480g sps shallows + 1000g build

[Recklessryan904]

The biggest hurdle right now is figuring out the permanent light setup . Some of my favorite tanks are MH and T5 . My goal is to have amazing growth while developing amazing colors and not killing the bank account in the process . I spoke with Tulio at Reefbrite today about their 250w mh pendants with reefbrite xhos . He recommended 3 and it might be the route I go . I might order one and test out if they live up to their claim of putting less heat out compared to older metal halides . Each light has its pros and cons I’m just trying to figure out what’s going to give me the best results and the best price short term and long term .

If you're a fan of MH and T5's I use the Hamilton lights which are MH+T5 hybrids and I love mine They come in all manner of lengths and are very well constructed! That being said I've heard great things about the Reefbrite units as well! I'm not sure if you've decided on bulbs yet but I wouldn't recommend anything other than the almighty Radium or if you're a little more of a white light kind of person, the Iwasaki 10 or 16k bulb (I forget which it is lol)

if I go this route I will for sure be using radium bulbs . This combo is also interesting 10 bulb ati with Kessil supplements .

 

[BigJohnny]

The biggest hurdle right now is figuring out the permanent light setup . Some of my favorite tanks are MH and T5 . My goal is to have amazing growth while developing amazing colors and not killing the bank account in the process . I spoke with Tulio at Reefbrite today about their 250w mh pendants with reefbrite xhos . He recommended 3 and it might be the route I go . I might order one and test out if they live up to their claim of putting less heat out compared to older metal halides . Each light has its pros and cons I’m just trying to figure out what’s going to give me the best results and the best price short term and long term .

My lfs runs the 3 bulb version on their 220 (or 3 1 bulbs I forget) and it's a sweet fixture. I know you would be using radiums (and I don't blame you) but just FYI they are using their special twin arc halide bulbs which are literally 2 in 1. So what happens is the reefbrites come on, then the halides turn on at 20k then midday run at 10k then back to 20k then just reefbrites. It's cool because you can get the benefits from both 10k and 20k halide bulbs and see the tank under vastly different lighting with the same bulb. Apparently they are also more energy efficient and run cooler than other bulbs, not sure how that works but that's what the lfs said.

I've never tried them or researched much but I thought it seemed cool so just wanted to let you know. Their tank is epic so they definitely can grow beautiful coral. I think I have pics somewhere I'll try and post.

 

[Recklessryan904]

My lfs runs the 3 bulb version on their 220 (or 3 1 bulbs I forget) and it's a sweet fixture. I know you would be using radiums (and I don't blame you) but just FYI they are using their special twin arc halide bulbs which are literally 2 in 1. So what happens is the reefbrites come on, then the halides turn on at 20k then midday run at 10k then back to 20k then just reefbrites. It's cool because you can get the benefits from both 10k and 20k halide bulbs and see the tank under vastly different lighting with the same bulb. Apparently they are also more energy efficient and run cooler than other bulbs, not sure how that works but that's what the lfs said.

I've never tried them or researched much but I thought it seemed cool so just wanted to let you know. Their tank is epic so they definitely can grow beautiful coral. I think I have pics somewhere I'll try and post.

Figuring the lighting out has been the most stressful part about this build haha. I would love to hear more about their experience with these fixtures . You just can’t beat the growth from MH and the price point on them is nice . I think 4 of these fixtures would do some magic on my tank , I would really appreciate some pics and info from your lfs !

 

[Recklessryan904]

Here’s the video that really got me interested in this product .

 

[BigJohnny]

Figuring the lighting out has been the most stressful part about this build haha. I would love to hear more about their experience with these fixtures . You just can’t beat the growth from MH and the price point on them is nice . I think 4 of these pictures would do some magic on my tank , I would really appreciate some pics and info from your lfs !

OK I gotchu

 

[BigJohnny]

Pics are on my other phone but I'll get em tomorrow and my homie at the lfs is going to give me the scoop and take some more. The tank is actually a custom 180 not a 220 and apparently the fixture is a custom by reefbrite which I forgot, pretty sweet. I know they are very happy with it. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Recklessryan904]

Pics are on my other phone but I'll get em tomorrow and my homie at the lfs is going to give me the scoop and take some more. The tank is actually a custom 180 not a 220 and apparently the fixture is a custom by reefbrite which I forgot, pretty sweet. I know they are very happy with it. I'll keep you posted.

I apreciate it and can’t wait ! Another option is this double pendant they make and I could do 2 of these .

