Reef tanks deeper than 30”, will LED be effective?

[ShawnSaucier]

So I’m starting to slowly plan my upgrade from my 190 (6 years old). I am definitely looking into the 400g+ range but also looking at different shapes rather than just a long tank.
Last night before dozing off, I was looking at a custom tank builder’s site and playing with ideas like 72x48x36 or 60x48x48. This got me thinking about doing a deeper tank. Also seeing some picture after a google search really kinda got my juices flowing with the idea. Extra deep tank on a lower stand, filtration done remotely.
But what about lighting? Will LEDs be enough or am I having to go back to Halides and heat issues?

 

[Tangina20]

So I’m starting to slowly plan my upgrade from my 190 (6 years old). I am definitely looking into the 400g+ range but also looking at different shapes rather than just a long tank.
Last night before dozing off, I was looking at a custom tank builder’s site and playing with ideas like 72x48x36 or 60x48x48. This got me thinking about doing a deeper tank. Also seeing some picture after a google search really kinda got my juices flowing with the idea. Extra deep tank on a lower stand, filtration done remotely.
But what about lighting? Will LEDs be enough or am I having to go back to Halides and heat issues?

I think led would work, a lot of people run aqua illumination lights 12” off of a 24” tank with plenty of light to spare... I know it’s not 30 inches of weather but most people aren’t even running the lights at 100%. There’s a lot of successful deep tanks with hybrid t5/led. It all depends on the corals you plan on keeping at the 30” depth.

 

[Oldreefer44]

My Orphek v4's are 42 inches above the bottom of my tank. Am able to grow anything at that depth with them.

 

[ShawnSaucier]

I think led would work, a lot of people run aqua illumination lights 12” off of a 24” tank with plenty of light to spare... I know it’s not 30 inches of weather but most people aren’t even running the lights at 100%. There’s a lot of successful deep tanks with hybrid t5/led. It all depends on the corals you plan on keeping at the 30” depth.

I would love to keep it mixed like my tank now. Softies to SPS. I run Ecotech Xr15’s on my system now @ 75% and 17” off the water. No issue growing SPS in the sand. The tank is 24” deep btw. But doubling that depth..? Looking at 48”