Lighting an IM NUVO Fusion 30L?

[BC-reefer]

Hi Folks,

Ordering a new tanks this week and looking to get schooled on lighting recommendations for this tank....t5's, leds? hybrid?

I am planning to keep a range of corals and would like to have a small anemone as well if possible. I want to ensure there is adequate lighting to support strong growth so don't want to err on the side of "just good enough".

Thanks!

 

[BC-reefer]

Will add a bit more details in hopes of getting some advice/feedback/experiences/jokes

I have done a ton of research on the subject and am leaning towards something along the lines of an ATI Sunpower 4x24W 24". My price point is probably going to be no more than ~$600. I see options for LED but want to ensure i have enough PAR to keep the corals i would like to and don't want to be erring on the side of not enough. Some of the high end LED's will be out of my budget.

Some specific questions that i would have;
- Other T5 options worth considering other than the ATI Sunpower?
- Is the 24" a good choice for the 30l (36") or should i be considering the 36" fixture? i plan on having an aquascape with a few rock structures rather than a wall of rock to optimize space for a few fish to swim, give me space for frequent maintenance on all sides of glass, and avoid an overcrowded look.
- Read a bit on hybrids... should i be considering an ATI Sunpower with a LED strip? is that just a visual choice for a shimmer or would that benefit SPS/clams?

thanks!!
Dylan

 

[Kyl]

I would do a 36" for that tank for sure. If you're going to go the T5 route, might as well do it properly and have that extra length to keep the shadowing at bay.

 

[BC-reefer]

I would do a 36" for that tank for sure. If you're going to go the T5 route, might as well do it properly and have that extra length to keep the shadowing at bay.

thx for the reply. i will scope out some 36"

 

[BC-reefer]

tough crowd. will try something in the lighting forum

 

[wlittlefield]

For what it's worth I have 2 AI Prime on my IM 30l and their great. I think I'mg getting more than enough light. All my corals seem very happy and since I adjusted my spectrum to match the BRS investigates on the AI Prime my bubble tip has started bubbling up again. That said, my small sps frags seem to be growing, the LPS are always out, the Monti has grown quite a bit in a month and my (sigh) zina is out of control. They also look great over the tank.

 

[samnaz]

Have you considered the Nanobox Quad? That's what I have for my 30L. Brand new it's over your budget slightly, I think. But I was able to get mine for $425 direct from Dave cause it's a newly refurbished old model body with all new guts.

 

[Yuyiboy]

The last BRS vídeo on the AI primes was great, it shows the advantages of multiple primes,, vs one fixed fixture. Also you don’t get the shimmering with T5s so maybe a combo fixture of t5 and led? [emoji848][emoji4]

 

[Mjl714]

I’m planning on one of the new, yet to be released 36” Maxspect Razors. Simple,and plenty of light, par.

 

[Mjl714]

What lighting did you choose?

 

[Rpujol85]

I've had a 24" ati over my 40b (36") and it provided good coverage. It doesn't completely bathe the tank in light but definitely more than enough for pretty much any coral. If you can find a used one (pretty easy to do over on Nano-reefs.com) you should be able to pick up a Nanobox Quad, or a Hybrid as previously mentioned. If it were me that is probably what I would go with, only thing is an ati will be much cheaper..

 

[yort265]

I have the same tank.. it’s new and currently cycling, but I went with the Kessil A160 lights. BRS recommended them when I asked the same question. I like how they look, the light they give off, and the simplicity of the programming with their Spectral Controller.