Proper lighting for STD 75 Gallon. Raisins or Kessils

[Scottyxcameron]

So I’ve gotten permission (Yes!!) from the soon to be wife to get the lighting that will be best for the present and future! I jumped the gun and bought 2 Orbit IC Loop lights. After researching more and more (literally several hours) I’ve came to the conclusion that I probably won’t be able to have much growth and long term success. So I’ve done even more research and I’ve settled on a few options. I’m hoping someone can guide me in the right direction!

I am in between getting 2 Kessil A350ws(I can get one for $280), 2 Radion Gen 4 XR15wPros or 2 Radion Gen 4 XR30w Pros. I’m not really seeing what would be best for my 75 gallon. I’d like to grow most corals. Here is a picture of my current set up. I really am still learning the names of most of these corals. We went to the Reef Conservation Convention at That Pet Place this weekend and it was like I was a kind in a candy store. Please feel free to bash/beat me up for stupidity! I sometimes learn the hard way. Thank you for your time and patience with this!

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Radions**** dang auto correct!!!!!

 

[Scottyxcameron]

BUmp!

 

[kyleinpdx]

I vote raisins, definitely raisins!

Seriously though, on that large of a tank, out of the options I'd say the XR30s.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Would I be able to get away with 2 XR15 G4s if I place the SPS higher, under both lights? Would my acans be ok on the floor or slightly higher?

 

[billwill]

No need for XR30 Pros. I've got a 90 g, which is identical except less height. I've had kessil and loved the color, but ended up adding four bulb T5 to them. Ive been running two radion XR30 G4s about 65% power, and sps doing great and have to find shade for lps. You could likely get away with two XR15s if you keep sps high and still want some lps and zoas low. The G4 lenses do an amazing job of diffusion compared to the older versions.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Awesome! I will be ordering these now. I don’t plan on doing mostly SPS, just some.

 

[mcarroll]

Not sure what you read to the contrary, but the lights you bought should be great for a 75 gallon.

The tank is only 18" deep....two IC's will do a 24" deep tank.

I would not switch IMO.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

These aren’t the marine pros... they are the loop.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

These

 

[mcarroll]

Yes, this: Orbit Marine IC LED

See here: PAR Data

Two ought to be just about right!

 

[Scottyxcameron]

BUmp, anyone else to chime in? I’d like to make a decision today...,

 

[mcarroll]

The only way this light doesn't work is if you're going to hang the light up off the tank, have no sand bed and want to grow 100% of your corals on the glass bottom.

If that's you, then look at adding a third IC...or upgrading to Pro's....or switching to another more-powerful setup. (None of those options is better than the other IMO....all good. So whatever seems to make sense for your situation.)

 

[Scottyxcameron]

I will just have it mounted on the tank.... I'm just worried that the PAR readings won't be sufficient enough for SPS, even if I place them higher in the tank

 

[Roy 9121]

I would take a look At the AI Hydra 52 hds if I were you.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Would 2 radion xr30 gen 3s be overkill?

 

[Roy 9121]

What are the dementions of your tank?

 

[Scottyxcameron]

48long, 20in high (18in from sand), 18 in wide

 

[Roy 9121]

48long, 20in high (18in from sand), 18 in wide

So I would think 2 radion XR15s would be good. But I would still take a look at the AI Hydra 26 hd, it's a better light in my opinion.

 

[Heliarc19]

I would take a look At the AI Hydra 52 hds if I were you.

The 26hds as well, I have 2 with the same dimensions and have great growth on sps mid level and high level. If you add any of the options your thinking about combined with your orbit you will probably keep them at below 100% and be very happy