Setting up a ultum nature 90L AIO salt water need lighting help

[vashichino7]

Hey guys, i want to get back into have a small reef nano for my office…

Looking at the ultum nature 90l 36” lagoon shallow, any recommendation for lighting? Corals softs, maybe some sps too, not decided but wouldnt mind the lighting to be top notch to carry out all lighting features..

I do want a minimal look also, any recommendations would be great!

 

[TX_REEF]

for minimal look on a shallow tank, you can't beat the kessil AP9x in my opinion. sleek design, more than enough power to grow any coral you wish, and unlimited controllability. I use one on my main display, and also my frag tank. Photo below of my frag tank...

Kessil AP9x: https://amzn.to/3NfDzoo
with mounting arm kit: https://amzn.to/3zHi90w

 

[Finn450]

+1 on the Kessil AP9x. Sleek and plenty of par.

 

[vashichino7]

for minimal look on a shallow tank, you can't beat the kessil AP9x in my opinion. sleek design, more than enough power to grow any coral you wish, and unlimited controllability. I use one on my main display, and also my frag tank. Photo below of my frag tank...

Kessil AP9x: https://amzn.to/3NfDzoo
with mounting arm kit: https://amzn.to/3zHi90w

Wow what a nice light and price tag! Thank you for the recommendation... this 21 gallon setup is turning expensive! LOL

 

[TX_REEF]

ah, but I see the dimensions of your tank are 35.43" x 11.81" x 11.81x - is that right? If so, the AP9x is going to waste a lot spread because it's optimized for 24x48 coverage. If you like the idea and look of kessil lights, I think 2x a160s will get the job done for you, and you can use the super clean and simple gooseneck mounts. The below package would include everything you need, or you can buy them individually.

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amzn.to

 

[vashichino7]

ah, but I see the dimensions of your tank are 35.43" x 11.81" x 11.81x - is that right? If so, the AP9x is going to waste a lot spread because it's optimized for 24x48 coverage. If you like the idea and look of kessil lights, I think 2x a160s will get the job done for you, and you can use the super clean and simple gooseneck mounts. The below package would include everything you need, or you can buy them individually.

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amzn.to

Yes, those are the dimensions. Got it, those look like a great option!

 

[vashichino7]

To keep costs low, I was thinking of maybe starting with one a160 in the middle?

Any opinions if I should do the long narrow or go with a lagoon style? I like both?

Thank you.

 

[TX_REEF]

what do you mean by long narrow vs lagoon, you already have the tank right? Seems like it is long and narrow

You can certainly start with one a160 centered, but there will be a lack of intense lighting towards the edges.

To further complicate things for you, you could also consider A80s, 2 of those would give you the spread to cover the tank evenly, but they are not as powerful as the 160s so you may not be able to keep PAR-loving SPS. However, you'd be able to keep any LPS or soft corals you wish; the A80 will provide plenty of power for those on a tank that shallow.

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amzn.to

 

[vashichino7]

what do you mean by long narrow vs lagoon, you already have the tank right? Seems like it is long and narrow

You can certainly start with one a160 centered, but there will be a lack of intense lighting towards the edges.

To further complicate things for you, you could also consider A80s, 2 of those would give you the spread to cover the tank evenly, but they are not as powerful as the 160s so you may not be able to keep PAR-loving SPS. However, you'd be able to keep any LPS or soft corals you wish; the A80 will provide plenty of power for those on a tank that shallow.

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amzn.to

Hello,

No nothing is not purchased yet. Just been trying to put the complete cart in my cart and figure out who will be paying for it! Ha!

So, this is considered 21 gallon narrow 36 x 11 x 11 -

The lagoon is 25 gallon shallow 24 x 13 x 24 or something, Im not sure the innovative marine... Just wondering if there is any pros or cons... id be happy with either. Also, any other suggestions for AIO's.

 

[TX_REEF]

I think you'd enjoy the lagoon more, it gives you more options for aquascaping, and will allow you plenty of space between the glass and rock on all sides (if desired)

It would also allow you to more easily light the entire tank with a single fixture.

 

[TX_REEF]

Check out reefcasa AIOs as well, I actually have 2 that I have been too busy to set up... I did an unboxing video as well.

Saltwater Aquarium Kits - Reef Casa

Setting up your very own saltwater aquarium has never been simpler with Reef Casa's easy to install all in one saltwater aquariums kits.

reefcasa.com

 

[vashichino7]

Check out reefcasa AIOs as well, I actually have 2 that I have been too busy to set up... I did an unboxing video as well.

Saltwater Aquarium Kits - Reef Casa

Setting up your very own saltwater aquarium has never been simpler with Reef Casa's easy to install all in one saltwater aquariums kits.

reefcasa.com

Those are nice! That 6 is super too, i don't know if 6 is way too small or what... I had a 5 before and it felt limited.

 

[TX_REEF]

I went for the 18s myself, enough to have a few fish and plenty of corals with room for a decent scape. super affordable kits with a clean look.

 

[vashichino7]

I went for the 18s myself, enough to have a few fish and plenty of corals with room for a decent scape. super affordable kits with a clean look.

I like the 18 as far as gallon, but I don't like the height of the glass... I am on a wheelchair so I want a shallow tank to be able to shove my hand in there comfortably without having to have it displayed in such a super low table, you know what I mean?

 

[TX_REEF]

for sure - but the 12 gal is only 11 inches tall, and the 24 is only 12.

 

[vashichino7]

for sure - but the 12 gal is only 11 inches tall, and the 24 is only 12.

very true, 1 inch difference... I have this weird aquascape idea with the narrow, I want to reach out from the wall and float a very nice long piece, but who knows.. still sleeping on this set up.

 

[TX_REEF]

the narrow tank would also make it easier for you to be able to reach everything inside easily too. Just a thought, have you considered using a power-adjustable standing desk as a stand? That way you could display it at any height you wish and lower it easily for maintenance.

 

[vashichino7]

the narrow tank would also make it easier for you to be able to reach everything inside easily too. Just a thought, have you considered using a power-adjustable standing desk as a stand? That way you could display it at any height you wish and lower it easily for maintenance.

Yes, thats a smart idea... But I actually want the stand to go with the overall look, I feel like that has to do with it also... but I am just trying to inconvenience myself more and more... I love the seemless look which I think the ULTUM has a stand, but theyre out of stock and its like $400-500 which is way to expensive for a stand.

 

[UNS_Brandon]

Did you settle on the A160s? Don’t forget to add the mounting arms.

 

[vashichino7]

Did you settle on the A160s? Don’t forget to add the mounting arms.

I have not purchased anything yet... I am still in a pickle if I am doing this setting at the office, today I am going to be moving around items at the office to see where I can fit it and I will know by this week if this project is moving forward.

So, I decided if I do... I would want the better lights so A160's but I will start with one, in the middle since my aquascape will be mostly floating in the middle... then hopefully the tank thrives and if I end up needing another light source, I can buy a second one...

What you think?