Light Suggestions for SPS frag tanks

M

moppy

Member
I'm going to be starting my build soon enough but need to decide what light(s) to put over my frag tank(s).

I have 2x 36x17x18 40 gallon breeder tanks that I plan on using, tied into the same sump as the display tank.

I'm using a 8bulb ATI Sunpower for the DT.

Any ideas what will get the best growth? Don't really want to use MH to save on heat (mainly) and electricity.

Thanks.
 
Personally, between the Radion's, the Pro is going to be your best choice since it has the UV that LED's have been lacking until recently.

I also like the ATI LED Powermodule, mix T5 and LED (haven't tried one out yet, I'm using a Kessil A350 and A150 Ocean blue over my 60g sps cube)
 
I run a radion gen2 over a 36" frag tank. Work very well. If you use T5s make sure it's at least a 6bulb fixture. I'd stick with ATI. They're the best T5s
 
I also like the ATI LED Powermodule, mix T5 and LED (haven't tried one out yet, I'm using a Kessil A350 and A150 Ocean blue over my 60g sps cube)
Click to expand...

Love to try this one but it is definitely out of my price range...
 
http://reefbreeders.com/

While I love LEDs (I run them on my reef), Metal Halides are proven winners for growth in SPS. They have a few draw backs though. Heat, power consumption, bulb replacement. I personally would go with the LEDs. Maybe a Photon fixture or go DIY threw Rapid LED. If you do a diy fixture you can play with the colors and change them out easily.
 
HQI all day for sps growth. If you want growth go with a sun bulb and then move them under a 14-20 k bulb to color them up. Some of the best farmers use this technique and its full proof. LED's are still being thrown around by companys too make a **** ton of money and they basically use us (the consumer) to test the new products. Hense why we see a company like Ecotech (i do like them) change thier Radions every other year. We do know that the Radion will grow coral and will save you money on bulbs, electricity and such. But if i were you i would go cheaper for a frag tank and use HQI. I run 3 150 watt HQI's on my frag tank its only 12 inches deep. Work great about 2 feet off the water line. I had a chinese LED over my zoas and they loved it. But i switched to all HQI and used the LED on my buddies nano.
 
Of the 35 or 40 SPS tanks that I would trade mine for, about 85% of them use MH and 15% use ATI T5 (or equivalent). Most of them have the money, and some have tried, LED, but were extremely disappointed. These people will not post since neither need help or care to argue with the band-wagoners, but reach out to them - most of them farm coral and have really nice web pages.

The MH that they use is typically 10K 400W with VHO/T5 Actinics, 20K Radium 400W or 250W HQI with Phoenix 14K bulbs.

You are starting a frag tank, which my guess is to trade or make money selling frags. If you sell 1 more frag a month at $10 will pay for MH electricity - I would put a 250W HQI over the tank an really grow some awesome looking coral.

FWIW - I have 6x250W HQI over a standard 120G tank and my chiller has come on only once in two years when I was testing that it works - I mostly have the chiller to help if a heater decides to freak out, not for the lights. Just some standard fans will keep any of my tanks cool. I also use my Phoenix bulbs for 2 years and the coral does not even flinch when I replace them with new ones.
 
Hmmmm...

Maybe I'll put a single pendant over each frag tank then... At least they are SUPER cheap.

Thanks for all your thoughts so far...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
What kind of light should I buy for new saltwater tank
Replies
7
Views
553
Tbaby
T
t0mmy108
Kessil light options for a Waterbox Marine X 90.3
Replies
2
Views
388
BuckeyeFish
BuckeyeFish
ReefGoatfish
Acclimating SPS to a new light (radion gen3 to 6 pro)
Replies
1
Views
458
Reefing102
Reefing102
Z
5.7ft tank stocking
Replies
7
Views
512
ZanaZoola14
Z
A
FS: Leemar Tank w/ Stand
Replies
0
Views
382
AQUA951
A
Back
Top