Proper Lighting for SPS Dominate Tank

Tstead_504 · Mar 10, 2015

Hey guys, have been digging around for a thread based on this topic and everything seems to be old news. Wondering what you guys think is the best lighting set up for large (210 DT) sytem that is 27 in. deep. I've read that modern LEDs can duplicate the growth of HPS/MH bulbs and then again people say that nothing can replace those good ole MH bulbs. And cant forget about T5 bulbs either... Just want looknig for some experienced people to give me a little knowledge on what they think is the most benificial lighting set up for a SPS dominated tank.

macscale · Mar 10, 2015

Proper is a solid answer. It varies from person to person and basically boils down to your preferences.
Consider these things and it should help you.
1. Are you willing to replace bulbs?
2. How important is energy costs?

I've had good success with LED recently, but haven't run halides in a long time so a lot of factors have changed.

AdamNC · Mar 10, 2015

I've been running the Maxspect R420R 16k 160watt for the past 10 months on my 29 gallon and so far have only lost a birdsnest due to moving it up off the sand too quickly. I've even brought stuff back from what was presumably dead with no visible polyps. Though to the eye LEDs may not look bright they can have a high PAR level and intensity. Although I can't vouch for MH or T-5s though, my last tank was about 8 years ago running PCs. But for a tank your size I'd look into possible LED/T-5 combo fixtures. There are a few really nice ones out there but they are not cheap.

KoleTang · Mar 10, 2015

I've seen very successful SPS tanks under T5, LED, and MH. In my experiance, the LEDs take more understanding of color spectrum to get the best color out of the corals. But if you can figure it out you can have a great looking tank. The best thing to do is to check out tank of the month tanks on this and other forums and maybe take some inspiration from that.

Personally I am going with MH and DIY LED on my new SPS build.

Tstead_504 · Mar 11, 2015

Thanks guys.

Anyone else care to throw their two cents in on this? I know some people out there feel very strongly one way or the other

hart24601 · Mar 11, 2015

I really like LEDs, I don't see a need for anything else IF you really get a ton of coverage to eliminate self shading. Strip lights like build my LED are good, or putting large fixtures across the top like say a reefbreeders 48" over a 48" tank. I think triton has LED panels that cover the tank. I am using 4 hydra 26's now on my 120 for total coverage. I think LED t5 is a good combo too just to avoid shading if you don't want to cover the entire length in LEDs.

IMO you shouldn't be getting hotspots with LEDs. You should have enough units for coverage to get a consistent PAR across the rockwork at the same height. If you have to turn up the fixture to cover the edges and get hotspot in the middle that means you need more fixtures. For SPS that is.

iReef86 · Mar 11, 2015

I am a huge fan of MH and T5, I use LEDs on my smaller tanks and love the ease of customizing the spectrum, but my Halides and T5s are in my reefology as gods. IMO.

puffer420 · Apr 13, 2015

I love halides ran them for my 6 years in the hobby and don't think I'll be changing anytime soon. On my 125 mixed I run 1 400 20k radium 2 250 watt 14k hexarcs suppl with 2 48 giessman true actinics. Great growth and color imoa

kendavjac · Apr 13, 2015

I changed from MH to LEDs in last 6 months. My growth has been better, but to be fair all my sticks are small and they may have just gotten big enough to really show lots of noticeable growth. At the same time I started using Kalc in my topoff water, I'm sure that has helped stablize my alk. I can't really say which change I give the credit for my improved growth.

TJ's Reef · Apr 13, 2015

I've used most all above mentioned light sources for years at a time and have been strictly 'Broad Spectrum' LED for past 4+ years. I cannot ever see going back in tech to any other. As also mentioned above you need some basic understanding Spectrum wise and proper coverage for most LED fixtures. I spent a whole lot of time designing my own DIY LED array to emulate a Phoenix 14K lamp (my favorite ever) tweaking the spectrum only to eliminate most of the Yellow to Green range but otherwise like having a brand new Phoenix lamp that lasts 6-9 years instead of months. IMHO at this point in time as far as the Hobby goes LED's give you the most exacting control of what you may want and what the Corals need.

Cheers, Todd