Large tank lighting

[atkinsc]

Hi all

I am in the process of upgrading from my 4 foot tank to a somewhat larger tank, measuring at 2200mm x 800mm x 750mm

On my 4 foot tank, i have 3 ai prime 16s

Im led to believe that prime 16s wont penetrate deep enough in the new tank, and as such i am looking for some advice on which lights i should go with.

Would 4 ai 64hds work? Or should i be looking at something different? Havent decided what corals im going to have yet, but we do want a nice variety of colour and types. We currently have a bunch of nems and some zoas

Thanks in advance

 

[Timfish]

Kessil makes some pretty high powered lights you might check out. Since light from two fixtures is additive you can experiment with your current fixtures to figure the PAR you'll need. Using a PAR meter (a water proof lux meter would work also for determining relative intensity) measure teh light at the bottom of your tank bewteen two of your fixtures. Move your fixtures together to half the distance they are with the first reading and take a second reading. Repeat this process again. This should give you 3 readings with increasing light levels as the fixtures are closer together you can use to determine how close you'll need them in your new system.

If you don't mind DIY there's a link in my signature for custom high powered LED cannons you can build.

 

[nereefpat]

The 800 mm (31.5") width is a challenge as well. Most 'puck' type LEDs like AI and Kessil won't cover that much width unless you get 2 rows.

What's your budget? What lighting features are important to you?

 

[oreo54]

Hi all

I am in the process of upgrading from my 4 foot tank to a somewhat larger tank, measuring at 2200mm x 800mm x 750mm

On my 4 foot tank, i have 3 ai prime 16s

Im led to believe that prime 16s wont penetrate deep enough in the new tank, and as such i am looking for some advice on which lights i should go with.

Would 4 ai 64hds work? Or should i be looking at something different? Havent decided what corals im going to have yet, but we do want a nice variety of colour and types. We currently have a bunch of nems and some zoas

Thanks in advance

Depending on budget, needs/wants and coral species you may want to check out the more " professional" light ( not limited to Kessil or Orphek btw).

One example:

Amazonas 320 Aquarium LED Lighting • Orphek

Orphek Amazonas 320 LED Light Fixtures are developed specifically for public aquariums and other venues displaying reef or freshwater aquariums.

orphek.com

Your width and depth, depending on par needs, is a challenge for small puck type lights

There are numerous larger panel type lights such as Reefbreeders, Maxspec, Orphek Atlantik to name a few.
Smaller panels turned " sideways" is one common arrangement.

Ask a doz people get a doz answers especially without a more narrow goal set
like price, abilities, power, look, species, preferred mounting ect

Your orig choice " may" work (depending on needs again) with 5 64's sideways .

Depth penetration is a combination of power and focus.

Approx 350gal. for reference.

 

[atkinsc]

Thanks guys, the tank isnt set up as yet so testing is hard

Species we are unsure, will definitrly be a mixed bag, but not sure on which yet. Currently still trying to sort the logistics of it all

Budget i havent given much thought to, but ill buy what i need to buy. However in australia equipment is expensive - ai 64s are about a grand each

Not keen on spending a heap of coin on some lights to find out they arent suitable so was hoping for some first hand experience/guidance

Thanks

 

[oreo54]

Thanks guys, the tank isnt set up as yet so testing is hard

Species we are unsure, will definitrly be a mixed bag, but not sure on which yet. Currently still trying to sort the logistics of it all

Budget i havent given much thought to, but ill buy what i need to buy. However in australia equipment is expensive - ai 64s are about a grand each

Not keen on spending a heap of coin on some lights to find out they arent suitable so was hoping for some first hand experience/guidance

Thanks

Well you have 350 gallons to light and basically 30x30 wide, 87" long.