Help: what lights to get with this 70 gallon reef?

[Peter Jason]

Hmmm. Kessil have couppe options, maybe 2 of their modular light...but I do not think ita wifi..check
Honestly I advice you to get a good light rather than try to save, get bad light only to throw it away when your system scale and buy again. You will waste more money..
Why do not you start with one good light like the hydra 26 HD then scale ad your system scale.

Otherwise with your range. You can get a nice T5 setup, some of the best systems outthere are T5. Ad a matter of fact, even LED systems like mine moved to LED+T5 combo. So you can start with solid T5, then you can add LED or you might not add LED at all later on...

I had Kessils in my old tank, and I hate the shimmer. Any links to these lights?

 

[JustAnt]

This is close to your price range and gets high reviews. I’ve never used it or seen it so this isn’t exactly a recommendation.

Ethereal 130w LED & ICV6 Controller Package

Recommended Spread - 24" x 24" An easy to mount, full spectrum LED module that lets you wirelessly control multiple Ethereal modules from your phone or PC. Smart cooling technology WiFi connectivity Full Spectrum Increases growth and enhances coloration Includes mounting system 100-degree lens...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[road_runner]

I had Kessils in my old tank, and I hate the shimmer. Any links to these lights?

Ha ha me too, I had loads of kessils AP700 and tuna..I hated it ha ha.
For link just go to BRS or marine depot. Thwy have section for each light (LED/T5..etc) shop around a bit, see what fits your budget then come back and ask if you intersted in specific light, people will help you with experince.
Do not follow aj openion unless the person have personally used the light in question. Many misconceptions and speculations when it come to lighting...

 

[Peter Jason]

Do you think I could do two of these:

Prime HD LED Module (Black) Aqua Illumination

With new HD (Hyper Drive) technology you can now transfer power from one channel of LED's to another to give more power to the channels that your tank may need. HD technology also allows you to create almost any spectrum you wish with the easy to use MyAI app and AiFi wireless connection, it is...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

??

 

[JustAnt]

The Ai 26hd recommended to provide coverage for 18 by 18 but the tank you linked to is 24 by 24, isn’t it? Go for a light that matches the coverage you need (ie 24 x 24)

 

[JustAnt]

Do you think I could do two of these:

Prime HD LED Module (Black) Aqua Illumination

With new HD (Hyper Drive) technology you can now transfer power from one channel of LED's to another to give more power to the channels that your tank may need. HD technology also allows you to create almost any spectrum you wish with the easy to use MyAI app and AiFi wireless connection, it is...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

??

I have 2 of them. They are weak but here is a picture of my tank so you be the judge.

 

[Peter Jason]

The Ai 26hd recommended to provide coverage for 18 by 18 but the tank you linked to is 24 by 24, isn’t it? Go for a light that matches the coverage you need (ie 24 x 24)

I think the website has the tank measures mislabeled. I believe the tank is 20x36x18

 

[road_runner]

Do you think I could do two of these:

Prime HD LED Module (Black) Aqua Illumination

With new HD (Hyper Drive) technology you can now transfer power from one channel of LED's to another to give more power to the channels that your tank may need. HD technology also allows you to create almost any spectrum you wish with the easy to use MyAI app and AiFi wireless connection, it is...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

??

These lights are bit low spread. But before I say what I think. Can you tell me what type of system you are trying to run?

 

[JustAnt]

I’m right now saving for RedSea ReefLEDs

 

[JustAnt]

I think the website has the tank measures mislabeled. I believe the tank is 20x36x18

Wait 36inch length? Then you definitely minimum need 2 Ai 26 minimum

 

[SMSREEF]

The A HD52 is a $700 light!

Im a newbie, but how could shadowing be resolved by a stronger light?

Shadowing happens when light comes from a single or 2 points(in the hydra). The 52 has 4 pucks so 4 sources.
I am setting up a 60 cube 24”x24” like yours and will use 2 hydra 26 because I can separate them a bit (unlike the 52) and hopefully reduce shadowing.

I was deciding between orphek, the hydras or t5/led combo or halide. There are some fantastic examples of tanks on reef2reef using many different kinds of lights. I think the tanks that look/grow best have light that’s distributed across the tank.

Like others have said, you could start with one hydra 26 and add as you get more coral or if you have shadowing issues. Hydras put out a lot of light.

 

[road_runner]

I have 2 of them. They are weak but here is a picture of my tank so you be the judge.

I think of prim as supplemental light, would not add it to a system alone.. I think its bit weak.
Multiple light vendors started doing this thing where they put a weak light at a low price point but they will not tell you , you should use it to supplement or on none sps system...

 

[Peter Jason]

Wait 36inch length? Then you definitely minimum need 2 Ai 26 minimum

No, I think i messed up and made a stupid. The tank is 24 x 24 x 22

 

[Peter Jason]

Shadowing happens when light comes from a single or 2 points(in the hydra). The 52 has 4 pucks so 4 sources.
I am setting up a 60 cube 24”x24” like yours and will use 2 hydra 26 because I can separate them a bit (unlike the 52) and hopefully reduce shadowing.

I was deciding between orphek, the hydras or t5/led combo or halide. There are some fantastic examples of tanks on reef2reef using many different kinds of lights. I think the tanks that look/grow best have light that’s distributed across the tank.

Like others have said, you could start with one hydra 26 and add as you get more coral or if you have shadowing issues. Hydras put out a lot of light.

I really like the hydras. I think I will start off with one and go from there. 2 will give me the coverage I need?

 

[JustAnt]

I think of prim as supplemental light, would not add it to a system alone.. I think its bit weak.
Multiple light vendors started doing this thing where they put a weak light at a low price point but they will not tell you , you should use it to supplement or on none sps system...

Yes I’ve discovered this. These light don’t support many lps or sps though I’m able to keep some alive and growing!

 

[JustAnt]

How soon do you need lights. Many lights come up in the used section of the forum. Many deals I’ve gotten there (and given lol)

 

[JustAnt]

IMO, yes but only as a minimum

 

[Peter Jason]

IMO, yes but only as a minimum

Thanks for all the help. The people on Reef2reef are very kind and helpful here. Facebook can be cruel place.

Would most people recommend one solid light or two lights for a tank?

 

[JustAnt]

Best of luck buddy!

 

[road_runner]

Thanks for all the help. The people on Reef2reef are very kind and helpful here. Facebook can be cruel place.

Would most people recommend one solid light or two lights for a tank?

If you learned anything from this discussion it should be: it's all about the tank dimention and the spread of the light ha ha.
Depend on the light my good friend.