Lighting options for 80 Gallon shallow

certain_code · Mar 16, 2015

Like the title says, just picked up a 80 gallon shallow Deep Blue tank to replace my 55. Tank is 16" tall and I'm beginning to think about switching up my lights before it gets wet. I am currently running rapid LEDs DIY and have had mixed luck with corals keeping colors.

I'd like to keep SPS down the road but certainly not SPS dominant of a tank. I like the flexibility of LEDs so am think about going with 2 a160 Kessil but would that be enough? Also thinking of going with T5s but ideally want minimal plugs and built in timing functionally.

Lastly, rimless tank so I want them to be suspended which seems to limit some fixtures.

Thoughts much appreciated! So excited to get the build thread going for this tank.

Thanks!

Mester320 · Mar 16, 2015

If you are going with the Kessil lights you are going to need the A350w or A360w and the "w" is very important. That stands for the wide angle lens so that it will cover a 24x24 (i think) area. This means that you will need two of them. I just picked up the almost same tank but I have the 60G 48x24x12 one for my frag tank. I bought a 48" Reefbreeders LED light off a guy on here that was using it for the same tank you have. Great light I have used the 48" reefbreeders light in the past for my 120G and it grew corals really well. Just have to run them on a low setting like 30-40% for such shallow tanks.

certain_code · Mar 16, 2015

Mester320 said:
If you are going with the Kessil lights you are going to need the A350w or A360w and the "w" is very important. That stands for the wide angle lens so that it will cover a 24x24 (i think) area. This means that you will need two of them. I just picked up the almost same tank but I have the 60G 48x24x12 one for my frag tank. I bought a 48" Reefbreeders LED light off a guy on here that was using it for the same tank you have. Great light I have used the 48" reefbreeders light in the past for my 120G and it grew corals really well. Just have to run them on a low setting like 30-40% for such shallow tanks.

Would I really need the 360s though? I was told because the tank is so shallow that the 160s would be more than enough. Then again it was by the same guy that wanted me to get an even bigger tank

certain_code · Mar 17, 2015

Thoughts from anyone else? Having a really hard time figuring out which way I should go with such a large purchase that seems to be so critical on tank success.

GreatWhiteTang · Mar 17, 2015

If you do Kessil i agree you will need a360we models to give you the 4x2 spread you need

GreatWhiteTang · Mar 17, 2015

with that said.. Love mine.. Similar tank too mines 48 x 24.5 x 16.5 starfire glass.

certain_code · Mar 18, 2015

Such nice lights those Kessils are but the price really hurts, haha.

Anyone recommend any T5 fixtures? I am somewhat tired of messing with LEDs trying to get them right. Thinking of going to the tried and true T5s. Would I need a full 48" fixture or would the spread of an 8 bulb 36" be enough? Any recommendations?

Really trying to keep the upgrade cost down on just these lights.

gacolt · Mar 18, 2015

a 6 or 8 bulb ati fixture 48'' or 36'' would work great for a mixed reef

doylef4i · Mar 18, 2015

gacolt said:
a 6 or 8 bulb ati fixture 48'' or 36'' would work great for a mixed reef

I have to agree here. A guy I worked with has a 8x39 ati sunpower on the same tank mostly made up of acros and a few lps and zoas.

certain_code · Mar 18, 2015

So from what I can find online (still have to price my LFS) here is what I am looking at:

ATI 8x36" Dimmable T5 + 8 Bulbs - $798
2 Kessil a360we - $798

What would everyone go with when it comes down to those two options? Is there a better choice for less?

I feel like my brain is going to explode overthinking these lights. Haha :juggle:

gacolt · Mar 18, 2015

i would pass on the dimmable t5 it's not needed and kills the life of the bulb.i would go with a sunpower

certain_code · Mar 19, 2015

For posterity, went with the ATI 8x36" from BRS. 4 Blue+, 3 Coral+, and 1 Purple+

Decided I am tired of fiddling with LEDs and appreciate the look of the ATI fixture. T5 has been around long enough that bulb combinations shouldn't pose a problem and the 8 bulb should give off enough light to go with a SPS tank given the shallowness of the Deep Blue. Maybe later on when I see the guess work and solid results of LEDs I will switch back.

Thanks everyone for the help, really appreciate it.

hummer · Mar 22, 2015

2 radion pro 30 with wide angle lens will cover you for any Coral no up grade needed EVER

certain_code · Mar 23, 2015

hummer said:
2 radion pro 30 with wide angle lens will cover you for any Coral no up grade needed EVER

Yeah, not to discredit Ecotech, but I have a hard time seeing the benefit of getting $1500 worth of LEDs that I still have not seen the same results that people are getting from T5s or MHs. Of course there are tanks that are doing well out there under them, but I have still yet to see any tank under LEDs and thought that is what I need to get for lighting.

I originally went with DIY LEDs for the price point and configurability. I searched and searched, went with the best LEDs I could find (3w Crees) with the best spread I could find (did ecotech, Ai, and reefbreeders configuration). Yet, after nearly 3 years with them, things are alive I will say but growth is mediocre at best.

Really appreciate the input but T5s it is.

Thanks :hug:

fungia_fiend · Mar 23, 2015

I have that same tank and I run an ATI 6x39w Sunpower T5 fixture with ATI bulbs over it. I have no problems with SPS. I get good growth (but not as good as halides did) and great color (much better than LEDs or Halides for my acroporas).

certain_code · Mar 23, 2015

fungia_fiend said:
I have that same tank and I run an ATI 6x39w Sunpower T5 fixture with ATI bulbs over it. I have no problems with SPS. I get good growth (but not as good as halides did) and great color (much better than LEDs or Halides for my acroporas).

Glad to hear it. What are you running for bulbs?

fungia_fiend · Mar 24, 2015

cgaubuchon said:
Glad to hear it. What are you running for bulbs?

4 Blue+, 1 Coral+, 1 Purple+

certain_code · Mar 24, 2015

fungia_fiend said:
4 Blue+, 1 Coral+, 1 Purple+

Cool, Im starting out with what ATI recommends and see how it goes. Excited to see some results after some sub-par SPS results with LEDs.

GF is not particularly happy with the amount of light coming from the fixture, hope it's not as bad when it's hanging over the tank.