red sea max 250 lighting size help

[RicanKing]

Morning,


I have a redsea max 250 that still has the original lid with t5 lighting inside of it. I bought the aquarium used and I am considering replacing the entire lid and installing an LED system. (yes the t5 w/ballast still works). The cross road where I am at is whether to buy and replace the 6 bulbs or get rid of the lid and install LED system with controller.
TANK dimensions are 36"W x 16"D x 20"H. What size light and which light to choose from?

seems everyone like the AI 16HD PRIME but I do not know how many I need.

I am new to reefing. I plan on with time to have a mix reef tank with fish

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

USA, FL (813)

 

[MnFish1]

I would consider a Radion G5 Pro 30.

 

[RicanKing]

I would consider a Radion G5 Pro 30.

I'm having heater issues with my closed lid. The light is more expensive then a chiller.

 

[MnFish1]

I'm having heater issues with my closed lid. The light is more expensive then a chiller.

Right - I was assuming that when you said you were 'replacing the whole lid and adding an LED' - that you weren't going to have a 'closed lid' anymore (I would recommend a mesh lid). So - I guess maybe I don't understand either the question - or perhaps I don't understand your reply above? All LED's are going to have the same 'heat' for the most part

 

[RicanKing]

Right - I was assuming that when you said you were 'replacing the whole lid and adding an LED' - that you weren't going to have a 'closed lid' anymore (I would recommend a mesh lid). So - I guess maybe I don't understand either the question - or perhaps I don't understand your reply above? All LED's are going to have the same 'heat' for the most part

The reason I would replace the lid is because of my heating issues. With the lid closed my temp goes pretty high higher than I'd like. This is why I was looking into removing the lid.

Im not a fan of the AIO design but it is what I have. Currently the upgrades in mind are adding a custom sump and the lid removal.

 

[MnFish1]

The reason I would replace the lid is because of my heating issues. With the lid closed my temp goes pretty high higher than I'd like. This is why I was looking into removing the lid.

Im not a fan of the AIO design but it is what I have. Currently the upgrades in mind are adding a custom sump and the lid removal.

Sorry - again - all of that is good. Your question was about LED upgrades. I only recommended The G530 Pro because I believe you could have 1 light on that size tank. as compared to buying multiple AI 16's (which was the question you asked?). I'm not sure what you're referring to - 'the AIO design' part that you do not like, or how it affects your decision.

 

[MnFish1]

After re-reading - I think I get what you mean. The problem is heating (not lighting itself). You aren't looking for a good/better light, you're looking to cool your tank. 1. I still think there is value in the G530 PRO. 2. airflow access the top (with a fan) will help the temperature. 3. removing the lid is a good idea. IMHO

 

[RicanKing]

Sorry - again - all of that is good. Your question was about LED upgrades. I only recommended The G530 Pro because I believe you could have 1 light on that size tank. as compared to buying multiple AI 16's (which was the question you asked?). I'm not sure what you're referring to - 'the AIO design' part that you do not like, or how it affects your decision.

AIO "ALL IN ONE" this type has the skimmer/sump in the back along with two return pumps. My issue I'm currently having is the lid. The lod traps in heat and I'm looking for an alternative. My lid has the light, fan, controls integrated into it. If I remove the lid I will need a light source.

 

[RicanKing]

After re-reading - I think I get what you mean. The problem is heating (not lighting itself). You aren't looking for a good/better light, you're looking to cool your tank. 1. I still think there is value in the G530 PRO. 2. airflow access the top (with a fan) will help the temperature. 3. removing the lid is a good idea. IMHO

My fellow reefer no need to apologize and thank you VERY much for taking the time to talk to me.