What do you think? Kessil?

Fishgeek88 · Feb 18, 2017

Zach D said:
Man I wish the xr15s were just a little cheaper. Two of those would be awesome.

If your thinking of two XR15s a single XR30 would be plenty

Zach D · Feb 18, 2017

Fishgeek88 said:
If your thinking of two XR15s a single XR30 would be plenty

Well I'm attempting to keep the whole project with arms and controlling to be under $600. That's what drew me to Kessil, and the AI primes.

Fishgeek88 · Feb 18, 2017

Zach D said:
Well I'm attempting to keep the whole project with arms and controlling to be under $600. That's what drew me to Kessil, and the AI primes.

Gotcha, you could always get an older gen Radion for a few hundred bucks

mcarroll · Feb 18, 2017

All of those lights just mentioned are gigantic overkill for a 20 Long.

The light you have is just about perfect for it.

Zach D · Feb 18, 2017

mcarroll said:
All of those lights just mentioned are gigantic overkill for a 20 Long. The light you have is just about perfect for it.

The only reason I ask is I've heard so many negative feedback about the Current brand led light when it comes to growing coral. The light I have was released in September I believe. Not much to read about it outside of their website. And Kessil or AI are proven to be awesome lights.

mcarroll · Feb 18, 2017

It sounds like you might be new to all of them, so consider that it's all hear-say at this point.

While you're in that mode, take a minute to google "gu10 reef" to see examples of a real low end light growing plenty of corals.

I've used one of these DIY GU10 fixtures (as well as some commercial lights) for 5 years or so.

Current's lights are very definitely an upgrade from my GU10's plus you get a fully featured controller with it.

Last, check out my signature.....the quote is for folks in your position.

Have some confidence and grow some corals!!!

Zach D · Feb 18, 2017

mcarroll said:
It sounds like you might be new to all of them, so consider that it's all hear-say at this point.

While you're in that mode, take a minute to google "gu10 reef" to see examples of a real low end light growing plenty of corals.

I've used one of these DIY GU10 fixtures (as well as some commercial lights) for 5 years or so.

Current's lights are very definitely an upgrade from my GU10's plus you get a fully featured controller with it.

Last, check out my signature.....the quote is for folks in your position.

Have some confidence and grow some corals!!!

Thanks for the confidence boost! Definitely will be giving it a shot before diving into another light.

Gettin pretty tired of staring at an empty brown algae filled tank! Haha

mcarroll · Feb 18, 2017

Right on!

(Prolly could go without saying, but don't forget there's more to it than lighting. A doser and ATO are both highly recommended for stony corals. Good flow is crucial as well.)

Zach D · Feb 18, 2017

Just picked out my ATO this week. Goin with the smart ato Micro. Perfect size for this tank. When should I add my chemi pure and poly pads?? Currently just have a sponge in my HOB. Tanks at day 10 or 11 with a ton of brown algae and coming down from a nitrite spike.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 18, 2017

Water changes will get rid of nitrates faster than a chemical filter. The poly pad or just floss should be in the hob already.

minus9 · Feb 18, 2017

Are you running your lights during the cycle? If so, shut them off, you're just adding fuel to the fire. I see lots of diatoms in your tank.
Congrats on the ATO! I'm not a fan of heavy chemical filtration, unless there's an issue to correct. A good skimmer and a proper maintenance routine will take you a long way to having a successful reef.
Just my two pennies.

Zach D · Feb 18, 2017

No nitrates yet. But plenty of nitrites. I did a 2 gallon WC two days ago. Adding poly pads as we speak.

mcarroll · Feb 18, 2017

Agreed, light up the tank when you have something in there that needs it. Unless nitrates or phosphates are really high (which would be weird, but it's possible) I don't worry about nutrients at this stage.

Corals + Lights + Great Flow = No Nutrient Issue