Led recommendation Hydra52, 26 or kessel ap 700
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mcarroll
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That's a "standard" 90 gallon tank, right?
I think you'll like the light from a strip like the Current Orbit Marine Pro better than spotlights. (One 48" strip is all you need; $330.)
There's nothing wrong with spots per se, but they leave a lot more dramatic shadows than what you are used to and getting the correct number of lights is usually a process...and usually takes more lights than you initially project.
Judging from threads online, this shadowing seems to usually end up bothering people who don't already like halide light...which causes similar shadowing.
Corals don't mind either way...it's part of life to them....a colony eventually grows large enough to shade itself in many branching corals. If there is a reason to keep polyps lower in the shade, it will though....they're mostly good for particulate feeding without light, so the coral may let those shaded polyps go if the water is very very clean and they don't otherwise require the surface area.
Any of Current's other strips, or similar ones from GHL, Hamilton Technology, etc would be worthy of consideration.
I think you'll like the light from a strip like the Current Orbit Marine Pro better than spotlights. (One 48" strip is all you need; $330.)
There's nothing wrong with spots per se, but they leave a lot more dramatic shadows than what you are used to and getting the correct number of lights is usually a process...and usually takes more lights than you initially project.
Judging from threads online, this shadowing seems to usually end up bothering people who don't already like halide light...which causes similar shadowing.
Corals don't mind either way...it's part of life to them....a colony eventually grows large enough to shade itself in many branching corals. If there is a reason to keep polyps lower in the shade, it will though....they're mostly good for particulate feeding without light, so the coral may let those shaded polyps go if the water is very very clean and they don't otherwise require the surface area.
Any of Current's other strips, or similar ones from GHL, Hamilton Technology, etc would be worthy of consideration.
mcarroll
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Spotlights...
For example, I think you'd like four to six smaller Kassil 160s better than one or two larger units. Same goes for the AI's. In kind, I think you would like a large number of Primes (two+ per side) a lot more than 1 or 2 Hydras.
But that's all a matter of taste...you can follow the manufacturer's advice and get a tank that will grow corals just fine, within the bounds of those lights.
It's just that you don't have to read many lighting threads to see how this turns out....people seem to frequently turn around (after significant expense) and think they either have to add more spot lights, or supplemental LED strips or T5's to fill in the shadows.
As you are coming from a tank with power compact florescent light (very even, less shadows – like T5), I wouldn't start with lights that generate such dramatic shadows in the first place – there is no need.
However, out of all the spotlight options you initially named, I think you'd like two AP700's the most. Mount them as close to the tank as possible/allowable for correct coverage and I think shadows would be very minimized and very acceptable.
I wouldn't have much confidence that you'd feel satisfied with a 1-or-2 Hydra's solution – shadows would be larger and pretty dramatic. Corals would be satisfied tho. And, again, more Hydra units (either model) would be better, but I just think you're a bit better off looking at a pair of AP700's at that point.
Should have posted this before on the previous post about strips:
For example, I think you'd like four to six smaller Kassil 160s better than one or two larger units. Same goes for the AI's. In kind, I think you would like a large number of Primes (two+ per side) a lot more than 1 or 2 Hydras.
But that's all a matter of taste...you can follow the manufacturer's advice and get a tank that will grow corals just fine, within the bounds of those lights.
It's just that you don't have to read many lighting threads to see how this turns out....people seem to frequently turn around (after significant expense) and think they either have to add more spot lights, or supplemental LED strips or T5's to fill in the shadows.
As you are coming from a tank with power compact florescent light (very even, less shadows – like T5), I wouldn't start with lights that generate such dramatic shadows in the first place – there is no need.
However, out of all the spotlight options you initially named, I think you'd like two AP700's the most. Mount them as close to the tank as possible/allowable for correct coverage and I think shadows would be very minimized and very acceptable.
