73 gallon corner bow front lighting recommendations

JoshKReef · Aug 7, 2017

Hi, I am looking for lighting opinions on a 73 gallon corner bow front.

The LFS recommended a quad 36 inch T5 with 2 LED strips (36 inch and something smaller for back bc sizing).

I am new to owning a saltwater aquarium, and plan to eventually add corals, right now its just live rock and a couple fish. I current have a 24 inch dual lamp T5.

I'd like to hear others thoughts. I've attached a pic of the top of my tank. Its 22 inches from sand to top.

Thanks in advance.

jsker · Aug 7, 2017

Pull the glass top for gas exchange, and 1 hydra 52 hd should do.

NickNiz · Aug 7, 2017

I second the hydra recommendation... AI is an awesome manufacturer for LED fixtures that are extremely customizable. You can even set a schedule and ramping from a smartphone app.

If it's outside of your budget, check out SBreeflights.

JoshKReef · Aug 12, 2017

What are your thoughts on the quad T5 + 2 LEDs?

A generous person offered me an ATI Sun Power 36 inch 4 bulb for just the cost of shipping (it needs a little TLC, but it's fully functional), I am considering using that and adding 2 Reef Brite LEDs (36 in front and 24 in back). If I went this route, what would you recommend? All Blue? Or something else? Does blue help growth, or just pop? Which line would you recommend? XHO or Tech? From what I've been reading, Tech would compliment the T5s better. Lastly, what bulb setup in the T5? I was thinking my end setup would 3 Blue Plus and a Coral Plus in the T5, and two Blue Reef Brite LEDs. Sadly, my LFS's do not carry strips because they said they would be lucky if they sell one a year, they also recommended just buying cheap 20 dollar strips people use in their car for pop, which totally blew my mind.

jsker · Aug 13, 2017

That is a very nice person

At first glance, my suggestion would be just having the t5s with two blue and 2 white running the light 12 hours with a 4 hour ramp up and down. See how you like it, then add the LED's. I am thinking the LED's would be a waist unless one is looking for the color pop of the blue LED's. The Tech's are made to be controlled by a controller and that would be the one of two reasons to add LED's besides the color pop. ATI sun power will be all that you will need to have a successful system in regards to lighting and take the $400 plus and use somewhere else

JoshKReef · Aug 13, 2017

jsker said:
That is a very nice person At first glance, my suggestion would be just having the t5s with two blue and 2 white running the light 12 hours with a 4 hour ramp up and down. See how you like it, then add the LED's. I am thinking the LED's would be a waist unless one is looking for the color pop of the blue LED's. The Tech's are made to be controlled by a controller and that would be the one of two reasons to add LED's besides the color pop. ATI sun power will be all that you will need to have a successful system in regards to lighting and take the $400 plus and use somewhere else

Thanks! Is ramping achievable if it is not a dimmable version?

jsker · Aug 13, 2017

Josh Kraft said:
Thanks! Is ramping achievable if it is not a dimmable version?

ahhh more info

looking at the ATI site the light are two channel and have a dusk to dawn. Back in the day when I had my bulb set up DIY mind you I had my blues on for 12 total and my whites would turn on after 3 hours for a total of 6 hours. Used the old lamp timers

. I am thinking the lamp you are getting is run pretty much the same?? Here is ATI's site Link

JoshKReef · Aug 13, 2017

jsker said:
ahhh more info looking at the ATI site the light are two channel and have a dusk to dawn. Back in the day when I had my bulb set up DIY mind you I had my blues on for 12 total and my whites would turn on after 3 hours for a total of 6 hours. Used the old lamp timers. I am thinking the lamp you are getting is run pretty much the same?? Here is ATI's site Link

Got it, thanks for all the info! I'll let you know how things turn out