Best way to raise par

[TCseh]

I am looking for some suppliment lighting to raise par. I would like to be able to keep some acro in the 250-350 par range.

My problem is that I am running two kessil a360x. I don't have a par reader, but I don't think they have the output to handle acro.

I would like something cheap but any ideas are welcome.

My tank size is 48" long 18" wide 14" tall

 

[Jekyl]

I would recommend a par meter. You're getting the numbers mentioned high in the tank already most likely.

As for supplemental T5 is probably best, followed by LED strips.

 

[TCseh]

I would recommend a par meter. You're getting the numbers mentioned high in the tank already most likely.

As for supplemental T5 is probably best, followed by LED strips.

any recommendations on t5? I don't need alot. Just some supplementation for half my tank. I don't need it on the other half.

 

[Jekyl]

any recommendations on t5? I don't need alot. Just some supplementation for half my tank. I don't need it on the other half.

If you do go through with T5 instead of an LED strip it becomes your main lighting and the kessils would be supplemental.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I would add a four foot T5 fixture to cover the entire tank. That way, the lighting will look consistent. T5 and Kessil are a classic combo.

 

[Spare time]

The kessils are fine IMO. If you want, you could add some LED bars on the side.

 

[TCseh]

I would add a four foot T5 fixture to cover the entire tank. That way, the lighting will look consistent. T5 and Kessil are a classic combo.

My only worry with this is that I don't want the light to get too high for stuff on the other end of the tank like my shrooms, zoas, and possibly lps. I don't know anything about t5 though. I could lower the intensity of one of the bulbs.

Would a single strip of t5 for the tank work?

Also led strip recommendations or ideas would be helpful.

 

[Jekyl]

My only worry with this is that I don't want the light to get too high for stuff on the other end of the tank like my shrooms, zoas, and possibly lps. I don't know anything about t5 though. I could lower the intensity of one of the bulbs.

Would a single strip of t5 for the tank work?

Also led strip recommendations or ideas would be helpful.

T5 is diffused lighting and much easier on coral than LED

 

[TCseh]

I like the idea of t5s. I'll start doing some research on it. Any good ideas on mounting or the amount of bulbs I should use or even good mounting boxes for the lights.

 

[TCseh]

I don't know anything about them yet so anything will help. I'll report back with questions and my findings.

 

[Jekyl]

I like the idea of t5s. I'll start doing some research on it. Any good ideas on mounting or the amount of bulbs I should use or even good mounting boxes for the lights.

Check into a 4 bulb t5 hybrid fixture since you already have the kessils

 

[rtparty]

Grab an LED bar and be done. They’ve already proven to be better than T5s. Especially the good bars. While not cheap, the AI Blade is the best LED bar I’ve ever tested and used.

 

[TCseh]

Grab an LED bar and be done. They’ve already proven to be better than T5s. Especially the good bars. While not cheap, the AI Blade is the best LED bar I’ve ever tested and used.

With you recommending an led bar. How have you used them? Because people said with t5 it's a nice diffused lighting for the entire tank. I only really need it for one area though. How would the led strip do just on one side of the tank?

Also with t5 mounting brackets, I'm looking on brs, why are they all $400-$500

 

[TCseh]

Is there a mounting kit like this for kessils? Or something similar for t5 and kessil.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Take a look at the Quanta LED bars. They have good reviews.

LED Light Bars for Coral Reef Aquariums | Quanta Lights

Quanta lights offers premium LED lighting solutions for aquariums. Our LED light bars are designed for coral reef aquariums and can also be used on saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Quanta lights offer value, innovation, and incredible spectrums that are simple to use and built to last.

www.quantareef.com

 

[TCseh]

Grab an LED bar and be done. They’ve already proven to be better than T5s. Especially the good bars. While not cheap, the AI Blade is the best LED bar I’ve ever tested and used.

Would I need a 30" or a 39" bar for my 48" long tank?

 

[LetUsSeeYourLettuceSea]

I am looking for some suppliment lighting to raise par. I would like to be able to keep some acro in the 250-350 par range.

My problem is that I am running two kessil a360x. I don't have a par reader, but I don't think they have the output to handle acro.

I would like something cheap but any ideas are welcome.

My tank size is 48" long 18" wide 14" tall

Check out Reef Brite they have some strip LEDs. Reef Breeders have some LED strip lights (high UV) that are used for supplemental lighting along the sides. Aqua Illumination has some strips as well

 

[rtparty]

Would I need a 30" or a 39" bar for my 48" long tank?

39” would work great. Check out the BRS 52 weeks Season 2 to see how they mounted Kessils and Blades. It could give you an idea

 

[TCseh]

39” would work great. Check out the BRS 52 weeks Season 2 to see how they mounted Kessils and Blades. It could give you an idea

I am watching their videos, and they do have kessil and ai blades together but they have never shown how to do it or what light fixtures they use.

 

[rtparty]

I am watching their videos, and they do have kessil and ai blades together but they have never shown how to do it or what light fixtures they use.

It is the Kessil arms and then the Blade mount system. Might be from the hanging kit. Then they drill some holes to mount the Blade system to the Kessil arm

This could also be done with some aluminum strips from Home Depot I’m sure.