Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
I had just sized up from a 10g with an A80 to a 40g breeder last weekend. I honestly couldn't think of spending $800 on new LEDs and considered going to T5's.
I did some research and Kessil's video on the A80 noted it can grow softies corals in a 15-24" deep tank.
I know I made the cheap move, but I purchased a second A80 to try it. I have almost nothing but zoos and shrooms. So far none of the zoos are stretching up for light and appear rather happy at this point. I have no "data" on growth yet; but in the ten gallon they were spreading rather quickly - so that's going to be my baseline.
I can add some photos later on.
I will follow this for sure!
Awesome!! Thank you for this!! I'm the same way, already have an A80 and upgrading to a 3 ft long tank so I really want to just buy another A80 for now. I might build a canopy later and put a T5 retrofit in there with the A80s.I took some shots of my 40B with two A80's. The water line to the sand bed is approx. 13" and the lights are approx. 6.5" from the water line.
After about 3-4 weeks with this new set up, my conclusion is that it's totally do able. I've actually seen a lot of new zoos poppin' up. I do have a Squamosa on the sand bed and he looks great. I was expecting to have to move him to a top ledge.
I will note, if I didn't already have an A80 on the 10-gallon, I would have just bought a t5 fixture or larger LEDS. Who knows, I may switch over to t5's someday, but right now I love the color range and tunability of LEDs.
Hope my test/experimenting helps you make a decision.
Note: I use a clip on iPhone lens i bought for like $20 on amazon to which cuts out light; however the close up shots are down in blue. I took some with/without it.
Here's a pic with 100% blue with no camera lens.
Here's a pic with 100% blue with the camera lens.
The next few are 75% white with camera lens.