Lighting opionions

CandyCane · #1 01-31-2017, 10:08 PM

Sorry text must have cut open during the copy paste.
I have 2 fluval reef led's

CandyCane · #2 01-31-2017, 11:01 PM

The tank it's for isn't finished yet, so it's not yet running at all. I'm building a custom 35 gal with a 10 gal sump. I want to grow coral frags so I'm hoping to find a light that will grow both sps and lps coral. I have 2 fluval reef lights from the fluval m90 I picked up to do my build. I want to know if I should replace these lights with something better. I tried looking up Google reviews on the best LED lighting for corals but the recommendations weren't the best.
What are you guys using?

Moogled · #3 02-01-2017, 04:25 AM

I run an 18" Marine Orbit LED on a 5 gallon Fluval Spec V.

It's only 18w so you can keep some basic LPS and softies if you wanted to.

Wouldn't expect too much growth but I like the controllability and that it comes with 4 pre-programmed templates that I can tinker with.

It has a nice colour but honestly it cost me 190 bucks from JLAquatics after shipping. I would have preferred to find a used option elsewhere, especially when people are selling Gen 2 Radions for $300.

Only thing that's annoying is that the Orbit also comes with several "novelty" lighting options like dynamic lighting and thunderstorm mode. Monkey business!

CandyCane · #4 02-01-2017, 04:29 AM

Monkey business is right! I think they were trying to sell that some corals only breed during thunderstorms...
Okay so if I scrap those crappy LED options, what is the most desirable but still a reasonable cost? Or is going all out on an expensive light really really worth while?

WarDog · #5 02-01-2017, 04:46 AM

A 6 bulb T5 fixture is your best bet. Reliable and proven to grow SPS. You won't regret it.

CandyCane · #6 02-01-2017, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarDog

A 6 bulb T5 fixture is your best bet. Reliable and proven to grow SPS. You won't regret it.

How often would the bulbs have to be replaced?

WarDog · #7 02-01-2017, 04:57 AM

Ideally, 9 months.

Myka · #8 02-01-2017, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarDog

A 6 bulb T5 fixture is your best bet. Reliable and proven to grow SPS. You won't regret it.

This. Though for a 35 gallon frag tank, 4 bulbs is probably plenty. 2 bulbs might even be enough depending on the dimensions of the tank - just put SPS as close to the bulbs as possible.

Scythanith · #9 02-01-2017, 02:22 PM

I agree with Mindy. 4 to 6 T5's with a strip of blue LEDs in there somewhere is your best bet for growth, colour (subjective) and coverage.