Lighting

[tidefanjam]

My new tank is 36 wide 24 deep, would a t5/MH be better for the depth of the tank or LED? Got to keep the budget reasonable, I like the kessils but can't afford 2 of them and I'm not sure I'd get enough coverage with one. I'm not currently planing on any SPS but would like to be able to have most other options open.

Thanks

 

[Mark Gray]

Maybe look at Reef Breeders T5 are good MH will for sure do the job but you will use a lot more electricity and you will get twice the heat also

 

[Shep]

To get that kind of coverage you are going to have to spend a good bit of money, Reefbreeders are a great option for cost effectiveness (plus they are awesome lights). I prefer T5s but they do cost a lot more in bulbs and electricity

 

[tidefanjam]

Yea I think I'm gonna look more towards the leds for the energy savings and heat reduction from them

 

[tidefanjam]

I'm an electrician and have worked with many metal halides, and you could grill a steak on one

 

[Ty Hamatake]

What's your budget, if you don't mind? If it's strict, you may want to look at a couple of "Chinese Black Boxes" https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019...r+aquarium&dpPl=1&dpID=51HUWAxYXrL&ref=plSrch
If you have more wiggle room, I really like my AI Hydra 26s. Also, unless you get a bar, like the ones made by Reef Breeders, I don't think you'll be able to find a module with 36" of coverage.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Youd need a set budget to really go deep. But a popular choice would be the sbreeflighs. A chinese BB too, but the owner checks in here on R2r and his warranty is good. they make a 16 in 30in and a 32in light. w options or basic, timer and full ramp, and wifi. $,$$,$$$. but stays under $$$$$$$
Def look into used gear too.

 

[dakotasport92]

I have a pair of sb's 16" on my 125, they sit almost 20" above the tank and 40% power keeps a mixed reef happy.

 

[tidefanjam]

I need to try and stay under $400, I've looked at the mars lights and thought about getting 2 of the 165 watt, just wasn't real sure of the depth penetration, could put the higher light need corals and such on the rock work to get them up a bit higher too

 

[Flippers4pups]

I have three mars aqua 165w units over my 6' 125. Got them all for$265. I love them.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

I need to try and stay under $400, I've looked at the mars lights and thought about getting 2 of the 165 watt, just wasn't real sure of the depth penetration, could put the higher light need corals and such on the rock work to get them up a bit higher too

That's how most mixed reefs work, lower light need corals lower down, an higher needs high up. Also, it looks like the 32" Photon V1 by Reef Breeders is right on budget for you. I don't have one personally, but I hear good things about them and it should meet your lighting needs.

 

[Roy 9121]

I use too have MH, switched to leds a few years ago. Saved me about $20 a month in electricity. Not to mention replacing bulbs Every 6-8months at $80 each. I tried the cheap Chinese set up, it went out in about a year. So i sucked it up and bought the hydra 52, it's been great.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

the mars, sb and RB are about the same power. They'll boil water

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I use too have MH, switched to leds a few years ago. Saved me about $20 a month in electricity. Not to mention replacing bulbs Every 6-8months at $80 each. I tried the cheap Chinese set up, it went out in about a year. So i sucked it up and bought the hydra 52, it's been great.

I picked up 3 ai sol used for my 48inw tank. WAY overpowered. They're great!

 

[tutmatt3]

I'm not sure why this is the same price as the 48" I got, but def give it a look!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GFTQDQK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I just got mine in a few days ago, and although I have yet to grow anything (literally started tank recently, havn't introduced anything besides 2x clowns in), the controller gives you a lot of flexibility.
I mainly mention it since a ton of people in the reviews have had success.

Give it a look into! Low wattage as well!

 

[Harambe]

Get a sb reed light, either the 30 or 32 inch depending on the features you want

 

[tidefanjam]

Thanks, I like the reefbreeders and the sb's, will probably look at one of those, maybe the mars.
I've got some time before I'll need them but I know a direction to look now.