I wouldn't have much confidence that you'd feel satisfied with a 1-or-2 Hydra's solution – shadows would be larger and pretty dramatic. Corals would be satisfied tho. And, again, more Hydra units (either model) would be better, but I just think you're a bit better off looking at a pair of AP700's at that point.
Should have posted this before on the previous post about strips:
New from GHL: Mitras Lightbar 2 + Pre-Order Offer
The promotion ended yesterday
but that post has all the relevant links about the product. (and maybe they'd still offer the 15% off today if you ask nice!)
Looks like about $400 for the "Actinic" model + power supply. 14,000K light color, so it should be really nice. Two would be ideal, giving you very complete coverage and the ability to turn it down a little....four would be ideal for perfect coverage and unlimited ability on brightest. Of course they offer some different color models, so you can add some variety if you like.
The promotion ended yesterday
but that post has all the relevant links about the product. (and maybe they'd still offer the 15% off today if you ask nice!)Looks like about $400 for the "Actinic" model + power supply. 14,000K light color, so it should be really nice. Two would be ideal, giving you very complete coverage and the ability to turn it down a little....four would be ideal for perfect coverage and unlimited ability on brightest. Of course they offer some different color models, so you can add some variety if you like.
Spotlights...
For example, I think you'd like four to six smaller Kassil 160s better than one or two larger units. Same goes for the AI's. In kind, I think you would like a large number of Primes (two+ per side) a lot more than 1 or 2 Hydras.
But that's all a matter of taste...you can follow the manufacturer's advice and get a tank that will grow corals just fine, within the bounds of those lights.
It's just that you don't have to read many lighting threads to see how this turns out....people seem to frequently turn around (after significant expense) and think they either have to add more spot lights, or supplemental LED strips or T5's to fill in the shadows.
As you are coming from a tank with power compact florescent light (very even, less shadows – like T5), I wouldn't start with lights that generate such dramatic shadows in the first place – there is no need.
However, out of all the spotlight options you initially named, I think you'd like two AP700's the most. Mount them as close to the tank as possible/allowable for correct coverage and I think shadows would be very minimized and very acceptable.
I wouldn't have much confidence that you'd feel satisfied with a 1-or-2 Hydra's solution – shadows would be larger and pretty dramatic. Corals would be satisfied tho. And, again, more Hydra units (either model) would be better, but I just think you're a bit better off looking at a pair of AP700's at that point.
Should have posted this before on the previous post about strips:
New from GHL: Mitras Lightbar 2 + Pre-Order Offer
The promotion ended yesterday
Looks like about $400 for the "Actinic" model + power supply. 14,000K light color, so it should be really nice. Two would be ideal, giving you very complete coverage and the ability to turn it down a little....four would be ideal for perfect coverage and unlimited ability on brightest. Of course they offer some different color models, so you can add some variety if you like.
Thanks for taking the time to respond! I will definitely check these out . I believe the tank is a standard 90 (48lx24dx18w).
The link for the ghl's took me to some other link?
Thanks for the suggestion with the nanobox reef . I took a loook but seems a bit expensive . 1,500 for two?
Midrats
Valuable Member
For what you get not really. There are lots of custom options, colors, and finishes and the Nanobox V3 array is hard to beat. You should only need one Bluefish controller if they are going to be used together so that should save you a little money. Contact Dave and talk to him, he's a great guy. The best part is that your lights will be handmade in the USA!
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Thanks. I have reached out to Dave. He is very helpful. He initially recommended 2 wide Quad's which Is a bit expensive for me. He thought two duo plus would work. I am not Familiar with his company as the other big three. What are your impressions and what do you like about these lights vs. The ai, Radion or Kessel's,?
the kessil would be good. May not do very high light corals.
jsker
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Go with two Hydra 52 HD's You will have more then enough light. Orbits are a great light but not enough power if you are going to have arco's and corals deep. I replaced my Ordit with the 26's on a 48L x 18w x 21D and I am very happy with the results.
