Best lighting?

[ydarr]

We are getting a Cobalt Aquatics 26 Gallon C-Vue tank, and want your opinion on lighting. My husband wants to get away from LED's. The tank measures 24" L x 18" W 14" H. What lighting is good for coral growth/color, and won't break the bank? Thanks!

 

[James M]

AI prime are really good but what’s your budget

 

[hanas]

What specific types of corals are you looking to keep? SPS or mostly LPS?

 

[Jacked Reefer]

Depends on budget. With a 2 foot tank t5s are not an economical option and halides would generate to much heat requiring a chiller which would also be costly. Leds would be by far the most cost effective and still provide sensational growth. T5s would cost you around 500 (for a decent fixture) plus whatever the bulbs cost you so I will base your options for at least 100$ dollars less. That starts you at the top with the best leds like the radion XR15 and the AI HYDRA 26HD. These are the fixtures I would personally trust to grow any coral no questions asked. At the same price but would provide less par would be a kessil A360. ( the X model would be a litttle above proposed price point) you could also run two AI prime HDs. For midrange cost I would look at a Ocean Revive t247 or a reefbreeders led. For under 200 you’ll could make your own led fixture but that would require more work. (I wouldn’t trust most blackboxes that’s why they were not mentioned)

 

[hart24601]

For nanos you don't have a whole lot of options if moving away from LEDs. I agree with MH heat may become an issue with a tank of this size and being an all in one it could be harder to cool as it doesn't have sump surface area or easy way to attach a chiller. That pretty much leaves you with 24" T5 units. If you change your mind there are a lot of nice LEDs options for this size tank as listed above.

 

[jda]

If you want to get away from LED, then T5 or 70w Halide are about what your choices are. A 150w halide might be OK if you kept an open top and had a fan. Neither T5, 70w or 150w halides have all much heat compared to their larger counterparts.

4 bulb T5 would probably be great in a tank that small. You do see a fair amount of quality 24" T5s fixtures on the used market.

 

[ydarr]

What specific types of corals are you looking to keep? SPS or mostly LPS?

We will more than likely stick LPS. We love the sway/movement. Really don't see getting any SPS.

 

[ydarr]

AI prime are really good but what’s your budget

Considering it's Christmas, our funds are a little tight, but I can spend around $300.

 

[James M]

Considering it's Christmas, our funds are a little tight, but I can spend around $300.

Check out the AI primes.

 

[Jacked Reefer]

Considering it's Christmas, our funds are a little tight, but I can spend around $300.

With that kind of budget getting quality t5s or halides will either have to be a great deal on a used one or one big Christmas Miracle

 

[ydarr]

I'm working on my husband right now, to see if I can sway him towards the AI HYDRA 26HD.

 

[ydarr]

With that kind of budget getting quality t5s or halides will either have to be a great deal on a used one or one big Christmas Miracle

You made me chuckle! Probably a Christmas miracle!

 

[lariat8099]

At what settings would you set radions at if 8 inches over a tank?

 

[James M]

I'm working on my husband right now, to see if I can sway him towards the AI HYDRA 26HD.

Good choice

 

[jda]

Hamilton Bimini Sun is $269 complete. This is a best of breed type of light.

 

[mtraylor]

Ibwould just get a nice t5 fixture then. I used to use one on my 20 long quarentine tank. Great light. Did the trick.

 

[ydarr]

Good choice

Do you think the Aqua Illumination Prime HD LED would be a good choice, or should I stick with the Hydra?

 

[Jacked Reefer]

Do you think the Aqua Illumination Prime HD LED would be a good choice, or should I stick with the Hydra?

If you were to do ai primes I would do two on that size tank unless your making it a frag tank

 

[James M]

Do you think the Aqua Illumination Prime HD LED would be a good choice, or should I stick with the Hydra?

I would go with the hydra

 

[Velcro]

4 bulb ati​