Best lighting for a 36"x24" Mixed Reef

[zab34]

What do you think is the best light available for a 36" tank?

AP9X?
Radions?

 

[Bpb]

There is no best. Not the answer you were seeking but it’s true. But....between the two of those choices I would use 3 xr15’s over a 36” long tank for mixed application.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Two orphek OR3-90. These are par monsters and set off colors you never imagined
Other option is pair or trio of Ai hydra 26 had

 

[nereefpat]

Lots of different opinions, for sure.

Are you wanting LEDs for sure? By mixed reef, can we assume you want to keep Acros?

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Yes, many different options. I use the XR15's but on the next build, may use something different.

 

[iamacat]

Lots of people are going to chime in with passionate answers. Bottom line is more coverage is better. It’s up to you what you want to deal with or look at over your tank.

 

[zab34]

There is no best. Not the answer you were seeking but it’s true. But....between the two of those choices I would use 3 xr15’s over a 36” long tank for mixed application.

Do you think I could get by with 2? This will be a mixed reef.

 

[Jeffcb]

Red Sea.

 

[Spare time]

Depends on what you want out of the light. I'm getting some kessil a360x's because I like the look of them when the tank has minemal or not constant surface agitation like mine. However, I think the radions are fantastic.


I would check out the BRS lighting showdown.; I think its the best video series they have ever made.

 

[reeferdon]

On my 36x24x24 I'm running 1 ap9x with 2x OR3 36 inch.

 

[zab34]

On my 36x24x24 I'm running 1 ap9x with 2x OR3 36 inch.

is the ap9x enough for a mixed reef, or is supplementing neccesary?

 

[Mellotang]

400 watt halide in a luminarc

 

[Jon's Reef]

2 xr15 blue and 1 a360x (first pic with filter, second without)
xr15 gives the par and coverage, a360x gives a boost to the 420 nm actinic spec and boosts the shimmer

Left ab+ 60% (sps area)
right ab+ 30% (lps area)
middle 20% color, 100% violet, 75% int

 

[Molsman24]

Two orphek OR3-90. These are par monsters and set off colors you never imagined
Other option is pair or trio of Ai hydra 26 had

Do these lights have to be programmed or just turned on for a certain time amount??

 

[vetteguy53081]

Do these lights have to be programmed or just turned on for a certain time amount??

Turned at your discretion. You can plug into a timer for 12-14 hours

 

[Bepis]

Two orphek OR3-90. These are par monsters and set off colors you never imagined
Other option is pair or trio of Ai hydra 26 had

I have the OR3s on my new build. 3 on a 30” and they look great

 

[Molsman24]

Turned at your discretion. You can plug into a timer for 12-14 hours

I guess my question is do u have to change the lighting spectrum or just turn them on...talked to HookedReefer about these but which two lights do i buy both reef day plus or which ones?? Thank u in advance

 

[vetteguy53081]

I guess my question is do u have to change the lighting spectrum or just turn them on...talked to HookedReefer about these but which two lights do i buy both reef day plus or which ones?? Thank u in advance

They’re not adjustable but are also par monsters

 

[Molsman24]

They’re not adjustable but are also par monsters

Do i get 2 reef day plus bars?

 

[bobnicaragua]

Like mentioned above, you really need good coverage for sps. T5 are ideal for this.

You could add in a led bar or two with your kessil, or just get a big panel LED; phillips, orphek, ATI..