Frag Tank Lighting Dilemma

[JamieC]

Hello all,

For Christmas, my wife got me a Zoomed 50 gal Low Boy 48X24X10. I'm in the process of shopping for lights. My biggest hang up is figuring out adequate lighting for only 10" depth...the coral will be on a rack a couple inches off the bottom...planning on lighting needs at 6-8" or so...that's it.

Additionally, the frag tank won't be a display. It will be in my basement. I am not against black boxes, but I also appreciate the sophistication of name brands...though I'm not looking to break the bank. I'm looking for practical efficiency. My display tank has a wide variety of SPS in the top 2/3, and zoanthids on the bottom 1/3. I think I'd like to focus more on zoanthid/softie propagation...but at some point might look to propagate SPS...but that might be best in a separate frag tank.

Ok...so here's what I've been considering...

3 AI Primes...I know this seems relatively weak/inadequate, but they are only penetrating 8" of water max. Approximately $650-700. Plus seems to be higher quality & great controllability. But would they be strong enough?

Reefbrite Lumilite Pro array as done by BRS...but with 3 bars (2 actinic and 1 50/50). Approximately $600. Plus seems to be cost and fantastic spread. But, I haven't heard of anyone actually growing coral solely with these yet. The color spectrum seems pretty narrow, but BRS approves.

Reefbreeder Photon 32 or 48. Since it has a much narrower spread, I will have to raise the light pretty high...like 18+ inches to achieve the coverage I want. I originally thought I'd go with the 48, but now realizing I'd have to raise it up so high, was wondering if the 32 would suffice. Again...knowing it only needs to penetrate 8" of water mounted at say 20". Plus: Decent spectrum, definitely powerful enough...but which one.
Approximate cost $580-700.

I greatly appreciate any feedback. My mind is spinning and I have no idea what to get.

 

[dmy535]

Man that is awesome. I have nothing to contribute sorry... I too looked at those lights when considering my choice but I ended up with eco tech radions. Sorry I can’t help. I’m just here to see what everyone else says! Figured I’d give your post a bump in the process!

 

[Dbichler]

On a shallow tank like this I would just do 2 Orphek or3 bars or t5s just so easy.

 

[saturn13]

I agree with Dbichler, I have a 45 frag tank with a t5 grow light 4 bulb running 1 t5 bulb and 2 current usa led strips in it and when my water parameters are right everything is happy. I've been thinking of adding the Orphek.

 

[saturn13]

I agree with Dbichler, I have a 45 frag tank with a t5 grow light 4 bulb running 1 t5 bulb and 2 current usa led strips in it and when my water parameters are right everything is happy. I've been thinking of adding the Orphek.

I meant to mention my lights are 16 inches off the surface.

 

[Cell]

At only 10" depth I would think you can go with almost anything. I'd probably try to stick with whatever manufacturer I'm using on the DT if possible.

 

[piranhaman00]

4ft t5 fixture 4 bulb two blue plus two coral plus

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Honestly pick up 2 used Radion G4 xr15s or if you can swing G5 pros you will have the best lighting for that tank imo. Powerful enough to grow anything in a shallow tank

 

[JamieC]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I think I want to stay away from the recurring cost of T5 bulbs. I have used them in the past with great success...and have them as supplemental in my DT...but just want simplicity for the frag tank.

You think 2 XR15s would be enough? 2 of those are around $850. I don't mind the extra cost if they would be adequate. I wouldn't want to have to buy 3 though...just too much.

 

[Camaro Show Corals]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I think I want to stay away from the recurring cost of T5 bulbs. I have used them in the past with great success...and have them as supplemental in my DT...but just want simplicity for the frag tank.

You think 2 XR15s would be enough? 2 of those are around $850. I don't mind the extra cost if they would be adequate. I wouldn't want to have to buy 3 though...just too much.

Absolutely 2, they each cover 24x24

 

[Overfloater]

4ft t5 fixture 4 bulb two blue plus two coral plus

This is what I am using on my low boy frag tank. Seems to work well. Tank has only been up 5 months and was fine for the first 4 months but is now trying to recover from a meltdown.

I'm using a hydroponic fixture as the tank is also in my basement and I don't care what it looks like.

 

[danschoenherr]

I am using the Reefbreeders Photon V2 on my zoa dominated ZooMed lowboy and love it. I was using the Radion XR15PROs, but did not like the programming/adjustabilty on it as I could not get the Reeflink to ever connect. (and honestly, I ran these 2 lights side by side for 9 months and noticed no difference in growth or coloration) With the Reefbreeders, at least there is a remote that is used to program and can change to a different spectrum and back with a push of a button. I did hear that they may be finally coming out with an AP for these lights pretty soon.
As for the Orphek light bars, I have 2 that are waiting for me to get off the couch and replace 2 T5s on my DT. I did hear that they are nice, but more powerful PARwise than you think.