Light coverage

OneFish · May 23, 2019

I am debating on trying the new ReefLED from Red Sea which would be replacing my TWO Kessil a160we's (40w each) over my ~18" cube (mixed reef with good amount of low to high end SPS).

Options would be -
1x 90w fixture
1x 50w fixture
2x 50w fixture

What would you do?
Do you think on my size of tank that I would notice a large difference in shadowing if I switched to a one fixture setup?
Any other thoughts?

Flippers4pups · May 23, 2019

Haven't seen these in action yet, so can't speak to exactly what you would need. Guessing, the 90 watt version and hang it at 12" above waterline to start. Higher up, more coverage, higher watt version, deeper penetration for par.

OneFish · May 23, 2019

Flippers4pups said:
Haven't seen these in action yet, so can't speak to exactly what you would need. Guessing, the 90 watt version and hang it at 12" above waterline to start. Higher up, more coverage, higher watt version, deeper penetration for par.

That’s a good idea. I definitely like the look of a one light setup.

DenverSaltyFarm · May 23, 2019

if you have 2 kessils on the tank you will want 2 of the 40w lights for the better spread. your corals are already used to the spread so i think going to 1 will hurt them a little.

OneFish · May 23, 2019

Mcluvin said:
if you have 2 kessils on the tank you will want 2 of the 40w lights for the better spread. your corals are already used to the spread so i think going to 1 will hurt them a little.

Good point. Do you think it is beneficial to go from 2x40w fixtures to 2x50w fixtures?