Lighting for SPS only: Radion W/ (4) T5's or ATI 8 Bulb W/ RB XHO's?

[DylansGolden]

My build is coming closer to completion and I'm still up in the air with what lighting I should go with for a SPS Dominate/Only.

The new tanks dimensions are 32"L X 24"W X 20"H. I initially planned on running (1) Radion XR30 Gen3 centered over the Aquascape with (2) 24" 2 bulb LET Retro T5 kits on either side of the Radion. I also could run an ATI 36" 8 bulb dimiable or non dimming unit with (1) or (2) Reef Brite XHO all blue strips on either side of the ATI fixture.

Looking for best growth/color. Never have used all T5's before. And before someone says "but the cost of bulbs.." I completely understand I'll have to replace them about twice a year in either situation.

I'll show a few pictures of my aquascape as well. What would you guys pick for this new SCA 66G SPS build?

 

[CoralNerd]

If you don't have a hood, I would pass on the radion with LET retrofit. The LET setup is messy with wires.

24" dimmable ATI units are nice as it has one electrical wire. 36" is a little long for your 32" setup.

Reef Brite get one in front one in back as it does not look as good if you only have one. If you get the correct balast both lights can run on just one balast = 1 plug. [emoji2]

Good luck with your setup it looks nice.

 

[DylansGolden]

If you don't have a hood, I would pass on the radion with LET retrofit. The LET setup is messy with wires.

24" dimmable ATI units are nice as it has one electrical wire. 36" is a little long for your 32" setup.

Reef Brite get one in front one in back as it does not look as good if you only have one. If you get the correct balast both lights can run on just one balast = 1 plug. [emoji2]

Good luck with your setup it looks nice.

Do you think a 24" ATI fixture will suffice? Only reason I say the 36" fixture is so I'll have even par from side to side on the tank. Even though the fixture will stick out about two inches per side but the bulbs themself are only 34" from pin to pin.

Also on the Radion/T5 retro, if I went that way I would build a floating canopy to house it all.

 

[codydemmel4]

Do you think a 24" ATI fixture will suffice? Only reason I say the 36" fixture is so I'll have even par from side to side on the tank. Even though the fixture will stick out about two inches per side but the bulbs themself are only 34" from pin to pin.

Also on the Radion/T5 retro, if I went that way I would build a floating canopy to house it all.

I have the 60" on my 6 foot tank about 8 inches above the tank with 2 reedbrites (one on the front and back). I am just done with cycling so I do not have any corals yet but there is PLENTY of coverage on every part of my tank.

 

[itz frank]

Do you think a 24" ATI fixture will suffice? Only reason I say the 36" fixture is so I'll have even par from side to side on the tank. Even though the fixture will stick out about two inches per side but the bulbs themself are only 34" from pin to pin.



Also on the Radion/T5 retro, if I went that way I would build a floating canopy to house it all.

I had just one radion gen3 30rw over my 60 cube. Worked well but obviously had some shadowing. I didn't have much success but that was nutrient/noob related.

Radions with your t5s would be great. Alternatively, a 6tube would probably be a great bet too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CoralNerd]

Do you think a 24" ATI fixture will suffice? Only reason I say the 36" fixture is so I'll have even par from side to side on the tank. Even though the fixture will stick out about two inches per side but the bulbs themself are only 34" from pin to pin.

Also on the Radion/T5 retro, if I went that way I would build a floating canopy to house it all.

I have a ATI 36" on a 46" tank. I also run two radions with it. I remembered when I had my LET two tube t5 setup and turn them on only then I can see the drop off on the sides. If you don't mind the hang over then go with the 36" but you will have a lot if bleed over into the room if that even matters.

I haven't owned a reef brite but I love my radions for dimming, dusk to dawn, probably nothing beats it.

 

[Scorpius]

No love for Kessil? :lol: Two 360we's or one AP700 would look nice over this tank.

 

[DylansGolden]

I have the 60" on my 6 foot tank about 8 inches above the tank with 2 reedbrites (one on the front and back). I am just done with cycling so I do not have any corals yet but there is PLENTY of coverage on every part of my tank.

Wow I'll be checking out your build for sure, let me know how you like the lighting setup!

 

[DylansGolden]

I have a ATI 36" on a 46" tank. I also run two radions with it. I remembered when I had my LET two tube t5 setup and turn them on only then I can see the drop off on the sides. If you don't mind the hang over then go with the 36" but you will have a lot if bleed over into the room if that even matters.

I haven't owned a reef brite but I love my radions for dimming, dusk to dawn, probably nothing beats it.

Yeah I'm just worried about the shadowing and not having the same par completely through the tank. Another way I could go is to add another Radion but I really would like to give T5's a try. It doesn't seem like they can be beat in terms of growth. But I'm sure that's debatable.

And even making a floating canopy out of 2" X 6" to wrap the 36 long fixture would look pretty funny over a 32" long tank haha. So that might be out of the question now.
What would you reccomend lighting wise?

 

[DylansGolden]

No love for Kessil? :lol: Two 360we's or one AP700 would look nice over this tank.

I had two Kessil 360WE's over a 40G breeder about a year and a half ago. I wasn't impressed with the SPS growth. My LPS and Zoas did great, that's about it.

 

[CoralNerd]

Why don't you roll with the ATI with two XHO Reefbrites. [emoji106] Reefbrite has a new dimmer that you can hook both up and it's also apex compatible. Only thing you won't get any shimmer.

 

[ajcanale]

IMO you cant go wrong either way, but might have more of a "hot" (high par) zone under the Radion. A 24" 8 bulb T5 fixture + RB's will have much more balanced PAR distribution, even with a 24" fixture. 4" on each side won't matter if its 8"+ above water.

 

[rovster]

IMO you cant go wrong either way, but might have more of a "hot" (high par) zone under the Radion. A 24" 8 bulb T5 fixture + RB's will have much more balanced PAR distribution, even with a 24" fixture. 4" on each side won't matter if its 8"+ above water.

+1. I have Radions and 4 T5. Don't get me wrong that combo is killer nice but if I had to do it again I'd go T5 with 2 blue strips for pop.

[URL=http://s1232.photobucket.com/user/rovster/media/50675A48-04BE-4188-AC2B-93E6CDF887B3_zpsfucpa2xc.jpg.html]

[/URL]

 

[ajcanale]

I can say for certain that the royal blue + uv on radion gen2 pro and newer models blow away the Royal blue reefbrites... Not even close.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[CoralNerd]

I wish the retrofit t5 kits had cleaner wiring, as it gets to be a hot mess. LET balast suck the way you hook them up. I shouldn't complain too much as LET sent me a replacement after I broke it. If the wiring was cleaner it would be easier to combine them with radions.

 

[kevin_e]

I would go with the 24" 8 bulb non dimmable ATI and not look back. Few inches on each side won't have any coral anyways. It will look much cleaner than the 36".

 

[DylansGolden]

I ended up working out a deal with a local reefer. Going to pick up a 24" Sunpower Dimmable 8 bulb unit with 8 bulbs, all brand new never been opened for $500. Which I feel is a pretty decent deal since the unit alone cost +$570 new. Not including the bulbs. Hoping I have good luck with the Dimmable version and it doesn't blow any bulbs or relays.

Eventually I'll plan on adding a reefbrite XHO all blue strip on either side more than likely.

 

[Uncle Luke]

Great choice! I was gonna suggest the Sunpower. T5, set it and forget it.

 

[Alberth napa]

Happy reefing