Lighting for New Tank

[kwaite78]

Hi All,

I am going to be setting up a new 30Lx30Wx24D cube to use as my new reef tank. I had initially planned on using my 36" ATI light from my 40G breeder but have decided to get new lights. The plan is to only keep softies and LPS. I have been looking at AI blades, single Hydra 64 or a Radion XR15 Pro. I'm looking for input on what would be the best lights to buy for this setup if anyone has input on any of the models listed or what they might use/suggest.

 

[TX_REEF]

Also check out the Kessil a360: https://amzn.to/3IB36q8

 

[twentyleagues]

Look into Reefi also. Have one on my 28x28x24" cube. Coverage is great, par is incredible, so many colors to make it look the way you want.
Blades are nice too.
Cant beat kessil shimmer and if you need some more coverage add a blade or two.

 

[X-37B]

Radions work well for me. I will use them on my frag system. For my display I am using Reef Breeders. Take a look at the Breeders. They can put out some incredable par numbers.

 

[kwaite78]

Also check out the Kessil a360: https://amzn.to/3IB36q8

Do you think I would need 2 for my dimensions to adequately light it?

 

[kwaite78]

Radions work well for me. I will use them on my frag system. For my display I am using Reef Breeders. Take a look at the Breeders. They can put out some incredable par numbers.

Radion Pros or blues or a mix? I will look in to the reefbreeders, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[kwaite78]

Look into Reefi also. Have one on my 28x28x24" cube. Coverage is great, par is incredible, so many colors to make it look the way you want.
Blades are nice too.
Cant beat kessil shimmer and if you need some more coverage add a blade or two.

Do you have 1 or 2 over your tank?

 

[VintageReefer]

I would recommend a reefbreeders photon 24. A single unit would do the whole tank

Photon 24-V2 Pro

Control your aquarium lighting like a pro with the Photon 24-V2 Pro and Reef Nexus app. Optimize with presets or custom programs.

reefbreeders.com

Coverage Area SPS:
30" x 24"
Coverage Area Mixed Reef:
36" x 24"
Coverage Area Softy/FOWLR:
40" x 24"

I have also heard excellent things about the reefi lights

 

[twentyleagues]

Do you have 1 or 2 over your tank?

I have 1. I am currently only running 104w out of a possible 270w at 10" below water surface I have an average par in the 190's, with hot spots below the light in the 200-215 range. The light is in my canopy at about 11-12" from the surface of the water with the 120 lens on it. If I were to lift it another 2-3" and bump the wattage i am sure coverage would improve so your 30" tank would probably be covered fine at about 15".

 

[exnisstech]

Photon 24 would work. I have them over two tanks and ma happy with them. I also some Gen 4 radions but IMO they are over priced. If you want to save some money two noopsyche k7s III pro will grow anything you want for $200 each. I run noopsyche over the tank in my showcase if you want to take a look. They've been running for over a year and everything is thriving.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi All,

I am going to be setting up a new 30Lx30Wx24D cube to use as my new reef tank. I had initially planned on using my 36" ATI light from my 40G breeder but have decided to get new lights. The plan is to only keep softies and LPS. I have been looking at AI blades, single Hydra 64 or a Radion XR15 Pro. I'm looking for input on what would be the best lights to buy for this setup if anyone has input on any of the models listed or what they might use/suggest.

Look at :

Hydra 26 or 32hd

Noopsyche k7 pro

Orphek OR3 light bars

Vivarspectra led light

 

[X-37B]

Radion Pros or blues or a mix? I will look in to the reefbreeders, thanks for the suggestion.

Blue 15's

 

[kwaite78]

Thanks to all of you for your input. I've researched all of the recommendations and I have narrowed it down some to the following

Hydra64 since it gives a 30x30 spread (Would it be overkill for just LPS & softies?)
Hydra32 which could be hung a little higher for more spread vetteguy53081 recommended
Radion XR15 which would have some light overflow since its 36x36
Reefbreeders Proton24 recommended by VintageReefer & exnisstech

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