52 settings? Ive got a single fixture over a small 30 gallon sps tank, and cant seem to get the corals adjusted to it
reef bloke
Member
As you run a small aquarium my settings may not apply but try these:
Deep blue 65%
Royal blue 70%
White 30%
Green 35%
Red 10%
Violet 25%
Uv 30%
Deep blue 65%
Royal blue 70%
White 30%
Green 35%
Red 10%
Violet 25%
Uv 30%
harmonyexotics
New member
Whats your ramp up/down time?
harmonyexotics
New member
Your tank is amazing....i hope mine will look just half that good one day! 
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