LF help choosing a light

Mattyice008 · Nov 26, 2016

So with all the deals going around, I'm really on the fence about buying this setup
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpb.htm

Tank dimensions 24x24x20
It would be the cube tank I've always wanted.

As for lighting, I am thinking a radion G3 XR30w pro. I don't feel like throwing out the extra $ for a gen 4. I mean $600 for tank, sump, stand, skimmer, return pump isn't a bad deal, and it provides for more $ to go towards a better light.

I've never used radions before. I've used kessil, chinese boxes, halide, t5s. Any advice on the radion would be appreciated. I'm assuming I would need the reef link with it in order to program it and control it.

Let me know what you think! I have until the 30th to make the purchase

mcarroll · Nov 26, 2016

It's one way to go for that tank, but I think it's overkill, depending what livestock you intended to keep. If you're going to farm clams, then maybe it's the right choice.

Generally speaking, for lighting with spotlights I'd choose multiple, smaller fixtures vs one larger one.

For what it's worth, same goes for flow in the tank and pumps....more than one is better....almost required.

Mattyice008 · Nov 27, 2016

Now I'm looking at the hydras. Would an ai 26hd cover the spread? Or would I need an ai 52hd

mcarroll · Nov 27, 2016

The spread is only different by a few inches....mostly you're getting ~ double intensity with the bigger model.

You might as well consider a Kessil 360 while you're at it if you're going to stick with a single-fixture solution.

I'm not sure if you're considering the current choices a "step up" from what you were using (Kessil, et al) or just something different (either is fine) but they're more of a sideways step than anything else.

If you want different, run strips like the Current USA Orbit Pro or Orbit IC, GHL's Lightbar2, etc.

Or "puck strips" like the Razor, Nanobox, Reefbreeders Aquasanrise or Photon, etc.