Lighting for 30" Deep

[Steven91]

Hey fellow reefers,

I need some help at lighting my 220 gal tank. It is 6' long and 30" deep so it does create an issue getting lighting for the whole tank. I would like to do LEDs though as much as I love the ecotech wr30s they are just a little out of my price range at around $750 per light (includes mounting). I was wondering if anyone has experience in lighting a deeper tank and what are some good choices. I do like controllable lights. I am looking at keep LPS and Softies mainly, might have SPS on top of my rockwork nearest lights

 

[EriksOasis]

If you want to go the led route aqua illumination makes a comparable light for a bit cheaper that is still high quality. You could also get budget friendly leds that work just as well black box leds they are called I have heard Work well. T5 is another option is proven to work.

 

[Steven91]

If you want to go the led route aqua illumination makes a comparable light for a bit cheaper that is still high quality. You could also get budget friendly leds that work just as well black box leds they are called I have heard Work well. T5 is another option is proven to work.

I was looking at the AIs but I dont know if they are going to be powerful enough for the tank

 

[AKReef]

I have 2 Hydra 26’s on my current 16” deep tank and I run them at about 45%. I have to imagine the 52’s would work fine. They are great lights.

 

[Steven91]

I have 2 Hydra 26’s on my current 16” deep tank and I run them at about 45%. I have to imagine the 52’s would work fine. They are great lights.

The only thing with the 52s is they are not that much cheaper than the ecotech 30s (non pro model) so its kinda like if im gonna spend the money on the 52s i might as well go with the the ecotechs, i was looking at doing Ai 26s though I dont think it will be cost effective

 

[EriksOasis]

Yeah the 26’s you might need more than two and two 52’s are only like $100 cheaper

 

[Steven91]

Yeah the 26’s you might need more than two and two 52’s are only like $100 cheaper

I think I need 3-4 26s for best coverage. The 52s are like 599 a light

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

T5 and black boxes. The t247 will work. The kessil 360. The ap700. SBreeflight for sure. Both the bb and new ultra.
Bill at reef led lights makes some good ones too. Very good.

How much par are you looking for in the bottom?

 

[Steven91]

T5 and black boxes. The t247 will work. The kessil 360. The ap700. SBreeflight for sure. Both the bb and new ultra.
Bill at reef led lights makes some good ones too. Very good.

How much par are you looking for in the bottom?

Hmm probably around 50-100 par, just enough to grow softies

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Hmm probably around 50-100 par, just enough to grow softies

Pretty much any of those will do.
Reefbreeders photon is also one to look at. The hydra will also likely do the trick.
Personally I'd go with the larger array style if there's a concern you won't have quite enough with puck style lights.

 

[Radman73]

2 AP700's would likely be enough to support anything you'd want to grow.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

2 AP700's would likely be enough to support anything you'd want to grow.

Yep.