Which light setup?

Dj City · Nov 21, 2019

I hope to get started on my 180 gallon build by next month.
I have a 5ft 180 gallon SCA tank with a canopy.

I chose a Reefbreeders Photon 50 v2+ to light the tank. The light will not be hung. I will be using the brackets to have it sit on the tank.
The tank is 30 inches deep, 24 inches wide and 60 inches long.
I am planning on a SPS dominate, mixed reef bare bottom tank with either a white yoga mat underneath or a painted white bottom.
I want to grow plating and encrusting coral on the bottom of the tank. I want to grow SPS on the bottom.

Should I add lumenbars? (Reefbreeders, Orphek or ebay)
Should I add 2 retrofit t5's?
Or will the Photon 50 v2+ be enough?

Dj City · Nov 24, 2019

Dj City · Dec 3, 2019

Dj City · Dec 10, 2019

lpsouth1978 · Dec 10, 2019

I think the 50+ V2 would be enough, but you could certainly add some T5's to help more with shadowing.

sde1500 · Dec 10, 2019

I use a photon v1, looking at getting a bar or two. They do very well lighting the tank, but definitely getting some shadowing on my M. Digi colony. A couple light bars angled inwards would help that a bunch.

Dj City · Dec 10, 2019

sde1500 said:
I use a photon v1, looking at getting a bar or two. They do very well lighting the tank, but definitely getting some shadowing on my M. Digi colony. A couple light bars angled inwards would help that a bunch.

Good info to know.

Anyone have thoughts on the differences between Reefbreeders, Orphek or ebay lumenbars?

Malifry97 · Dec 10, 2019

If you wanna get a GREAT light thats cheap, get a couple hipagero lights, 5 or 6 will work. They've been proven time and time again to be the best bang for your buck. Inappropriate reefer uses one on his 10 gallon budget build

lpsouth1978 · Dec 10, 2019

Malifry97 said:
If you wanna get a GREAT light thats cheap, get a couple hipagero lights, 5 or 6 will work. They've been proven time and time again to be the best bang for your buck. Inappropriate reefer uses one on his 10 gallon budget build

I had 3 over my 40b and they did well, but I ended up getting Hydra 26HD's instead. The Hipargero, just didn't color things up as well. Things still grew and looked ok, but not as good as they could.

X-37B · Dec 10, 2019

I run T5's on my 120. Thinking of adding an Orphek UV light bar. I have read good reviews on them.
On the painting of the bottom. Dont bother if your going bare bottom as it will be covered in coralline and corals before you know it.
This is my 120 after 4 months.

Dj City · Dec 10, 2019

The hipagero's will not work for me.
I already have a ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2+ to go over a 180 gallon new build.

I was asking about Lumenbars vs Ebay vs Orphek or T5 supplement.

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