SPS dominant 30 gallon lighting help

[harmonyexotics]

Hey guys. I know this question gets asked a lot...but im still undecided on lighting for the 30 gallon tank im working on. Its a standard 30 gallon. 36"x12"x17"

Leds were my first thought, but I'd like to have only one fixture, and its hard to get most fixtures like AI or Radion to light a 3 foot tank without shadows on the ends of the tank.

T5's are tried and true with sps, but I feel I would need 6 bulbs to get high enough par ratings, and on a 12" tank theres going to be overhang.

I know metal halide will work, but heat issues..not to mention power consumption, sort of rules that out for a nano tank.


Maybe some sort of combo? Im looking to see what you guys run and have good luck with.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Reef264]

Reef Breeders has a Photon LED fixture that is 32".There are a few people on here that are using Reef Breeders LED's.Great reviews!

 

[Siebo]

Reef Breeders has a Photon LED fixture that is 32".There are a few people on here that are using Reef Breeders LED's.Great reviews!

+1 I run this light and it is awesome. There is a guy in Chicago selling a used one for $340. PM if you want information on it.

 

[rovster]

I would do a 4 bulb ATI and call it a day. I'm currently running a 250 halide with 2 kessil 20ks for supplements. But it's not enoug for SPS end to end.

 

[sahin]

I would do a 4 bulb ATI and call it a day. I'm currently running a 250 halide with 2 kessil 20ks for supplements. But it's not enoug for SPS end to end.

+1 Get a 4 tube T5 unit. It will be plenty enough PAR for your tank.

 

[harmonyexotics]

Ive actually looked at the 32" reefbreeder led fixture. I like it I just wasnt sure if it was decent or not without seeing reviews.

I ran T5's on my 90 mixed reef and they worked pretty well. I thought of a 4 bulb fixture for the 30 with ATI bulbs.

I know t5s will grow sps, I just knew more people were going led so I wanted to hear everyones opinions


I appreciate the advice guys!

 

[Chris Lakies]

4 bulb t5.

2 blue+
2 coral+

 

[harmonyexotics]

Nice combo. Fiji purple looks good too

 

[Constrictor6090]

2 blue+, 1 aqua blue special, & 1 coral+ gives out a nice color also

 

[sahin]

If you are good at DIY, you could go Hybrid: LED + T5 if you really want LED's or a combo.

-------------T5-------------- = ATI Blue+
-------------LED------------- = Royal Blue, White and Actinic
-------------T5-------------- = ATI Purple+ or Coral+
-------------LED------------- = Royal Blue, White and Actinic
-------------T5-------------- = ATI Blue+

That would mean only 3 T5 tubes to replace each year. And you have plenty of LED's in there too.

 

[harmonyexotics]

Would the AI Hydra 52 be overkill? Lol. I love how controllable it is. Still not sure it will cover 36" with end to end lighting without shadows tho

 

[Constrictor6090]

Would the AI Hydra 52 be overkill? Lol. I love how controllable it is. Still not sure it will cover 36" with end to end lighting without shadows tho

The hydra or radion would do you fine. Both amazing choices

 

[Constrictor6090]

If you get a radion, I'd recommend the wide lens though

 

[lynchmob3000]

The 27" maxspect razor will work perfectly. Maybe the 120 optics also

 

[harmonyexotics]

Thanks for the input. Do you think either would make shadows on the ends of the tank if I did the Hydra or Radion? The fixtures are only like 12" long and the tank is 3 feet. I guess I could always have medium light stuff in those spots if they're there. I like the sound of the Hydra 52 and how controllable it is. How customizable is the Maxspect as far as intensity and color temp?

 

[Constrictor6090]

I think the Radion would leave more shadows than the Hydra 52 hanging at the same height. You could always just raise the Radion a few inches and increase the intensity. If you're going to be doing a lot of zoas and LPS then I would go with the Radion. If you're doing mainly sps, I think they acclimate easier to the Hydra 52's vs the Radion. I honestly think a G3 Radion would be better than the Hydra 52, everyone has they're own opinion though when it comes to LEDs..

 

[Kharn]

I too am very keen on the ReefBreeder lights mostly because I need to save on overall fixtures and do not want to go down the DIY path, I want a plug n play light out of box thing...but I need 5 fixtures! lol...3x24" Photons and 2x32" Photons

Already arranging purchase glad they do overseas delivery

 

[harmonyexotics]

This tank will be sps dominant for sure! I was online last night doing some reading on the Razor 420R. It does sound like a nice fixture. Built in timers and everything. And about $100 or so less than the Hydra 52. And I would still have to purchase the controller which is another $80 to AI. Anybody have any pics of their tanks under any of these setups?

 

[bromdad]

You won't go wrong with a four bulb T5. A 32" photon fixture would be a second choice. I am having decent growth with the Reefbreeders photons.

 

[jdraider75]

4 bulb Ati for sure!!! 2 blue plus 2 coral plus.