New here looking for reef buddy’s and lighting help

[Dannybrake]

hey guys ! So just moved into my first home a condo ! So the only place I could put my 20 gallon is here (see picture) only problem is the top of the tank to the top of the cabinet is only 6 inches high . So I only have that space for lighting . I looked at the AI prime HD or the Kessle a80 but I’m not sure if any mounting options would work ? What do u guys think ?
I plan on eventually doing easy coral after a few months .
Tank was just set up today. Thanks guys !

 

[PDR]

Welcome to R2R!!!

If you are planning on keeping easier coral like softies and some lps, I would recommend a strip light like what current usa offers. Something like that is great for lower light coral and would be perfect for your situation.

 

[RELLIK-REEF]

Welcome, and I say a fluval 2.0 would work great for you. It's also wifi controlled if you want that.

 

[Dannybrake]

Welcome to R2R!!!

If you are planning on keeping easier coral like softies and some lps, I would recommend a strip light like what current usa offers. Something like that is great for lower light coral and would be perfect for your situation.

Thanks PDR !

I’ll check that out , let’s say I do get that how will I know what I can grow ? And what if I wanted to be able to grow higher light coral in the future .. what do u think ?

 

[Dannybrake]

Welcome, and I say a fluval 2.0 would work great for you. It's also wifi controlled if you want that.

My lfs has that, think it’s 3.0 now. I don’t know much about lights but I read it can’t grow much do u think I would be happy with what it can grow ? .. also it’s close in price to like an AI prime .. What do u think ?

 

[PDR]

Thanks PDR !

I’ll check that out , let’s say I do get that how will I know what I can grow ? And what if I wanted to be able to grow higher light coral in the future .. what do u think ?

The nice things about those lights is they are some of the few that have a par chart from the manufacturer. I believe this is the updated chart. https://current-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Orbit-PAR-Measurements-1.pdf

It shows the different models as well. I believe the IC is the newest model. If you wanted to keep higher light corals in the future you could always add a second fixture to the tank or they may be fine if placed high enough in the tank.

Keep in mind those par numbers are most likely taken with all channels at 100%. Most people don't run them all at 100%.

 

[RELLIK-REEF]

My lfs has that, think it’s 3.0 now. I don’t know much about lights but I read it can’t grow much do u think I would be happy with what it can grow ? .. also it’s close in price to like an AI prime .. What do u think ?

Yeah it's all about what you're trying to grow. But I had a fluval 2.0 marine on our 180gal for a while, it was fine for hammers, frog spawn, torches, anemones, mushrooms, dendros, kryptonite candy canes, rock flowers, a few different challis, a Lobo and a couple crocea clams. Good luck whatever route you go.

 

[Dannybrake]

The nice things about those lights is they are some of the few that have a par chart from the manufacturer. I believe this is the updated chart. https://current-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Orbit-PAR-Measurements-1.pdf

It shows the different models as well. I believe the IC is the newest model. If you wanted to keep higher light corals in the future you could always add a second fixture to the tank or they may be fine if placed high enough in the tank.

Keep in mind those par numbers are most likely taken with all channels at 100%. Most people don't run them all at 100%.

Wow that par chart is great ! Makes it a bit easier to figure out. I’m gonna check out the site a bit more and try to figure out what would be the best option .. for now your idea is looking like my only good option..

 

[Dannybrake]

Yeah it's all about what you're trying to grow. But I had a fluval 2.0 marine on our 180gal for a while, it was fine for hammers, frog spawn, torches, anemones, mushrooms, dendros, kryptonite candy canes, rock flowers, a few different challis, a Lobo and a couple crocea clams. Good luck whatever route you go.

Awesome thanks for the advice !
That’s a great option and easy to get at my lfs. If you could grow all that then it seems pretty good ! So far it’s either the 3.0 or the USA current.. thanks for the help so far

 

[RELLIK-REEF]

Awesome thanks for the advice !
That’s a great option and easy to get at my lfs. If you could grow all that then it seems pretty good ! So far it’s either the 3.0 or the USA current.. thanks for the help so far

No problem. I use 2 currents and my t5 now. Love the light it gives off.

 

[RELLIK-REEF]

No problem. I use 2 currents and my t5 now. Love the light it gives off.

If you go fluval let me know and I can sell you the wifi controller if you'd like.