Lighting for Sps

[Quintis]

I'm currently putting together a 90gallon system (48"x24"x18) and after about a month of research now, I can't decide on the lights. I have narrowed it down to a few choices but I still can't just say "That's the one I want". I plan to keep a very sps dominant tank. I'm trying to balance the build and save money where I can just so I can put that money into coral and fish (the good stuff) but I will spend the money on equipment if I feel it's right. My main concerns are for the coral I will be keeping. Their coloration, growth, and happiness. I'm not concerned with heat or bulb replacement.etc.etc. The choices I'm trying to decide between are;

1. GHL Mitras- I would need two of these for my tank which is a chunk of change but after much reading they seem to be one of the best LED fixtures you can get.

2. ATI Powermodule Hybrid- Looking at the 48" 3x75w LED and 4x54W T5's. This also is expensive but T5 are so proven to grow and color Sps extremely well, it's hard not to think about using them.

3. ATI 48" 8bulb sunpower with diy leds- This is my value option if you will. I would not use two of the T5's and put the leds there. I'm pretty sure I can pull it off as I have some led/electrical/soldering experience. This would be much cheaper than the other two options.

I feel like LED's are slowly taking over and these new high-end fixtures are getting better and better, even the reefbreeder fixtures are very nice for the money. I have one over a 16g and it works great, I just want more control over the light for my new build. I'm hoping some Sps gurus can possibly lend some insight and help me out. Thanks in advance.

 

[animalkingdom]

if you choose the ati 8bulb you may want to consider a 6 bulb and do the diy leds on the outside. that way its even more of a 'value' fixture

 

[tdb320reef]

I like Led Value fixtures. Use as commodity and swap them as the technology changes.

 

[Quintis]

if you choose the ati 8bulb you may want to consider a 6 bulb and do the diy leds on the outside. that way its even more of a 'value' fixture

That is a good option, as I know the Reefbrite strips bolt right onto the ATI's.

I like Led Value fixtures. Use as commodity and swap them as the technology changes.

This is another good option as I do like these lights. My Photon 24 is doing well, but it would be nice to have control over the channels and ramps up and down.

 

[Dog boy Dave]

I built some Led fixtures for my system and brought them on line last year in June. I two types of blues and crisp whites from Rapid LED. The lights worked, the coral grew, but my colors were a little "off" with just the blue/white color combo. Reds weren't quite red and the colors were just a little dull. Since then I have had an occasion to add a couple of 120 watt $179 each units off of Ebay. They have more colors and the corals really pop under them. The growth is also better under these lights. Although I have seen these lights in others systems, i cant speak tot the reliability of them yet but so far, in my experience, go with more than just blue/white combo and consider the lower cost lights if you are looking to go cheap.

 

[jeremy K]

For a 90g you definitely do NOT need an 8-bulb ATI sunpower plus LEDs (and even without LEDS and 8 bulb sunpower is too much for a 90g, even for SPS).

I currently run a 6-bulb ATI sunpower over my 90g tank (SPS dominant), and use a Reefbrite strip for actinic supplementation. I am considering getting rid of the Reefbrite, though, and getting a Build my LED superactinic strip instead. That's what I'd probably recommend for you.

 

[Quintis]

I built some Led fixtures for my system and brought them on line last year in June. I two types of blues and crisp whites from Rapid LED. The lights worked, the coral grew, but my colors were a little "off" with just the blue/white color combo. Reds weren't quite red and the colors were just a little dull. Since then I have had an occasion to add a couple of 120 watt $179 each units off of Ebay. They have more colors and the corals really pop under them. The growth is also better under these lights. Although I have seen these lights in others systems, i cant speak tot the reliability of them yet but so far, in my experience, go with more than just blue/white combo and consider the lower cost lights if you are looking to go cheap.

Thanks for the input sir.

For a 90g you definitely do NOT need an 8-bulb ATI sunpower plus LEDs (and even without LEDS and 8 bulb sunpower is too much for a 90g, even for SPS).

I currently run a 6-bulb ATI sunpower over my 90g tank (SPS dominant), and use a Reefbrite strip for actinic supplementation. I am considering getting rid of the Reefbrite, though, and getting a Build my LED superactinic strip instead. That's what I'd probably recommend for you.

Well it would be 6 bulbs since I would use the space of two bulbs for the leds. I have looked at the Build My LED strips are well. Do you know if you can mount them to the Sunpower like the Reefbrites?