I'm new to the hobby of reef keeping and I have a biocube29 right and I'm ready for an upgrade..I have a 110g. Tall tank so it 48" x 18" x 30".. A 30 g. Sump with a g2 skimmer and mag 9.5 return pump.. Now I'm looking for a light setup that would have good par at 30" deep I currently have a rapid led fixture that I have from a friends tank.. But not quite sure on how I like them since I'm still getting the feel for coral!! What would be a good setup/fixture?
Lighting options? Please help!!
- Thread starter shollback
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The reason I ask, is that SPS will need much more light compared to soft corals or LPS.....
I would look at Reef Radiance, reef breeders (both site sponsor) or some of the other sponsors if you want LED.
If you want Halides, check out a home grow site (cheaper since it doesn't say "marine", "coral", "reef", etc...but is the same quality and same exact thing in most cases).
As for T5, I don't think it will penetrate 30" down (never tried it).
It also depends on your budget, MH may be a smaller investment for the fixture and power supply, however, heat, bulbs, and electrical consumption are much higher than LED.
LED requires a large investment up front with nothing to change. I would suggest if you want to go with LED, that you get something dimmable, as most stores have not gone to LED exclusively and you may need to acclimate new corals.
There are a few threads here that show PAR readings at different depths, which may help as well. Just remember, the most expensive and important item for your tank is the light (generally), followed closely by a Protein Skimmer. If you skimp now due to $, you will pay for it later in lost livestock.
I would look at Reef Radiance, reef breeders (both site sponsor) or some of the other sponsors if you want LED.
If you want Halides, check out a home grow site (cheaper since it doesn't say "marine", "coral", "reef", etc...but is the same quality and same exact thing in most cases).
As for T5, I don't think it will penetrate 30" down (never tried it).
It also depends on your budget, MH may be a smaller investment for the fixture and power supply, however, heat, bulbs, and electrical consumption are much higher than LED.
LED requires a large investment up front with nothing to change. I would suggest if you want to go with LED, that you get something dimmable, as most stores have not gone to LED exclusively and you may need to acclimate new corals.
There are a few threads here that show PAR readings at different depths, which may help as well. Just remember, the most expensive and important item for your tank is the light (generally), followed closely by a Protein Skimmer. If you skimp now due to $, you will pay for it later in lost livestock.
