Cade Reef 600 S2 Lighting

[Lauren36]

I'm looking to purchase a Cade Reef 600 S2 cube tank. Tank dimensions are 600mm high and 700mm wide. I plan on having a combination of LPS and softies, with possibility of some acros towards the top of the tank after it gets established. Looking for some recommendations on lighting.

 

[therootcause]

A tank that size you could use 2x AI primes or a single Radion to achieve your mostly softie/LPS setup with a few acros. If you have the budget supplement with a 21" AI blade, 24" 2 bulb T5, or a reefbrite strip. Plenty of options.

since you haven't purchased it yet - what is pushing you toward the CADE cube, as opposed to a Waterbox or Innovative Marine?

 

[Lauren36]

Thanks! I'm interested in the CADE because of the bottom weir and cabinet with built-in power management. Really like the overall design quite a bit. This will be for my office, so I'm trying to make this as low maintenance as possible and am considering going bare bottom too.

 

[Its only Money]

I have this same tank set up now 17 months with a single ai prime. Mid tank down is very low PAR, middle up for softies is ok. I’m trying to decide on a light, I really like the 360x just not sure one would have the punch. Might just go black box to buy some time.

 

[d2mini]

GHL Mitras on mine.

20230211-DSC_3404-Reef by Dennis, on Flickr

 

[MartinM]

I love stratons (1st gen) for cube tanks. One works perfectly for that size. Aqua cave has them. All channels at 100%. It will push 250+ to the sand bed, but of course you don’t have to drive it that high.

 

[Its only Money]

GHL Mitras on mine.

20230211-DSC_3404-Reef by Dennis, on Flickr

Just looked at that light, it has a bit more punch over the G6 and just a few bucks more. You mounted it vertically?

 

[d2mini]

Just looked at that light, it has a bit more punch over the G6 and just a few bucks more. You mounted it vertically?

This is the 4 puck version (vs the 6 puck) so it's square.
And I'm using the GHL Flex Mount system to mount it over the tank.

 

[Ryebreadiest]

I have this same tank set up now 17 months with a single ai prime. Mid tank down is very low PAR, middle up for softies is ok. I’m trying to decide on a light, I really like the 360x just not sure one would have the punch. Might just go black box to buy some time.

Matching a black box led with a CADE tank just feels wrong. It’s arguably the most premium main stream tank you can get - don’t put the cheap gas in your Ferrari!

 

[LBCBJ]

I have a Cade 500 with a Radion XR15 set at 50%. Mounts right on the back center chamber and would fit great on your 600. More than enough for LPS/softies.

Just one of many options for you.

 

[Its only Money]

Stratton is well out of my range. I’m leaning towards a single 360x, 90w concerns me a bit as I don’t want to buy another light for a while. I’m also looking at the xr15ro, but after owning my 16hd I am not very good setting the spectrum or intensity. That’s why I’m leaning towards the Kissel.

 

[Lauren36]

I have a Cade 500 with a Radion XR15 set at 50%. Mounts right on the back center chamber and would fit great on your 600. More than enough for LPS/softies.

Just one of many options for you.

Did you go with the Pro or Blue version?

 

[Its only Money]

I went. With the Kissel as I’m not confident picking a spectrum or a fan of downloading programs. Should be here tomorrow.

 

[LBCBJ]

Did you go with the Pro or Blue version?

I went with Blue but it all comes down to your asthetic preference. I prefer the way the blues help colors pop. FWIW the retailer I bought from said 8 of 10 units they sell are blue.

For LPS/Softs you could honestly do either and adjust them to the same spectrum and still get enough PAR.

This is a helpful video comparing the two:

 

[Lauren36]

Thanks everyone! Right now I'm leaning towards a Radion Pro, but I'm going to wait to see what kind of Black Friday deals come out this month.

 

[shadyraro]

Thanks everyone! Right now I'm leaning towards a Radion Pro, but I'm going to wait to see what kind of Black Friday deals come out this month.

I had one xr15 blue light on my 600 and it was more than enough for my LPS and softie tank.