What light to get

[saltysailor]

Hi guys, new to reefing and really excited to get started. I bought a 130D Red Sea off Craigslist w no hood so I have to figure out a light. The area is basically 24”x24”. I honestly am struggling to tell the difference between the high end lights. I would like good enough lights to be able to do most things. I was looking at a360x kessil

 

[Flippers4pups]

Hi guys, new to reefing and really excited to get started. I bought a 130D Red Sea off Craigslist w no hood so I have to figure out a light. The area is basically 24”x24”. I honestly am struggling to tell the difference between the high end lights. I would like good enough lights to be able to do most things. I was looking at a360x kessil

With the kessil, you may need two of them for coverage.

 

[saltysailor]

With the kessil, you may need two of them for coverage.

On a 30 gal display???

 

[saltysailor]

On a 30 gal display???

Not trying to drop 1000$ on lighting for a 30 gallon

 

[Flippers4pups]

It would depend on height of the light. My concern would be shadowing on the sides of the tank.

 

[Gernader]

If you are on a budget, I recommend Chinese black boxes such as Mars Aqua or ViparSpectra! I personally use Mars Aqua and I have no complaints.

 

[WIReefer]

T5 Sunpower would be my choice

 

[saltysailor]

I’m not on a budget, I would spend up to 600 for whole set up, just want to know what is most bulletproof and easy to use w most success.

 

[Gernader]

I’m not on a budget, I would spend up to 600 for whole set up, just want to know what is most bulletproof and easy to use w most success.

Have you seen the reefbreeders photon v2+ (24 inch) fixture? BRS made a YouTube video on it. It got some nice par numbers and would fit your tank perfectly

 

[dawson reynolds]

I’m not on a budget, I would spend up to 600 for whole set up, just want to know what is most bulletproof and easy to use w most success.

Two ai primes

 

[Kodski]

You'll be just fine with a single A360X over that tank. You'll have to raise it up a bit and consequently turn the light up but you'll still have enough light for a mixed reef tank. Higher light corals will have to go more directly under the lite vs lower demand corals to the sides. If you need to down the road you can always easily add some supplemental T5's for more light or to reduce shadowing.

 

[dawson reynolds]

You'll be just fine with a single A360X over that tank. You'll have to raise it up a bit and consequently turn the light up but you'll still have enough light for a mixed reef tank. Higher light corals will have to go more directly under the lite vs lower demand corals to the sides. If you need to down the road you can always easily add some supplemental T5's for more light or to reduce shadowing.

Agreed

 

[Diyreef8401]

24 inch aquatic life hybrid with a Kessil would be perfect

 

[saltysailor]

24 inch aquatic life hybrid with a Kessil would be perfect

Would you have to hang it? I should specify I have to move within a year so I don’t want to add anything crazy...

 

[Diyreef8401]

Would you have to hang it? I should specify I have to move within a year so I don’t want to add anything crazy...

I suppose you could fashion some kind of legs for it but unfortunately it only comes with a hanging kit

 

[Shooter6]

i just got 4 new lights from a Chinese company. Its a less known brand but everyone who has used them will agree they make a good product.

Company name is ledzeal.com
Light is the x200. Here is som pics. Its wifi ap controlled ( actually has its own wifi you need to switch the smart device to to progrm it.)
I had the previous model thats been discontinued. I am going to use these lights to light 3 8ft sps displays. 1 light will light your 2x2 tank.
I just received them yesterday. The image/vid of the channels, is on manual adjustment. It has full sunrise to sunset programing.

 

[Shooter6]

Fyi this light is less then a hydra 32hd, xr15 ect. But is also higher max watt and more leds!

 

[Jfast]

If you are on a budget, I recommend Chinese black boxes such as Mars Aqua or ViparSpectra! I personally use Mars Aqua and I have no complaints.

Mars aqua all day I’ve had one for 3 years now an still running pretty much full power an no problems no missing leds . I’m ready to buy more for my new at an at $200 each $400 buys u enough light for my 48/24 inch tank

 

[Shooter6]

I had black box lights. Wifi versions. I replacex them with my first ledzeal light, the s400. Much better color, and growth after doing so.
Blackbox lights started acting up after 6months.

 

[Shooter6]

Mars aqua all day I’ve had one for 3 years now an still running pretty much full power an no problems no missing leds . I’m ready to buy more for my new at an at $200 each $400 buys u enough light for my 48/24 inch tank

The light i posted would require 2 for your needs. A little more then 400.00 for 2 but full wifi programing, more power and better color. Also company stands behind its products