72"x24"x24" SPS tank lighting question - to change or not to change...

[kmwcane]

Hello everyone! Quick background: I have a 72"x24"x24" aquarium that will be mixed but will lean heavily towards acropora. I currently have four XR15 G6 Radions over the tank (was an LPS tank that I am transitioning to acropora dominant).

What is the best option for me; should I add two more XR15s? Should I change to XR30s? Can I use a mix of the XR15s and XR30s?

Thanks in advance!

 

[shakacuz]

What is the best option for me; should I add two more XR15s? Should I change to XR30s? Can I use a mix of the XR15s and XR30s?

whichever is the cheaper option for you, or sell everything and get 2-3 reefi's.

 

[twentyleagues]

yes you can use a mix. My question its what is your par output on what you have now? And, is that par, level across the entire plane of the area? ie 300 across the entire 10" down from the surface.

 

[kmwcane]

yes you can use a mix. My question its what is your par output on what you have now? And, is that par, level across the entire plane of the area? ie 300 across the entire 10" down from the surface.

I'm currently running the AB setting at 100% and hitting between 125-150 PAR about 8 to 10 inches down from the surface over the entire plane.

 

[twentyleagues]

I'm currently running the AB setting at 100% and hitting between 125-150 PAR about 8 to 10 inches down from the surface over the entire plane.

you need an up grade for sps then. @shakacuz had a really good option the reefi are no joke I have one on my 28x28x24" and it pretty much covers the whole thing. I'm using the 120 degree reflector it comes with a 90 and 120. I am currently ramping up to my intended goal but the goal is 116w and that gives me 185 par at about 10" down. You could get 3 for a little more then the cost of 1 xr30 and keep a couple xr 15s for spread. The reefi are capable of 285w that would probably melt most acros with the 90 reflectors.

 

[kmwcane]

Would adding two XR30s in the center area of the tank with two XR15s on outer edges be sufficient?

 

[shakacuz]

Would adding two XR30s in the center area of the tank with two XR15s on outer edges be sufficient?

yes. but if your plan is to go SPS, why not just get better lights that'll leave you with money in your pocket? i guess having to sell your lights, to then purchase new ones would be a chore in itself(or vice versa), but i'd still consider upgrading. i feel like later down the road you're going to want to add more lights anyways.

 

[Jekyl]

T5 hybrid would be better than adding another led

 

[Acros]

My pick would be 4 XR30s turned sideways (front to back) for a 72" sps tank. There are other lights that could provide the PAR, but I like a bigger LED panel when it comes to growing acros. ATI Straton, Neptune SKY, Orphek Ikon, and ReefBreeders are all viable options.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm currently running the AB setting at 100% and hitting between 125-150 PAR about 8 to 10 inches down from the surface over the entire plane.

They have really decreased the par on those xr15s. I used to run 3 gen 4 xr15 over the same size tank and never ran them over 70%. I can't remember the exact numbers as it was a few years ago but everything grew well. I wanted more coverage so I pulled the radions and added 6 noopsyche k7 III pros. Less than $1200 for 6 lights. Everything is growing so well I'm bringing those lights over to my new build rather than buying new. I just can't justify the expense of radions any longer. I do like my reefbreeders photons also.

 

[CBonito]

My pick would be 4 XR30s turned sideways (front to back) for a 72" sps tank. There are other lights that could provide the PAR, but I like a bigger LED panel when it comes to growing acros. ATI Straton, Neptune SKY, Orphek Ikon, and ReefBreeders are all viable options.

The new Straton Pros are AWESOME. Expensive, but awesome. I'm willing to bet 2 Straton pro 102s will handle the whole tank. I have one 102 over a 3x2 foot tank and its more light than I'll ever need. I use maybe half power with that light over my SPS and even that's a lot. It's remarkably efficient.

For comparison sake, I was using 2 kessil a360x maxed out and drawing twice what I draw with my entire Straton and the light still wasn't enough to cover the tank.

 

[GlassMunky]

I’m running 4 XR-30s (gen4) over my 72x30x24
It’s a mixed reef with a decent mix of everything (lps, soft and sps)

 

[Trueruby]

The new Straton Pros are AWESOME. Expensive, but awesome. I'm willing to bet 2 Straton pro 102s will handle the whole tank. I have one 102 over a 3x2 foot tank and its more light than I'll ever need. I use maybe half power with that light over my SPS and even that's a lot. It's remarkably efficient.

For comparison sake, I was using 2 kessil a360x maxed out and drawing twice what I draw with my entire Straton and the light still wasn't enough to cover the tank.

How is your experience with pro 102’s? Any updates?