Torn between Kessil's with 48x18x10 mixed reef

[tsouth]

Hey R2R team, hope all is well with you and happy new year!

I am currently planning out an upgrade of a tank that is 48Lx18Wx10H and am seeking guidance on lighting a mixed reef.

I currently have a setup that uses 2 x kessil A80's. I would like to utilize Kessil's on the new tank, and whether or not that means using the a80's with supplemental lighting, adding an additional a80, or changing to 160's is where I need those with experience to help me out. Thank you in advance for your time! All my best to you

 

[ndrwater]

Personally, I go with at least the 160's. The 80's are okay, but don't provide a ton of punch. Being that your tank is only 10" high, you might get away with 80's. Just need 3 if not 4...

 

[tsouth]

Thank you for the insight.

I assume that 3 x 160's would be ideal and will take anything I throw at it, but 2 is good enough to play with some acros?

 

[Hemmdog]

Thank you for the insight.

I assume that 3 x 160's would be ideal and will take anything I throw at it, but 2 is good enough to play with some acros?

For acros I would do 4 or 5 a80’s. That’s going to be a really cool sps tank! I’m excited to see it!

you could also light that tank with T5’s very easily if the a80’s aren’t bright enough.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I think you’d need 4x A80s for 48” - I had 3x on my 36” IM30 and it worked well.

 

[spidercrab]

You are going to get very low par with A80s they are 15w each even at 6" you would probably be getting under 100 par.

 

[tsouth]

I agree. I think the A80's aren't going to cut it and I would rather be safe than sorry.