Adding AI glow to two readsea 50s

[South Carolina reef]

I have a deep 65g tank and am currently running 2 redsea 50s. I'm hearing they don't pack much punch. I'm new to the hobby and have started a mixed reef. I'm considering adding a 21" AI glow for the additional spectrum range. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated

 

[SlugSnorter]

What corals are you planning to keep?

 

[South Carolina reef]

Lps and a few sps up high

 

[SlugSnorter]

Lps and a few sps up high

then yes, you should get stronger lights.

 

[PaPaWicked85]

I'd run the Grow if you're looking to beef up lighting. The Glow model is mainly to make colors pop and is intended to run in tandem with the Grow. I'd grab a Grow and start at a low intensity and slowly ramp up, then add a glow later if you want fluorescence.

 

[South Carolina reef]

According to BRS latest reviews the glow offers more of a wider spectrum needed for healthy growth and coloration

 

[nereefpat]

I think that this will be a good way to use one of the new Blades, as a supplement to 'puck' LEDs like the Red Sea.

How long is the tank?

 

[South Carolina reef]

I think that this will be a good way to use one of the new Blades, as a supplement to 'puck' LEDs like the Red Sea.

How long is the tank?

36"

 

[nereefpat]

36"

I wouldn't get a 21" strip then. If you get the 30", you'll get more coverage across the tank and will be adding 60 watts instead of 40. I'm surprised there isn't a 36" version, as that's a pretty common length for small/medium tanks.

 

[South Carolina reef]

I wouldn't get a 21" strip then. If you get the 30", you'll get more coverage across the tank and will be adding 60 watts instead of 40. I'm surprised there isn't a 36" version, as that's a pretty common length for small/medium tanks.

To 30 is 100.00 more. As a supplement I thought the 21 was very expensive .

 

[PaPaWicked85]

According to BRS latest reviews the glow offers more of a wider spectrum needed for healthy growth and coloration

Haven't seen the latest, only the one they did on release. I'll have to check that out, as I have the 30" Grow.

 

[nereefpat]

To 30 is 100.00 more. As a supplement I thought the 21 was very expensive .

From 189 to 239 is 50 bucks, unless you're getting 2?

It's up to you, obviously. Personally, I don't think it makes sense to use an LED bar that is 58% the length of the tank.

 

[South Carolina reef]

From 189 to 239 is 50 bucks, unless you're getting 2?

It's up to you, obviously. Personally, I don't think it makes sense to use an LED bar that is 58% the length of the tank.

 

[nereefpat]

Oh, that's right. They are price gouging on the "glows."

 

[Tamberav]

To 30 is 100.00 more. As a supplement I thought the 21 was very expensive .

That is because it is very expensive.

Why not look at Quanta bars then? or even Orphek?

I don't think it is worth trying to put a shorter light over your tank just to save money. You could get a different brand bar (without control) and get proper coverage. Your main lights are already controllable so additional control on the bar is minor imo.

A 36" Quanta is $160 - 36" orphek runs around $190 when not on sale. I believe you save about $20 during the sales.

 

[South Carolina reef]

That is because it is very expensive.

Why not look at Quanta bars then? or even Orphek?

I don't think it is worth trying to put a shorter light over your tank just to save money. You could get a different brand bar (without control) and get proper coverage. Your main lights are already controllable so additional control on the bar is minor imo.

A 36" Quanta is $160 - 36" orphek runs around $190 when not on sale. I believe you save about $20 during the sales.

I wasn't aware of those. Thank you

 

[nereefpat]

Why not look at Quanta bars then? or even Orphek?

2 more to look into:
Reefbreeders LumenBar - 36" 81 watts of LED. Has a ramping timer included. $229
SB Reef bars - again, 81 watts for the diodes. Can dim, but can't 'ramp'. $179

 

[South Carolina reef]

2 more to look into:
Reefbreeders LumenBar - 36" 81 watts of LED. Has a ramping timer included. $229
SB Reef bars - again, 81 watts for the diodes. Can dim, but can't 'ramp'. $179

I'm very interested in the spectrum AI blade glow puts out. Do those offer a similar style

 

[Blake509]

I'm very interested in the spectrum AI blade glow puts out. Do those offer a similar style

Lighting isn't the thing to cheap out on especially if trying to grow sps down the road.

 

[nereefpat]

I'm very interested in the spectrum AI blade glow puts out. Do those offer a similar style

Here are links.

For Lumenbar, you choose between 4 options. https://reefbreeders.com/shop/lumenbar-v2-36/
Blue/UV hybrid or High Octane, I suppose, are pretty close.

ReebBars: https://sbreeflights.com/12-sbar-supplemental-lights
2 choices. 1 has a mix of royal blue and violet, so maybe not what you're looking for.