Mixing lighting technologies: Do you use multiple types of lighting for your reef?

[Peace River]

Mixing lighting technologies: Do you use multiple types of lighting for your reef?

For many years there has been discussion about the best type of lighting for reef tanks. Although most reefers currently use LED lights, there are still advocates for metal halide and T5 lighting. In some cases, reef keepers may use multiple types of lighting. What about you – do you use multiple types of lighting for your reef? If so, please let us know about your lighting configuration and help us understand why you made the decision to use multiple types of lighting. Similarly, if you have used multiple types of lighting in the past but no longer take that approach, please let us know why you moved away from multiple types of lighting for your reef.

Photo by @Epic Aquaculture; March 2024 Reef of the Month


This QOTD is sponsored by: www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com

“Dinkins Aquatic Gardens specializes in producing top-quality copepods, phytoplankton, amphipods, and berghia nudibranchs. We are a small husband-and-wife company that intensely focuses on customer service. We'd love to have you experience the Dinkins Difference!"

 

[tzabor10]

Currently running 4 Kessil a360x Tuna Blues and 2 Reefbrite 48” actinic blue. Adding 2 more Reefbrites this weekend. Acros are growing fast. Not sure why Reefbrite doesn’t get more mentions, it’s a very nice light.

 

[exnisstech]

One tank with a reefbreeders photon and 4 bulb t5 hybrid. I have several different brands of LED lights but don't think that was the question.

 

[Dburr1014]

I have used MH with T5.
Currently led only.
Will be led with T5 soon enough.

 

[shakacuz]

just two hydra 32hd's and 2 reefbrite hko kits over a 40B.

 

[KrisReef]

Serious reefers only use MH and T5 combinations. Anything else is a waste of photons ime.

 

[TienDC]

Currently use Radion XR15 G5 Pro supplement with T5.

 

[SomeHappyFish]

Two Noops with a kessil in the middle

 

[twentyleagues]

Serious reefers only use MH and T5 combinations. Anything else is a waste of photons ime.

The gif you posted would prove otherwise.

 

[jermzisurmom]

I have two kessil 160 tuna blues, and a Hyper reef 150 on a 48x24x24 120gl.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I used the Old Square Pin Power Compacts with LED Strips and Bars. Compact Bulbs were expensive and getting harder to get. Finally Ditched them for all LED Bars, and Homemade COB Floods. Corals, were just has happy with the LED’s. Makes me happy with less energy and heat.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My tank is Orphek dominant with Noopsyche k7’s for added shimmer

 

[Minifoot77]

I use 4 hydra 26hds and 4 t5s currently and am adding 2 250w mh for my peak

 

[Waters]

I use T5s and Radions.

 

[dadnjesse]

Serious reefers only use MH and T5 combinations. Anything else is a waste of photons ime.

Outdated like John Travolta

 

[KrisReef]

Outdated like John Travolta

Pulp Fiction.

 

[twentyleagues]

Pulp Fiction.

never outdated!

 

[Kfactor]

kessil a 360x's and mh

 

[RichReef]

I use an Aquatic Life T5 with 2 Kessil A360X. I really like the set up. The bulbs are 2 true actinic and 2 purple plus ATI.

The Kessils at 65 percent are giving me 150 PAR on the sand bed. Gives a lot of room for adjustment.

 

[MrGisonni]

I have two AI primes mounted in an Aquatic life dimmable/controllable hybrid fixture. My Primes run my full photoperiod and give me my high noon, then I slowly back the whites out. I'm about to start running 2 true actinics and 2 blue + bulbs to enhance my violets and light blue/cyan, while providing a little spread and fill later in my photoperiod. I'm waiting on my controller so I can tune in the T5's for a nice balance and start acclimating the corals to the increased light.