29g Mixed Reef Aquarium (30”x12”x18”)

[bReefedBaker]

I’ve done so much browsing regarding my 29g aquarium and the lighting that would be best for a mixed reef.

Every single 29g thread I search on the World Wide Web is a nano tank, a biocube or some sort of AIO system.

As mentioned in the title of this thread; the dimensions of my aquarium measure out at 30”x12”x18”. What are some of my options to lighting my aquarium successfully? How many will suffice? Thank you!

 

[polyppal]

30” is a challenging dimension to light with a single fixture (I have a 30” AIO).
I went with two A160s that works well, or two primes or one hydra32 would

 

[bReefedBaker]

30” is a challenging dimension to light with a single fixture (I have a 30” AIO).
I went with two A160s that works well, or two primes or one hydra32 would

My depth is 18” -
(I may have my [HASH=57114]#x#x[/HASH]# in the wrong order) ooPs

 

[Jdzzl03]

You can really use just about anything with those dimensions. I am partial to Kessil so you could leverage the A360. The app is pretty good and I like being able to control everything on my phone. Keep in mind it will really come down to coral placement and getting a PAR meter (renting from BRS or local reefer / buy Seneye) to understand the intensity at the edges so you will be able to "map" your placement appropriately.

 

[bReefedBaker]

You can really use just about anything with those dimensions. I am partial to Kessil so you could leverage the A360. The app is pretty good and I like being able to control everything on my phone. Keep in mind it will really come down to coral placement and getting a PAR meter (renting from BRS or local reefer / buy Seneye) to understand the intensity at the edges so you will be able to "map" your placement appropriately.

Thank You!

 

[polyppal]

My depth is 18” -
(I may have my [HASH=57114]#x#x[/HASH]# in the wrong order) ooPs

Mine is 20” deep and the A160s provide more than enough power at the sand bed for lps/zoas. I even have them turned down pretty low

 

[bReefedBaker]

Mine is 20” deep and the A160s provide more than enough power at the sand bed for lps/zoas. I even have them turned down pretty low

Thank You!

 

[nereefpat]

Are you wanting LEDs for sure?

What's your budget? What features do you want?

 

[bReefedBaker]

Are you wanting LEDs for sure?

What's your budget? What features do you want?

LED’s are definitely the go-to here.
- I guess I’m in the debate b/c of my aquarium dimensions. Should I go with one or two of something specific? Which has the best “set it and forget” care free setup/scheduling (apps./wifi/BT etc.).

I would like to have the light option where it fades up, fades down. A shimmer is always a touch (a +), but it’s not a must have. Lastly, I’d like to add that I’m not looking to frag out corals, just looking to keep a mixed reef happy with lightning.

I’d say it’s been my biggest setback going on a year into reefing, my lighting.

 

[bReefedBaker]

Are you wanting LEDs for sure?

What's your budget? What features do you want?

I realized I never snapped a photo of the FT. I’ve replied again with a picture. **since you’re seeing this direct, should I add my LR to the aquascape

 

[bReefedBaker]

I realized I never snapped a photo of the FT. I’ve replied again with a picture. **since you’re seeing this direct, should I add my LR to the aquascape

View attachment 2565540

*more LR to the aquarium?

 

[nereefpat]

To cover a 30" mixed reef, you'll either want multiple 'puck' type fixtures (AI, Kessil, Red Sea, Noopsyche, or others) or a 'panel,' like Reebreeders Photon, or G5 Radion.

Lots of options there.
If money isn't an object, I might go with 2 x Radion XR15 Pros or 2 AI Hydras. For a more budget build, I would look into 2 x Noopsyche K7s.

For a panel style, a Reefbreeders V2 24" model is what I would go with.

That being said, I'm not an LED guy. Just trying to help, as LED choices can be overwhelming.

*more LR to the aquarium?

I wouldn't add more rock. Looks good.

 

[bReefedBaker]

To cover a 30" mixed reef, you'll either want multiple 'puck' type fixtures (AI, Kessil, Red Sea, Noopsyche, or others) or a 'panel,' like Reebreeders Photon, or G5 Radion.

Lots of options there.
If money isn't an object, I might go with 2 x Radion XR15 Pros or 2 AI Hydras. For a more budget build, I would look into 2 x Noopsyche K7s.

For a panel style, a Reefbreeders V2 24" model is what I would go with.

That being said, I'm not an LED guy. Just trying to help, as LED choices can be overwhelming.

I wouldn't add more rock. Looks good.

Thanks for all the recommendations and the LR answer.

 

[Reefbuds]

Looks good! I have the exact same tank and use a Razer X R5 200w. Keeps everything in my tank very happy (Sps, lps, a huge Haddoni and zoas/softies). They have a smaller version that would probably suffice but I had my 200w from my old 55g.