Lighting suggestions for an 8’ 240

[OutColdCRNA]

So I have several options in mind for this tank build. The tank dimensions are 8’x2’x2’ eurobraced with glass cross braces. So thoughts so far. As I have 3 noop k7 pros already. Tank will be mixed reef. Sps up top of rocks.

-buy 4-5 more noops and run perpendicular and supplement with 4 quanta pro bars.$1350’ish

-run 10 4’ quanta pros without the noops.$1850

-quanta has some new bars and lights coming out that simulate MH lights. Should I wait for these. Approximately $2400

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jekyl]

What coral are you intending?

 

[OutColdCRNA]

I realized I forgot that portion. Mixed reef. Sps/ acros up top of rock structures.

 

[exnisstech]

If budget is any concern I would just add more noopsyche to what you already have. I brought 6 over from my 72x24x24" in my showcase and put them over a 84x30x25" in my tank thread. For now they are getting the job done but the only sps I have are one acro colony and a couple monti caps and digi along with my maxima clam mounted up high.

 

[oreo54]

$1080.. approx for 2 48" Aquaticlife hybrid t5's inc. 8 bulbs at an average of $25 each.
432w
Add $200 every 18 months after the first 18 months
Add current Noopsyches at 140w each (are they?)
I'd take about 5 years to catch up, cost wise, to your first option.
852 total wattage

Just thought I'd mention the hybrid way.


8 noopsyches is 1120 watts plus the quantas.
$1222 for all new k7 pros ( body only ). I know you have 3 already.

NOOPSYCHE K7 V3 aquarium led saltwater coral light for USA

Better spectrum out / Excellent Growth / Feed Almost all the of the SPS/LPS coral in one reef tank isn't a dream especially red coral Perfect mixing and Shimmer / Superior Color Mixing / The best mixing spectrum technology / Affordable price LED reef lighting/ about 1.4watt per dollar

noopsychereeflight.com

Body only ..

 

[OutColdCRNA]

$1080.. approx for 2 48" Aquaticlife hybrid t5's inc. 8 bulbs at an average of $25 each.
432w
Add $200 every 18 months after the first 18 months
Add current Noopsyches at 140w each (are they?)
I'd take about 5 years to catch up, cost wise, to your first option.
852 total wattage

Just thought I'd mention the hybrid way.


8 noopsyches is 1120 watts plus the quantas.
$1222 for all new k7 pros ( body only ). I know you have 3 already.

NOOPSYCHE K7 V3 aquarium led saltwater coral light for USA

Better spectrum out / Excellent Growth / Feed Almost all the of the SPS/LPS coral in one reef tank isn't a dream especially red coral Perfect mixing and Shimmer / Superior Color Mixing / The best mixing spectrum technology / Affordable price LED reef lighting/ about 1.4watt per dollar

noopsychereeflight.com

Body only ..

i did initially think of the hybrid route with this tank. Say I go that route. How many noops would be needed to go with the T5’s.
From a light spectrum and performance standpoint, would I be better off going the hybrid route?

 

[oreo54]

i did initially think of the hybrid route with this tank. Say I go that route. How many noops would be needed to go with the T5’s.
From a light spectrum and performance standpoint, would I be better off going the hybrid route?

Hybrid is a style and to some extent a maintenance choice.
I'm not going to say one is better off than another.
I will mention that there can be a height issue.
Narrow lensed LEDs and more spread t5's make optimizing the height a challenge.

As to how many k7s spacing wise I'd probably do 4...
One for every 24" sq surface area.

Old days would probably use 2 8 tube t5's (864w)
Or 3 400w (1200w ) or 4 250w mh (1000w)

Just match it ..yes there is the " broad blue" spectrum and par beats watts hands down but you need to start somewhere.
Like if you run the k7s at like 1/2 power only use 1/2 the watts in calculating " stuff".
There was no dimming of mhs and t5's "back in the day". Dimming involved shade, raising lights or shortening the photoperiod.

Keeps you on the safe side...

Your puck and led bar idea is fine as well.
My only issue is if one waits for the next best thing we'll that could be forever.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I have the same tank (eurobraced with glass cross bracing) currently mixed reef and I'm running 5 Hydra 26 HDs that are set perpendicular to the tank, I think to get similar PAR and spread that would be about the same as 6 of the K7s (from comparison threads I've seen), so it can be done with fewer lights off the bat and then you can add more later if you feel it is needed.

 

[OutColdCRNA]

I have the same tank (eurobraced with glass cross bracing) currently mixed reef and I'm running 5 Hydra 26 HDs that are set perpendicular to the tank, I think to get similar PAR and spread that would be about the same as 6 of the K7s (from comparison threads I've seen), so it can be done with fewer lights off the bat and then you can add more later if you feel it is needed.

