Hello reef family! I hope your sticks are reaching for the Heavens, your torches are swaying, your montis are plating, and that everyone's favorite gsp is behaving itself back there on that island.
Of course none of that would happen or be seen without a light. Even before I began this hobby of reef keeping, I knew that one of the big contributing factors was lighting. So when I purchased my new aquarium (40 gallon cube) 21.7"(L) x 21.7"(W) x 21.7"(H), wish I'd gone with the breeder, but oh well, I realized that I'd be shelling out some bucks on a decent light. I plan to grow mostly LPS and a few soft corals. I'd like to keep blastos, favia, euphyllia and similar corals. I might not shoot for SPS corals in this begginer tank but, who knows. Right now it's not a big part of my plans. I really plan on starting slow.
After, i purchased the tank i was informed that the light that came with it was "no good" and needed to be upgraded! This was no surprise, I had previously been told to toss the skimmer, remove the filtration system and replace it, trash the lid, and eventuallyreplacethe return pump. "Im loving" the aquatop recife 40 "all in one bundle" .
So of course this made sense! Of course the light it came with was subpar! (pun intended). Does this mean I need brighter light? A more expensive light? A "Bluer" light? While I did my research and presumably saved a small fortune, I figured, that I'd run this light that I was going to replace in the mean time. I'll be honest, I was surprised by what I perceived as quality lighting. I don't think that little cube could get any brighter or bluer!! It lights up the entire room that I have my aquarium in. But i realize there is a lot more to coral growth than what my eyes can perceive.
I returned to the LFS to find out what lights he had in stock and what he recommended. He recommends the AI blade. And I will say that I trust these guys. I'm just wondering what it is about one light that makes it a better light. I'm sure there are a lot of factors. This is such a novice question that I'm almost hesitant to ask it. I'm open to all opinions as I'm not as informed on modern aquarium lighting as Id like to be yet.
I'm thinking of 2 AI blades (LFS recommend the AI Blade to start out with), 1 AI hydra 32 or 1 xr15. I wish I could see this "shimmer" that the kessil is known for as well. I'm also open to other suggestions. That's why I'm here!
I have about a $500-$600 budget. My tank is a 40 gallon cube. Dimensions: 21.7"(L) x 21.7"(W) x 21.7"(H) Thanks in advance
Of course none of that would happen or be seen without a light. Even before I began this hobby of reef keeping, I knew that one of the big contributing factors was lighting. So when I purchased my new aquarium (40 gallon cube) 21.7"(L) x 21.7"(W) x 21.7"(H), wish I'd gone with the breeder, but oh well, I realized that I'd be shelling out some bucks on a decent light. I plan to grow mostly LPS and a few soft corals. I'd like to keep blastos, favia, euphyllia and similar corals. I might not shoot for SPS corals in this begginer tank but, who knows. Right now it's not a big part of my plans. I really plan on starting slow.
After, i purchased the tank i was informed that the light that came with it was "no good" and needed to be upgraded! This was no surprise, I had previously been told to toss the skimmer, remove the filtration system and replace it, trash the lid, and eventuallyreplacethe return pump. "Im loving" the aquatop recife 40 "all in one bundle" .
So of course this made sense! Of course the light it came with was subpar! (pun intended). Does this mean I need brighter light? A more expensive light? A "Bluer" light? While I did my research and presumably saved a small fortune, I figured, that I'd run this light that I was going to replace in the mean time. I'll be honest, I was surprised by what I perceived as quality lighting. I don't think that little cube could get any brighter or bluer!! It lights up the entire room that I have my aquarium in. But i realize there is a lot more to coral growth than what my eyes can perceive.
I returned to the LFS to find out what lights he had in stock and what he recommended. He recommends the AI blade. And I will say that I trust these guys. I'm just wondering what it is about one light that makes it a better light. I'm sure there are a lot of factors. This is such a novice question that I'm almost hesitant to ask it. I'm open to all opinions as I'm not as informed on modern aquarium lighting as Id like to be yet.
I'm thinking of 2 AI blades (LFS recommend the AI Blade to start out with), 1 AI hydra 32 or 1 xr15. I wish I could see this "shimmer" that the kessil is known for as well. I'm also open to other suggestions. That's why I'm here!
I have about a $500-$600 budget. My tank is a 40 gallon cube. Dimensions: 21.7"(L) x 21.7"(W) x 21.7"(H) Thanks in advance