LED recommendations for 60 cube

[Tmm87]

Tank is 24x24x24. I ran T5 before, don't like the heat or having to replace the bulbs.

I posed the same question in a reef group that I'm a member of and had an overwhelming response for a product called SBreef lights. I had never heard of them before then. Same group also seems to hate AI which is the light I was initially looking at.

Tank mounted would be ideal and something that doesn't cost a small fortune. Not opposed to multiple smaller fixtures as I can buy them over a period of time. WiFi control from phone is an added bonus.

I know I'll be keeping softies, LPS, a nem and a clam but SPS aren't off the table.

 

[pluikens]

That's similar to the RSR170 where the deluxe comes with one Hydra 26. I'd start there and add another when ready for high light SPS or shadowing becomes an issue.

 

[Tmm87]

Ok. Is there anyone running a hydra 26 over a similarly sized tank that can offer some insight? My hesitation on buying one was the mixed info. Manufacturer and Marine Depot both said it was suitable for that size tank as it has a 24 x 24 spread. BRS said that it would only cover an 18 x 18 spread and would need two for full coverage or to go with a 52.

 

[pluikens]

Maybe @Eggyoke has some insights?

 

[doughboy]

get the hydra 52hd. I have tried both and prefer the 52hd better in terms of light spread and power consumption.

 

[SDboatguy]

1 26hd would be lacking. There was a thread on another forum , where a guy had a Hydra 52 on that sized tank. He had outstanding results, but had to add a second 52 to help with shading and coverage For reference, I have (3) 26 HD's AND 4 T-5s on my 60x18x20 . Hydras are very nice lights , but spread is an issue... IMO, the 26 hds cover about 12-15" and depending on what you have in the tank ,plan accordingly.

 

[pecan2phat]

What about two Hydra 26s or two Radion XR15ws vs one Hydra 52 or Radion XR30w?
Same amount of pucks but you can space them for better spread. The only upmost is the extra mounting equipment. (ie: 2 XR15w cost the same as 1 XR30w)

 

[pecan2phat]

*upcost

 

[Dana Riddle]

If you're on a budget, the Chinese black boxes (many have a built-in timer and 2-channel spectral adjustments) are unbeatable. I'm testing one on a 90-gallon containing Acropora, Montipora, Blastomussa, Echinophyllia, etc. with favorable results. Have to run both channels at less than 40% to prevent bleaching.

 

[Tmm87]

I've looked at the black boxes but concerned about quality. I know nothing is fail proof, but I'd imagine they're using lower quality parts to reduce cost. I wouldn't be worried about having to replace it, but I'd be afraid of electrical issue causing a fire or such. Most Chinese fixtures don't use certified parts. I've seen a cheapo Chinese T5 cook itself and start to melt when we set one up at a fish store I used to work at.

 

[pecan2phat]

If you go with a Black Box fixture, look into the ReefBreeders Photon V2.
Good customer service from Logan.

 

[pecan2phat]

Just to give you an idea, I originally had 2 XR15w on a 36x24x18 tank but recently added a 3rd. While 2 were fine, I wanted a 3rd to run all at a lower intensity and to attempt the elimination of shadowing with LEDs.
This is just to give you an idea of using 2 XR15s vs 1 XR30. Same amount of light but more even spread when you can move 2 separate pucks.

This is after I added the 3rd, your tank is 24x24 so definitely no need for this.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

You could do 4x AI Prime HD. BRS has some open box ones right now so it's a pretty decent price.