I am returning to the hobby after being away a couple years. In the past I can MH/T5s and straight T5s (Powermodule). Both of these lighting options did a great job for me. I am now returning to the hobby and have Reef Savvy 48x36x22 rimless tank setup. I am trying to determine what to do for lighting. The tank will contain about 90% sps. I am looking for something that will balance growth and coloration. Since the tank is rimless I need something that has great visual appeal also. What LED fixture(s) would you suggest in this scenario?
What LED Fixture for SPS
- Thread starter Gondore
- Start date
How many are needed for a 48'' tank?
Blueline12
Member
I've got 3x AI Hydra 52's on my 180g. Colors are great except Reds. If I did it again I would go t-5/LED hybrid.
cleverbs
New member
t5/led or mh/t5 or best of all mh/t5/led
Next time I do a build I will be doing T5/LED
I just switched to MH/t5 and am happy with it however but I think running a bunch of t5s with some leds would be good.
After much talk with people in my area, and online I have come to the conclusion that LED's are just better off with t5ho as well. I think LED's are still missing something that the t5hos bring to the table and make up for it. the LED t5ho tanks never had the issues that LED tanks have been having.
Next time I do a build I will be doing T5/LED
I just switched to MH/t5 and am happy with it however but I think running a bunch of t5s with some leds would be good.
After much talk with people in my area, and online I have come to the conclusion that LED's are just better off with t5ho as well. I think LED's are still missing something that the t5hos bring to the table and make up for it. the LED t5ho tanks never had the issues that LED tanks have been having.
Honestly, I want to very much go with a Powermodule or Giesemann Spectra fixture but they are almost impossible to find used these days.
Guess I lucked out then
Mean I haven't even got thwm ramped up yet as I don't want to have any alge blooms but man my sps seem to enjoy the 30% and 8hrs total a day lighting
You can't purchase a regular powermodule anymore. They only sell the hybrid ones and they go for around $1,800.
echopiece
Member
Here's a comparison between the hydra and Orphek Atlantik. You'll have to consider how many hydras you will need for that size tank. But with the Atlantik, you would only need 2 units.
cleverbs
New member
Just get a sunpower, the only difference is the extra fan and ~5% more par
On that size tank I'd do T5/led hybrid all the way.
I have cheap chinese leds, and they do the job. They aren't great. I do get growth and color, albeit not as much as some. However I knew this buying them.
It would cost me a small fortune to do T5s or radions. I can't afford to change 16+ 60" bulbs every year or run 5-6radions
I have cheap chinese leds, and they do the job. They aren't great. I do get growth and color, albeit not as much as some. However I knew this buying them.
It would cost me a small fortune to do T5s or radions. I can't afford to change 16+ 60" bulbs every year or run 5-6radions
eulalio flores
New member
its like u decide for yourself unfortunately could cost money too but it definitely has to be through competition of AI/ Radion/ati
Moser
Active member
I hybrid is pricey, but it's the best light for SPS without a doubt.
I used Giesemann Spectra w/400W Radium. Great lights, but these are better in that you can adjust the colour spectrum for different corals and colours. With Radiums, you can't. SPS also grow towards the bulb, which they don't with T5.
I feel the strength of LED is in growth. Not so good for colour, so the ATI Hybrid has the best of both worlds. Really pleased with theses lights.
Mo
I used Giesemann Spectra w/400W Radium. Great lights, but these are better in that you can adjust the colour spectrum for different corals and colours. With Radiums, you can't. SPS also grow towards the bulb, which they don't with T5.
I feel the strength of LED is in growth. Not so good for colour, so the ATI Hybrid has the best of both worlds. Really pleased with theses lights.
Mo
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