16" shallow-ish reef lighting recommendations

reef-wannabe · Apr 21, 2014

Good morning everyone! My wife and I are starting to think about a reef tank. The size we've come up with is 30" x 30" x 16" tall rimless. I want to get a rough price estimate for it before we agree to push forward and commit to the tank.

What would you all recommend for lighting? I plan on keeping SPS and LPS, and just a couple small fish. I like Radion and Vortech together due to the control you get etc, however the price for Ecotech equipment is nothing to shrug off.

I like the look of the Kessils, however I'm not really finding enough information out there for them that I'd like. More specifically, what the actual coverage is for each model (A150, A350/360). Also, if getting one spectrum would be enough, or if I'd need to get the 15k and the 10k.

I'm looking at glasscages.com for the tank, and will get it drilled with at least the front panel low iron starphire.

Reefing Madness · Apr 22, 2014

If you looking at Kessel, it would all depend on how high you place them as to how many you would need. Also, I'd get the 15k lamps if your going SPS.

Bad Company · Apr 22, 2014

I have a 30X30X16" rimless. I've had thee different lights over it. Here I my thread: GL!

By the way, I got my tank from Glasscages.com - Home, and they were awesome.

Lighting thread:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/le...ef-radiance-dm-155e-all-70-gal-cube-pics.html

You may want to consider a 24" deep tank. Same footprint... moah water.

Bad Company · Apr 22, 2014

Oh and based on personal experience with the same sized tank, I'd highly recommend the Reef Radiance DM-155e and two timers. Complete solution for less than $200. Doesn't have an app, doesn't have lightning, jut a great light at a great price.

reef-wannabe · Apr 22, 2014

Bad Company, I take it from that thread and your latest post that you're very happy with the reef radiance light. The website doesn't give much info... so I'm trying to figure out how much area the light covers. That's a great price if they work well!

Reefing Madness, I was considering the 360's, but with only a 16" tank, I think the 150's would work. I've seen them in my local fish store, and I think I'd have to have at least two: front right and left back.

Bad Company · Apr 22, 2014

reef-wannabe,
The DM-155e I have is 20" above the water. It covers the 30X30" tank, but still has a brighter area in the middle. Like any light, it has much higher par near the middle of the output. My recommendation, buy on DM-155e. If it isn't enough, add a second and still b cheap than one Kessil. They are VERY bright. It is the first LED that I can feel the heat of the light in the light path...

The Kessil 150s are not color tunable, you may be disappointed...

reef-wannabe · Apr 22, 2014

Bad, what are you able to grow with that light? It's brighter in the middle... makes sense. Can you grow SPS out around the sides, or are you limited to just the middle? If middle, I'd have to purchase two.

reeffirstaid · Apr 22, 2014

I have a 40 gallon shallow reef, and am running two AI Hydras over it. So far, I am pleased with the results. Also, Deep Blue Professional has a nice line of shallow reef ready frag tanks. They are likely a good bit cheaper than glass cages.

reef-wannabe · Apr 22, 2014

reeffirstaid said:
I have a 40 gallon shallow reef, and am running two AI Hydras over it. So far, I am pleased with the results. Also, Deep Blue Professional has a nice line of shallow reef ready frag tanks. They are likely a good bit cheaper than glass cages.

Thanks for the input. What Hydras are you running? What are you able to grow?

I'll take a look at those tanks.