My 180 reef. And a hello to all

VanGrant44 · Jun 25, 2020

I started my 180 gallon reef about 6 months ago. I got the tank from a buddy of mine who gave it away. Empty of course except some rock. So decided to start from scratch. We built the stand for this monster lol. If any would like pictures for ideas on the stand let me know. The sump I got with tank was a 40 gallon generic acrylic with an external motor 1/8hp and a strip light lol. So now currently as most of you know the addiction behind reefing catches quick. So with that being said I went and ordered 3 viper spectra 165 full spectrum light. I got an IceCap 36XL sump/Refugium. (Which I advise to do before you make stand!) so it sits on side now until a better idea comes along. I purchased a IOAIO skimmer that’s good up to 300 gallons (programmable) and of course 3 wave makers. For return pumps I went with 2 rated up to 1400 gallons each. I have a reactor which I’ll be setting up tonight. When doing water changes my wonderful LFS sold me water that were booming in phosphates and such so I had an algae explosion. I tried out Vibrant and the good news is after my 2nd treatment. (2 weeks) the algae is almost gone. I am planning an auto dose unit as well as an ATO. I will share some photos with you guys but keep in mind it’s coming out of an algae spree. I’ve included photos of old sump. Some of stand building and also new stuff. I left front flap on hood open to show lights

VanGrant44 · Jun 25, 2020

Mind you tonight once my blues are on solo I will take some photos of coral frags I have in tank so if anyone has input or ideas for placement of them I’d be appreciative for input ty

Uncle99 · Jun 25, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef!
I use those Visparspectra 165 watt, 4 years now and run like new, so, I know your going to be happy.
They can push a ton of PAR.
Looks like things are going well.

VanGrant44 · Jun 25, 2020

Hi Uncle99. Yes can’t believe for the money how great they work . I run my blues at 100 and whites at 10. Does this seem like a good level compared to what yours are set at

Uncle99 · Jun 25, 2020

VanGrant44 said:
Hi Uncle99. Yes can’t believe for the money how great they work . I run my blues at 100 and whites at 10. Does this seem like a good level compared to what yours are set at

What’s great about these lights (IMO) it’s very hard to get the spectrum wrong, regardless of the setting.
We are 100% blue/violet, but only 1% white/green/red, greatest “pop” at this level for me. Been like that for 3 years.

I absolutely agree with your setting, very good choice, but if your going to have any sensitive corals, ramp to 100, whites can stay at anywhere between 1-10, whatever looks good to you.

I did start at 50% (blue) and it took me 6 months to get it to 100%, these lights pack a ton of PAR. Can easily torch any coral, but, over time, they adapt.
The trick is set and forget. Never touch then again if possible, then they get cranky....not the lights...the corals.