Lighting for sps reef tank?

[charlottereef]

Once again I am setting up a new tank and cant decide what and how many lights to use on it.. its 50x30x24

I have 2 Kessil a160,s that im not using but i know that they can prob only be used in addition to others
I am leaning towards the kessil a360's about three of them..
would you have any other suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks again

 

[MarineDepot]

Once again I am setting up a new tank and cant decide what and how many lights to use on it.. its 50x30x24

I have 2 Kessil a160,s that im not using but i know that they can prob only be used in addition to others
I am leaning towards the kessil a360's about three of them..
would you have any other suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks again

If you already have two Kessil A160's, adding 3 more A360WE's would be an excellent option and would give you the most uniform look.

There are several solutions from AI, EcoTech or MaxSpect that will work as well: depending on your budget the features you are looking for. If you are interest in finding out more, please give us a call at 800-566-3474 and we will be happy to discuss the options with you.

 

[grigsy]

For an SPS tank, I find metal halides work better than LEDs. Much better coral growth and no shadowing. Surprised that you didn't offer that solution Marine Depot as a lot of hobbyist would agree with me especially for an SPS tank.

Also, BTW, I received my Black Friday order from you in 2 days and packed well. Thanks again.

 

[C.Eymann]

For an SPS tank, I find metal halides work better than LEDs. Much better coral growth and no shadowing. Surprised that you didn't offer that solution Marine Depot as a lot of hobbyist would agree with me especially for an SPS tank.

Also, BTW, I received my Black Friday order from you in 2 days and packed well. Thanks again.

+1, t5s are a good choice too if you have them in a proper fixture and number of bulbs.

Don't let heat shy you away from halides, you would be suprised how effectively a few fans can scrub heat off a tank.

2x250 or 400w halides and some t5s if you wish. And you are in business.

 

[MarineDepot]

Great input guys!

There are indeed lots of options for lighting: each with its advantages and disadvantages. Charlottreef is currently using LED's and seems to be learning towards LED's so we offered additional LED options that he can consider

We have used a ton of different lights though out the years: metal halides do work awesome if you don't mind their disadvantages. However, with all factors considered, our preference is for LED's or an LED/T5 combo.

 

[charlottereef]

thanks for all the suggestions.. I've been using Leds for about 4 yrs now started with radions then hydra 52's and some kessils along the way on some nano tanks all growing sps beautifully except i must say for the radions.. In my experiences with them they have not impressed me at all..

Oh and on my new acrylic tank the top opening is 50"x18".. its euro braced..
Would that change the amount of lights that i do need? I am going for a minimalist look with branch rock being set up in the middle if the tank...

 

[MarineDepot]

thanks for all the suggestions.. I've been using Leds for about 4 yrs now started with radions then hydra 52's and some kessils along the way on some nano tanks all growing sps beautifully except i must say for the radions.. In my experiences with them they have not impressed me at all..

Oh and on my new acrylic tank the top opening is 50"x18".. its euro braced..
Would that change the amount of lights that i do need? I am going for a minimalist look with branch rock being set up in the middle if the tank...

Eurobracing actually is much easier for light selection when compared to traditional cross-bracing. Our recommendations would stay the same.

For MH options, you will want to make sure there is sufficient space between the light and the top of the aquarium for cooling.