Light suggestions for frag tank?

jourdy · Dec 9, 2014

Good day fellas,

Any suggestions what light system to use on my frag tank?

I am currently using 3pcs radion gen1 on my 5ft display tank.
I am of course considering getting a Radion Xr15 to compliment my other Radions, but the ATI Sirius model has caught my attention. I have also heard great things about the Hydra 52.

I have also recently delved into SPS, so a comparison of growth and coloration under 2 different brands of light seems like a good time-killer for me LOL.

Any experiences with these brands?

Here's the link to my thread if ever you need to see the livestock for gauging.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/149662-jourdys-90-gallon-mixed-reef-10.html

Thank you in advance!

Reefing Madness · Dec 10, 2014

ahmed.boomer · Dec 12, 2014

Background: I personally really like T5 lighting and encourage it where I can. It has the best color of all the types of lighting (IMO). LEDs make colors pop but T5s in with the right combination really bring out the different colors in the corals. I find grow a little better with T5's as well, but bulb replacement costs drove me to LEDs. Although now I am back in the process of adding T5 supplements to my LEDs. My "frag tank" is just a part of my sump(12"x12" that is lite by a 70w hqi. Its small but gets the job done and grow is great under the halide (wish I could say the same for color).

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the LED models you mentioned. All have been proven to work. I would image you want to get the best bang for your buck. So I would look around on the selling forum for the lighting fixture you're looking for. Think the XR15 goes for ~$400, but I could be wrong. I saw a third Gen XR30 for $500 used.

As everyone else chimes in you'll hopefully get more opinions on what you should do. Good luck.

KorL · Dec 12, 2014

You have any closer pics of the tank? Tank looks very colorful. Did you collect any of the coral yourself?

jourdy · Dec 12, 2014

Thanks ahmed, for the insightful reply.
I really like the T5 look as well, it's just that the bulb replacement is too troublesome for me since bulbs are hard to come by here in the PH.
I guess I am leaning towards the XR15 but the buying power of the Philippine Peso is weak. And the price increase due to logistics/shipping. There is no official distributor here.
I'll wait for the holidays to be over so I can check my budget constraints. Haha.

KorL, my tank thread is linked above. It was featured by Reef2Reef for July spotlight I think. I have moved residence since then though, so I had a soft reset and upgraded to a bigger tank as well.