Lighting for mixed tank

drscottf · Jan 18, 2020

Hi guys, I know this has been asked a million times, a million different ways. I have a tank 48 x 18 x 24. I want to eventually get some coral going in it. In my previous tank I had an older version of the current orbits and was planning on getting the pro IC lights. I like how the loop system incorporates the wave pumps and is easy to control. I have read the the power at larger depths are inadequate for coral. Are they really that bad? Are there better recommendations. I like the sunrise/sunset options etc. budget about 500.00

Thank you in advance

AdamNC · Jan 18, 2020

If you not dead set on LEDs might I suggest a 36” T5 setup like an ATI. In your price range and at a later date you can add ReefBrite strips down the road.

36" SunPower High Output T5 Light Fixture

Just 2.1" thick, 36" ATI SunPower High Output T5 fixture provides optimal performance in a slim, contemporary design. Parabolic Miro-Silver reflectors made from silver-coated 98% reflective aluminum for each bulb Active cooling system 2 Power cords - one controls 2 bulbs and the other controls...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

drscottf · Jan 19, 2020

Thank you for the advice. I am honestly quite overwhelmed with all the options. I just don't want to regret a purchase. I was also looking at the Kessil A360WE (2 of them)

Cwentz758 · Jan 20, 2020

If you think you may want to add more or go LED you can always look at a hybrid T5 fixture that gives you the option to mount LEDs with it. I ended up going with the Red Sea ReefLED 50s for my rank because I wanted the cleaner look. They’re plenty for my tank which is 36x18x24

AdamB · Jan 20, 2020

Don’t waste your money on current lights . Not strong enough
I would look into the hydra 26’s . They are a little cheaper now since they come out with new lineup .
I had 2 165 watt viper spectras leds on my other tank that was heavily mixed coral that is same size tank as yours . 90 gallon
They grew acros to zoas . Great light for the price ..

drscottf · Jan 20, 2020

AdamB said:
Don’t waste your money on current lights . Not strong enough
I would look into the hydra 26’s . They are a little cheaper now since they come out with new lineup .
I had 2 165 watt viper spectras leds on my other tank that was heavily mixed coral that is same size tank as yours . 90 gallon
They grew acros to zoas . Great light for the price ..

Thank you. I am definitely leaning towards the LEDs. I think I just like them better. I am also realizing that I will not beable to get anything decent in my current price range. the hydra 26's are on sale for about 300. the newer 32 is listed at about 360. May be worthwhile to splurge and just get the newer ones. Not sure. I think I have it narrowed down to the Kessil and hydras (probably the 32 unless I can find a great deal on 26)

AdamB · Jan 21, 2020

You’re welcome .
You won’t go wrong with hydras

piranhaman00 · Jan 21, 2020

AdamB said:
Don’t waste your money on current lights . Not strong enough
I would look into the hydra 26’s . They are a little cheaper now since they come out with new lineup .
I had 2 165 watt viper spectras leds on my other tank that was heavily mixed coral that is same size tank as yours . 90 gallon
They grew acros to zoas . Great light for the price ..

Where can you find the hydra 26s now? I have been looking...

drscottf · Jan 21, 2020

piranhaman00 said:
Where can you find the hydra 26s now? I have been looking...

Aqua Illumination AI HYDRA 26 HD TwentySix

AI Hydra 26 HD LED lights are new designed modules by Aqua Illumination. The Hydra 26 HD are fully controllable via WiFi and the MyAI app.

fragtasticreef.com

Cheapest I have found. Not too much cheaper than msrp. In my opinion might as well get the 32

piranhaman00 · Jan 21, 2020

drscottf said:
Aqua Illumination AI HYDRA 26 HD TwentySix

AI Hydra 26 HD LED lights are new designed modules by Aqua Illumination. The Hydra 26 HD are fully controllable via WiFi and the MyAI app.

fragtasticreef.com

Cheapest I have found. Not too much cheaper than msrp. In my opinion might as well get the 32

The 32 are not wifi and are having fan issues.

Thanks for the link, those are the cheapest I have seen too.

eggplantparrot · Jan 21, 2020

piranhaman00 said:
The 32 are not wifi and are having fan issues.

Thanks for the link, those are the cheapest I have seen too.

do you have one with fan issues? im looking to pick one up tomorrow. can you tell me more about this?

drscottf · Jan 21, 2020

piranhaman00 said:
The 32 are not wifi and are having fan issues.

Thanks for the link, those are the cheapest I have seen too.

They are bluetooth only. Do you think that is a big deal? I have read about some having fan issues. But in believe there was a firmware update and it was resolved.

piranhaman00 · Jan 21, 2020

eggplantparrot said:
do you have one with fan issues? im looking to pick one up tomorrow. can you tell me more about this?

I do not have one no, but as scott said a firmware update fixed the problem, still not something I want to mess with when the 26 have a proven track record.

drscottf said:
They are bluetooth only. Do you think that is a big deal? I have read about some having fan issues. But in believe there was a firmware update and it was resolved.

Bluetooth vs wifi depends on your specific use. Wifi can be controlled away from home if necessary but wifi can also go down where bluetooth cannot.

I should have state initially also that the 32 are not able to communicate with the 26 which does not work for me.

eggplantparrot · Jan 21, 2020

piranhaman00 said:
I do not have one no, but as scott said a firmware update fixed the problem, still not something I want to mess with when the 26 have a proven track record.

Bluetooth vs wifi depends on your specific use. Wifi can be controlled away from home if necessary but wifi can also go down where bluetooth cannot.

I should have state initially also that the 32 are not able to communicate with the 26 which does not work for me.

yes except my lfs are still charging same price for the 26s!

piranhaman00 · Jan 21, 2020

eggplantparrot said:
yes except my lfs are still charging same price for the 26s!

Yes I cant believe how pricey they still are. I grabbed three from BRS during BF when the 32s came out for 240 or so. Should have gotten a few more...

drscottf · Jan 21, 2020

piranhaman00 said:
Yes I cant believe how pricey they still are. I grabbed three from BRS during BF when the 32s came out for 240 or so. Should have gotten a few more...

Yea. They are still quite expensive