Spare no expense - Looking for the best light

[MattL]

Hello,

I’m starting a very custom 60 gallon 2x2“ cube tank in my bar and I’m looking for a very compact light which I can hide in a hanging lamp, which I’ll be having custom made. With so many lights out there I need some guidance. Any help will be great. If anyone has something which might be similar pictures would be great. I’ve been saving for years since we built our new home, so any suggestions are welcome. I’ve been in the hobby since I was a child and had many very exceptional reef tanks, but with a house build I have been out of it for the last five years. Thank you for any advice!

Have a good day!

 

[Bpb]

250 watt giesemann spectra. Done.

 

[oreo54]

250 watt giesemann spectra. Done.

Save about $500.. LOL
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1114779532...d0dHRJwSXG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
DE though....

Discontinued?
Ballast extra..

Spectra SE 24" Metal Halide T5 Fixture

2 Foot Giesemann Spectra 1x Single Ended Metal Halide by 4x24w T5 Fixture Use either 250w or 400w Single Ended Metal Halide Lamps. Metal halide ballast sold separately. BRS suggests the Luxcore Electronic 250w or 400w Ballast. Giesemann has been known for making high-quality light fixtures...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Not sure anyone would argue against the Straton as a contender

Straton LED

Create A Uniform Blanket Of Light With The ATI Straton LED Providing one of the largest illuminated banks of LEDs available, the ATI Straton mimics T5’s proven track record of excellent coral growth and even spread. Especially important for SPS colonies, the broad spread and diffused bank of...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Straton LED

Create A Uniform Blanket Of Light With The ATI Straton LED Providing one of the largest illuminated banks of LEDs available, the ATI Straton mimics T5’s proven track record of excellent coral growth and even spread. Especially important for SPS colonies, the broad spread and diffused bank of...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Light choice depends on function and other requirements ( including mounting height).

ATI Straton analyzed in our DaniReef LAB - Let's See the Performance

We had the opportunity to test the new ATI Straton thanks to Jonathan, who just bought three of them for his tank. We analyzed the PAR and created th

reefs.com

 

[Oldreefer44]

There are plenty of lights that will work for you. IMO, the best being Stratons, Radions and Orphek. The issue is fitting them into your light fixture. Would need to see it to really help. Also, lighting needs are very dependent on what you plan to keep in your tank. If corals, what kinds make a difference.

 

[areefer01]

Hello,

I’m starting a very custom 60 gallon 2x2“ cube tank in my bar and I’m looking for a very compact light which I can hide in a hanging lamp, which I’ll be having custom made. With so many lights out there I need some guidance. Any help will be great. If anyone has something which might be similar pictures would be great. I’ve been saving for years since we built our new home, so any suggestions are welcome. I’ve been in the hobby since I was a child and had many very exceptional reef tanks, but with a house build I have been out of it for the last five years. Thank you for any advice!

Have a good day!

Not to be that person but you have no requirements other than a 2 x 2 cube display and very compact.

• What corals
• What fish
• What sort of spectrum is pleasing to your or your families eyes
• What size is the hanging thing that is being custom made
• What sort of cooling or thermal management or vents in custom thing being made
• Is any controller involved
• If controller do you want integration with light(s)

Also as you are aware you are going to get a lot of different opinions most of which will be biased. A single Kessil could light that easy. So could a Radion. A SKY. A Straton. A Gen 2 coral care. You get the idea. Hobbyist love to spend other hobbyist money but you need to provide some more information to get better opinions.

 

[Bpb]

I threw out a quick easy answer which would satisfy all requirements on coral health and enjoyable visual experience, with little to no chance of making a mistake.

But….it needs to be said, if you are hoping to buy success with a reef tank, money is far better spent on real ocean harvested rock and sand. That’ll take you infinitely farther than any choice in the lighting department. Secondary to that, a Neptune trident, and 4 ecotech mp10’s for that tank would do well also if we are spending some dough.

After that…literally any reputable reef oriented light tuned with a par meter and left alone will work marginally the same as the next choice. Lighting is a very visual aspect (obviously) of the hobby and an easy one to tinker with, but Is ultimately over-valued on making or breaking a tank. Pick what you think looks best over the tank and find yourself some REAL quality live rock and sand.

 

[legionofdoon]

Save about $500.. LOL
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1114779532...d0dHRJwSXG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
DE though....

Discontinued?
Ballast extra..

Spectra SE 24" Metal Halide T5 Fixture

2 Foot Giesemann Spectra 1x Single Ended Metal Halide by 4x24w T5 Fixture Use either 250w or 400w Single Ended Metal Halide Lamps. Metal halide ballast sold separately. BRS suggests the Luxcore Electronic 250w or 400w Ballast. Giesemann has been known for making high-quality light fixtures...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Not sure anyone would argue against the Straton as a contender

Straton LED

Create A Uniform Blanket Of Light With The ATI Straton LED Providing one of the largest illuminated banks of LEDs available, the ATI Straton mimics T5’s proven track record of excellent coral growth and even spread. Especially important for SPS colonies, the broad spread and diffused bank of...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Straton LED

Create A Uniform Blanket Of Light With The ATI Straton LED Providing one of the largest illuminated banks of LEDs available, the ATI Straton mimics T5’s proven track record of excellent coral growth and even spread. Especially important for SPS colonies, the broad spread and diffused bank of...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Light choice depends on function and other requirements ( including mounting height).

ATI Straton analyzed in our DaniReef LAB - Let's See the Performance

We had the opportunity to test the new ATI Straton thanks to Jonathan, who just bought three of them for his tank. We analyzed the PAR and created th

reefs.com

I had the eBay one on my 40 breeder with 14k phoenix bulbs and blue+ and Tru actinic. Wayyy to much I was bleaching my rocks. But the color was awesome and no shadows anywhere.

 

[Sean Clark]

Spare no expense? Tell that to Dennis Nedry.

 

[Gp!]

Do this:

first time removing the sun domes clear inside cover to inspect the tubes, after 11 years they are still looking great. I have new domes for the outside arriving soon.

 

[FoolishWizard]

Spare no expense? Tell that to Dennis Nedry.

"Ah ah ah... You didnt say the magic word."

 

[Reefer_punk]

Ghl Mitras combined with the aquaticlife hybrid is an absolute winner

 

[DJF]

+1 ATI Straton. Just switched from a t5/led hybrid to address the heat and couldn’t be happier. They blow away my radions.

 

[areefer01]

"Ah ah ah... You didnt say the magic word."

Wondering how many are searching for that now...

 

[jda]

Best how? Performance? Aesthetics? Apps? There could be other things that define best.

I have no idea about apps. Aesthetics are personal choice. If you want performance, then Metal Halide is still unbeaten for pure response from corals and tank inhabitants.

Best is pretty subjective. If you can narrow it down, then you are sure to get a lot of good help.