I do really love the programming and schedule of the noops I have now. But, not opposed to going a different direction either.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I do really love the programming and schedule of the noops I have now. But, not opposed to going a different direction either.

I have two Noops over a different tank and while I'm not a fan of the little remote/controller they are a decent light. I'm not necessarily suggesting using Hydras instead just stating that I'm getting a decent coverage/spread and PAR with 5 of the 26 HDs which I think would be roughly comparable to about 6 of the Noops you were looking at.

 

[OutColdCRNA]

I have two Noops over a different tank and while I'm not a fan of the little remote/controller they are a decent light. I'm not necessarily suggesting using Hydras instead just stating that I'm getting a decent coverage/spread and PAR with 5 of the 26 HDs which I think would be roughly comparable to about 6 of the Noops you were looking at.

I didn’t think you were implying to switch, I appreciate the input!

 

[legalizedreefer]

I have 2 of the quanta reef crest daylight alongside my 3x Hydra 32’s and I’m super happy with the quanta’s.

I like them so much, when I upsize one day I may try to light the whole thing with the quanta bars. I’d probably have a 2:1 ratio of Meso blues to Daylights though. The daylights are really white

 

[OutColdCRNA]

I have 2 of the quanta reef crest daylight alongside my 3x Hydra 32’s and I’m super happy with the quanta’s.

I like them so much, when I upsize one day I may try to light the whole thing with the quanta bars. I’d probably have a 2:1 ratio of Meso blues to Daylights though. The daylights are really white

I can’t get the thought of the blanket of light out of my head with this big tank. Which was my thought with doing 10 quanta bars. But that could also be achieved with the hybrid t5’s as well. Ugh!! Why is this so difficult?

 

[legalizedreefer]

I can’t get the thought of the blanket of light out of my head with this big tank. Which was my thought with doing 10 quanta bars. But that could also be achieved with the hybrid t5’s as well. Ugh!! Why is this so difficult?

I like the simplicity of the quanta’s. On or off. No messing around with “oh I’ll turn the blue up a touch, and the red down” etc etc. just set it and forget it.

They are built tough. Heavy, and throw a LOT of light.

For reference I had about 250 par up top with just my hydras. I got the 2 quanta’s for full light, and when I went back with a par meter I had like 500 par up top. I didn’t know how powerful they were

 

[OutColdCRNA]

I like the simplicity of the quanta’s. On or off. No messing around with “oh I’ll turn the blue up a touch, and the red down” etc etc. just set it and forget it.

They are built tough. Heavy, and throw a LOT of light.

For reference I had about 250 par up top with just my hydras. I got the 2 quanta’s for full light, and when I went back with a par meter I had like 500 par up top. I didn’t know how powerful they were

I’m with you on that. I’m more in the ease of use camp. I don’t need to fine tune the spectrum. A simple timer and off and on is the way I’m leaning.

 

[oreo54]

I’m with you on that. I’m more in the ease of use camp. I don’t need to fine tune the spectrum. A simple timer and off and on is the way I’m leaning.

$1332 ( w 10% discount for 8 or more) for 8 on/ off Quantum bars.
576 watts

10 bars 720w. $1665

You forgot the discount for bulk .

That may make a difference between. "old" and " new".

 

[OutColdCRNA]

$1332 ( w 10% discount for 8 or more) for 8 on/ off Quantum bars.
576 watts

10 bars 720w. $1665

You forgot the discount for bulk .

That may make a difference between. "old" and " new".

I definitely forgot about the bulk discount!! I wish I could see a tank lit solely with quanta bars. Even better in person. Alas, I am about the only reefer in north Louisiana.

 

[oreo54]

I definitely forgot about the bulk discount!! I wish I could see a tank lit solely with quanta bars. Even better in person. Alas, I am about the only reefer in north Louisiana.

Well that is the benefit of variable spectrum lights. If they are sort of close to begin with.
Though with multiple bars and staggered timers one does have some control.

What is your preference for looks?
Some things aren't hard. You wouldn't buy red sea LEDs with like 20% white if you preferred daylight reefs.

 

[OutColdCRNA]

Well that is the benefit of variable spectrum lights. If they are sort of close to begin with.
Though with multiple bars and staggered timers one does have some control.

What is your preference for looks?
Some things aren't hard. You wouldn't buy red sea LEDs with like 20% white if you preferred daylight reefs.

I would put them on timers to gain some control with different spectrum bars. My preference now is a blue/ white look in the morning. A whiter look during peak lighting to a more predominate blue in the evening. I think with 3 blue bars and 2 daylight bars I could probably replicate that fairly close.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Not to complicate things but the new Orphek bars allow pretty much unlimited programming along with a lunar schedule that mimics natural moonlight. If it were me, I would go with more Noop's and add two bars which pull out the fluorescence in the fish and corals.