What LED Fixture for SPS

[Wazzel]

After using LEDs, I find nothing really comes close to metal halides. Especially if you are 90% SPS.

The growth of your SPS will be a lot better under the halides.

I have run both and do not find there to be a significant difference, unless you are having to deal with the spread/shading issues, YMMV. My approach to running LEDs has been different from most of the advice given on how to properly run them. I should have cooked/fried everything in my tank based on most of the common recommendation. Proper operation is a big variable that can be troublesome.

 

[tdb320reef]

On a tank that size I think you will do the best with 6 or 8 bulb T5 with DIY Actinic LED or actinic reefbrites.

 

[Wazzel]

The 48x36 footprint would make it hard to light with 2 AI hydra52's or radion 30 pros unless you want to only light 48x24 and leave lots of room front and back.

 

[rovster]

The 48x36 footprint would make it hard to light with 2 AI hydra52's or radion 30 pros unless you want to only light 48x24 and leave lots of room front and back.

I agree. Will need 4-6 fixtures minimum.

 

[Wazzel]

I agree. Will need 4-6 fixtures minimum.

Will also make it hard with T-5 since most of the fixtures are set up for 24" wide tanks, same with mh. Going to need 2 6-lamp T-5 fixtures? Might be able to do with 2 MH, but they will have to be placed high to get the spread. 48"x36" is kind of funky, if you ask me. To much for one fixture, but to narrow for two.

 

[Tweaked]

Ever hear of a little place called BattleCorals? Adam uses and swears by Reef Breeders. I was a big no LEDs for SPS guy, but after seeing so many awesome full LED tanks, I am a believer. GL

 

[msr224]

Tank footprint can be lit with 2-3 orphek atlantiks.

2 for mixed reef with some SPS.

3 for solid SPS tank.

 

[msderganc]

Ever hear of a little place called BattleCorals? Adam uses and swears by Reef Breeders. I was a big no LEDs for SPS guy, but after seeing so many awesome full LED tanks, I am a believer. GL

Yeah, he has posted his schedule a couple times too (which I think is a lot of why people fail with LED). I don't know for sure, but my guess is that he uses twice the manufacturers recommendation of fixture coverage too.

 

[cleverbs]

I think the issues I find with LED really comes down to the fact the coral doesnt get light from all around it. It just gets light from the very top. I think people would have more luck if people started using leds less like MH and started getting setups the curved so that the leds would shine in different ways.

have you decided what you wanted to do?