 

[Wrangy]

I apreciate it and can’t wait ! Another option is this double pendant they make and I could do 2 of these .

Make sure you get a single end mogul fitting though! Lol I've known one too many reefers who've made that mistake haha

 

[Recklessryan904]

Pics are on my other phone but I'll get em tomorrow and my homie at the lfs is going to give me the scoop and take some more. The tank is actually a custom 180 not a 220 and apparently the fixture is a custom by reefbrite which I forgot, pretty sweet. I know they are very happy with it. I'll keep you posted.

I apreciate it and can’t wait ! Another option is this double pendant they make and I could do 2 of these .

Make sure you get a single end mogul fitting though! Lol I've known one too many reefers who've made that mistake haha

i can’t even Imagine how frustrating that would be haha

 

[BigJohnny]

I apreciate it and can’t wait ! Another option is this double pendant they make and I could do 2 of these .

K so apparently I didn't have the pics I wanted and lfs guy is on vacation, but I'll get them eventually. It's a custom reef brite fixture with 3 of their twin arc 10k/20k halides/ballasts and 4 reef Brite xhos (2 on both sides). I'm not sure if the reefbrite xhos are all actinic blue or 50/50 or 2 of each but I'll let you know.

Here is when they installed it and then about a year later. It's a nice tank and much nicer now, I'll get updated pic and dimensions on tank and fixture. Pics obviously don't show what the lighting actually looks like but in person I love it. Reefbrite and halide looks awesome to me even though I'm a t5 guy. The coolest thing imo though is that they can run only reefbrites, 10k halide, 20k halide, 10k halide plus reefbrites, and 20k halide plus reefbrites all with the same fixture and same halide bulbs. Pretty darn cool. They also don't need a chiller or have to worry about heat as much as normal halide.

 

[Recklessryan904]

K so apparently I didn't have the pics I wanted and lfs guy is on vacation, but I'll get them eventually. It's a custom reef brite fixture with 3 of their twin arc 10k/20k halides/ballasts and 4 reef Brite xhos (2 on both sides). I'm not sure if the reefbrite xhos are all actinic blue or 50/50 or 2 of each but I'll let you know.

Here is when they installed it and then about a year later. It's a nice tank and much nicer now, I'll get updated pic and dimensions on tank and fixture. Pics obviously don't show what the lighting actually looks like but in person I love it. Reefbrite and halide looks awesome to me even though I'm a t5 guy. The coolest thing imo though is that they can run only reefbrites, 10k halide, 20k halide, 10k halide plus reefbrites, and 20k halide plus reefbrites all with the same fixture and same halide bulbs. Pretty darn cool. They also don't need a chiller or have to worry about heat as much as normal halide.

Wow that’s beautiful ! I apreciate the info , I’m trying to be open minded with how I want to light this tank. T5s are my top choice right now but I’m also interested in a radion t5 combo . I have another month before I need to narrow it done and make a decision.this tank at my lfs runs 6 g4 pros but I think it would need more than that due to my aquascape being spread out .they have some awesome rich/vivid colors using the radions . The only downside is the upfront cost

 

[Cherry Bomb]

Wow!

 

[Recklessryan904]

Half of the radions on the 1000g are mounted . We’re trying to keep the nautical theme going in the room and still need to do some wire management.

 

[Wrangy]

Love the mounting method mate!

 

[Mortie31]

Have you thought about Orphek Atlantic V4 LEDs?? Well worth a look at the BRS review of them

 

[Recklessryan904]

Love the mounting method mate!

I apreciate it ! Both tanks are making process and almost done cycling . It will be time to order some coral soon

 

[Recklessryan904]

Have you thought about Orphek Atlantic V4 LEDs?? Well worth a look at the BRS review of them

Yes I looked into them but we decided on radions because of the results I’ve gotten on my smaller tanks . I’m still undecided on lights for the 480 so it’s not out of the picture yet . I like the coverage / par they have .

 

[Recklessryan904]

Fired up half the radions to see how she looks ! Can’t wait to see how this tank looks down the road loaded with fish and coral .;Woot

 

[NY_Caveman]

Fired up half the radions to see how she looks ! Can’t wait to see how this tank looks down the road loaded with fish and coral .;Woot

LOL, great looking rock nonetheless!

 

[Recklessryan904]

LOL, great looking rock nonetheless!

Thank you ! It took a week of moving rocks around to finally get it right . I think turning the lights on for the first time is one of the most enjoyable parts of a tank build other than adding fish/corals .both these tanks are going to be a long journey to get them to our goal , so be prepared for a lot more !