Long awaiting this moment of getting back into building a new tank after years away from the hobby. Seems like some options have changed but the key players are still around for obvious reasons. So this leads me here and I would appreciate any advice that the community has.
I have had previous varied success with T5s and less so with budget level LEDs with larger (80gal shallow and 55gal cube) tanks. I now am planning on getting a 30W"x24L"x15H" tank from Fiji Cube and am a bit stuck on lighting choice. Budget is not unlimited but I'd like to approach this one of two ways:
Approach 1:
Start off the tank with one fixture but plan on getting a matching second once I venture into SPS in a few months/year. For this I am thinking of something like the AI Prime 16 HD, Radion XR15 G5 PRO, or something from Kessil to start with softies before getting a second to achieve strong light and better coverage.
Approach 2:
Find a single LED fixture that will support SPS from the start for my tank size. For this I'd be looking at likely the AI Hydra 64 HD or as far as a Radion XR30 G5 PRO.
General requirements:
1. LED only. Need to be as power and heat efficient as possible and LED seems to be the best way for both.
2. Must have a rear tank mount option.
3. Ideally has great dimming and settings built in. I am running an older controller and do not want to buy $400+ more in equipment just to control my lights. WiFi dongles or smaller things are okay but not ideal.
So in short, 15" tall tank with a 30"x24" layout. Do I go with two less expensive LEDs (one now, additional later) or do I go with a single more powerful fixture now? Regardless of option, what s everyone's thoughts on the fixture in order to support a thriving SPS tank? Kessil, EcoTech, AI, something else?
Thanks all! Really excited to get this planned out and start the hobby back up again!
I have had previous varied success with T5s and less so with budget level LEDs with larger (80gal shallow and 55gal cube) tanks. I now am planning on getting a 30W"x24L"x15H" tank from Fiji Cube and am a bit stuck on lighting choice. Budget is not unlimited but I'd like to approach this one of two ways:
Approach 1:
Start off the tank with one fixture but plan on getting a matching second once I venture into SPS in a few months/year. For this I am thinking of something like the AI Prime 16 HD, Radion XR15 G5 PRO, or something from Kessil to start with softies before getting a second to achieve strong light and better coverage.
Approach 2:
Find a single LED fixture that will support SPS from the start for my tank size. For this I'd be looking at likely the AI Hydra 64 HD or as far as a Radion XR30 G5 PRO.
General requirements:
1. LED only. Need to be as power and heat efficient as possible and LED seems to be the best way for both.
2. Must have a rear tank mount option.
3. Ideally has great dimming and settings built in. I am running an older controller and do not want to buy $400+ more in equipment just to control my lights. WiFi dongles or smaller things are okay but not ideal.
So in short, 15" tall tank with a 30"x24" layout. Do I go with two less expensive LEDs (one now, additional later) or do I go with a single more powerful fixture now? Regardless of option, what s everyone's thoughts on the fixture in order to support a thriving SPS tank? Kessil, EcoTech, AI, something else?
Thanks all! Really excited to get this planned out and start the hobby back up again!