I am getting back into the hobby after almost 10 years withdrawn. Im wanting to start back with a 40g breeder and a 20g sump. I was wanting some peoples thoughts on whether two ReefLED 50s would be enough to eventually get into SPS corals or would they need to be upgraded to the 90s? Being that the ReefLED lights are so new, i would also be open to other options. Would like to stay below $500 for lights.
2 ReefLED 50s or 90s?
- Thread starter Thadunc
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do you think you will upgrade to abigger tank? I bought two used primes for my 40b, one went out after a year or so, and looking at lights, I went with a bigger light because I knew I was getting a bigger tank.. thoughts to consider..
Well.. i have kind of decided to go another route all together. I am getting the EVO 13.5 instead. I decided to not bite off more than i can chew and really decided if i want to get back into the hobby. I am going with the AI Prime hd 16 for it.
Money for either build isn't really an issue, but at the same time i might as well get in at a cheaper price rather than getting back in with a 40g and then deciding i didn't want to return lol. Thanks for the input guys.
Spare time
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The light for the evo is actually pretty good and you don't need to replace it. However, it is a more difficult tank to keep due to its small size. Make sure to keep phosphate media in there. Also, I recommend getting the media tray for the tank. The nice thing about the evo is how much you can modify it. Also if you need a stronger pump, the sicce syncras are great for it!
Thanks man. The only thing about the light is it not having a timer. I am thinking of getting one of the AI Prime 16 hds for it. Better light and also programmable. You know anything about the protein skimmer for it? The reviews of it are sort of bad. however, youtube reviews say that it isn't horrible.
Spare time
10K Club member
I have used it and didn't have problems with it. However, there are other small skimmers that fit. I know some people have used one of those sections for a refugium too.
I have heard many good things about the Red Sea lights and the numbers I have seen on both the 50 and 90 have been very promising and would be great selections for a smaller SPS tank for sure. I have had Primes and still do and I think they are just underpowered for SPS unless you have a couple. Penetration isn’t all that great PAR wise.
A 50 would work perfect over a small tank like that. It has the power to grow any coral in a tank that size and even allows you to run it at less than 100% all the time. It’s recommended spread is 20x20 and we all know that they always exaggerate the spread a little so it would work very well for that small tank but could also travel with you if you eventually upgrade
Thanks I have read good things about that light. I know this is changing the subject a bit, but what filtration would you run? i am leaning towards 3d printing a media basket like the intank one and running filter floss, carbon, phosguard or something similar, and then in the second chamber maybe using some biospheres.
If you make one like the 3 tier option it will work best. That will allow you to use filter floss/pads then carbon/phosban and then have biospheres. The 3 tier allows you to cover the 3 different kinds of filtration which should be plenty on that small of a tank so long as it is stocked reasonably. A tank that small will be more about regular water changes anyways
