Lighting and Controller Question for 8ft mixed reef

[Studjunior]

I have 2 projects that have been on the back burners for a while now but now that I need to do almost a complete reboot I think the time is right.

1) Redoing my tank lighting
2)Changing my tank controller to the Apex.

Lighting:

Currently I have 4 AI Prime HDs with 3 AI Hydra 32HDs in between. I’ve already had one Prime burn out on me and one has a faulty fan and will overheat occasionally. To say the least I’ve not been overly pleased with them….

I have 2 options for current lighting that I’m contemplating:

1) 6 Kessil A360Xs flanked by 4 * 48; Reefbrites
2) 2 * 48’ Aquatic Life hybrid units with 6 Kessil A360Xs in the centre

After purchasing the T5 bulbs for the Aquatic Life fixtures the prices are comparable. I don’t love the idea on changing T5 bulbs but I feel there would be better coverage and less shadowing with the T5s. I’ve been getting different recommendations so I’d appreciate some experienced feedback from others.

Controller:

I’m currently using a Digital Aquatic controller that is probably over 8 years old…. It does the job but is very simple and sometime a pain to use. I think it’s time to make the move to the Apex System but I’m not sue what exactly I need. I find it very overwhelming with all the options and components available. I think I need the following:

• Apex Controller system (will the EL suffice or better off with full system?)
• Second EB832 Energy Bar
• Trident system

As you can see from my set up the tank is upstairs but the sump system is in the basement. Is there anything I need for this set up and for the new lighting setup contemplated above?? Any recommendations on how best to set it up?

Again, any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[twhit030]

Lot to answer here lol I’ll try and go in order. So before we get too deep it’s personal preference I personally like the kessel paired with reef brite looks AWESOME! So that’s my choice first you don’t wanna have to worry about swapping t5 bulbs your not going crazy acros in the bottom of the tank so you don’t need to worry about that ati spectrum.

second if you’ve got this much money into an 8ft tank… get the full apex I have the full apex and LOVE IT. I only have it on an all acro 40 breeder. Don’t quote me but I’m pretty sure the el doesn’t have as many side outlets for apex products the regular one has 4 12v and 2 24? I believe and the el has less of both. Beautiful tank tho! If you got all that going on might as well go all out

 

[Studjunior]

Lot to answer here lol I’ll try and go in order. So before we get too deep it’s personal preference I personally like the kessel paired with reef brite looks AWESOME! So that’s my choice first you don’t wanna have to worry about swapping t5 bulbs your not going crazy acros in the bottom of the tank so you don’t need to worry about that ati spectrum.

second if you’ve got this much money into an 8ft tank… get the full apex I have the full apex and LOVE IT. I only have it on an all acro 40 breeder. Don’t quote me but I’m pretty sure the el doesn’t have as many side outlets for apex products the regular one has 4 12v and 2 24? I believe and the el has less of both. Beautiful tank tho! If you got all that going on might as well go all out

Thanks for your input. Do you find any issues with shadowing with the Kessil/reefbrites? I'm not a fan of swapping T5s but I have always had great success with them.

I agree that it would make sense to go with the full apex. it's very daunting with all the options available.

 

[twhit030]

I’m sure people on here will freak out when I say this and call blasphemy but if you do enough research they are trying to faze out t5 bulbs they will be hard to find or really expensive in 3 years or so I think. And no not at all. I have reefbrite and radion xr15s over my 40 and I have NO shadowing at all. They actually preformed the best of all in the BRS investigates. Even better than t5s (that’s the kessel reef brite xho and the kessel reef brite lumilite pro combo) only thing to consider lumilite have 2 cords each.

 

[Studjunior]

I’m sure people on here will freak out when I say this and call blasphemy but if you do enough research they are trying to faze out t5 bulbs they will be hard to find or really expensive in 3 years or so I think. And no not at all. I have reefbrite and radion xr15s over my 40 and I have NO shadowing at all. They actually preformed the best of all in the BRS investigates. Even better than t5s (that’s the kessel reef brite xho and the kessel reef brite lumilite pro combo) only thing to consider lumilite have 2 cords each.

I was thinking of going with 2 of these from BRS and adding a thirsd Kessil per fixture. (I like making life simple)....

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Anyone else with experience with lighting that can chime in would be great.

 

[twhit030]

That’s exactly what I use same set up except I use radion xr15s honestly I think that’s probably the best possible option. I’m about to set up and 80 gallon lagoon style and if I had the money that’s exactly what I’d put over it