Does better lights equal more growth?

[FlameangelLover]

Hi guys I have a Smatfarm light and I love the settings I have it on right now and I like the color. It doesn’t bother me but I’m trying to get better at reefing so I am asking is a better light like a Radion going to improve growth ? Or am I just buying a better light for more features and controllability?

 

[DIYreefer]

Lighting matters, but not nearly as much as good, consistent water chemistry matters. Your light will grow corals just fine. I would focus more on honing your skills at keeping stable water parameters, then the growth will come.

 

[X-37B]

Hi guys I have a Smatfarm light and I love the settings I have it on right now and I like the color. It doesn’t bother me but I’m trying to get better at reefing so I am asking is a better light like a Radion going to improve growth ? Or am I just buying a better light for more features and controllability?

Another light may help.
Do you have a pic of the system?

 

[FlameangelLover]

Lighting matters, but not nearly as much as good, consistent water chemistry matters. Your light will grow corals just fine. I would focus more on honing your skills at keeping stable water parameters, then the growth will come.

Thank you!! I feel like a lot of people try to “sell” me on why I need a new light but I don’t understand why I would if I like my color of my current light and my settings. But yes I am 1 year into the hope as of this week and I plan on doing my first icp test and starting to dose in Feb!

 

[FlameangelLover]

Hi guys I have a Smatfarm light and I love the settings I have it on right now and I like the color. It doesn’t bother me but I’m trying to get better at reefing so I am asking is a better light like a Radion going to improve growth ? Or am I just buying a better light for more features and controllability?

Another light may help.
Do you have a pic of the system?

I have a video as well. Let me know if that would help

 

[CHSUB]

I have the 60 w Smatfarm on my 16 gallon, it grows everything and would not expect better results from another light.

 

[FlameangelLover]

I have the 60 w Smatfarm on my 16 gallon, it grows everything and would not expect better results from another light.

Thank you and nothing I have is as high level as what you have lol. I have softies a torch and an elegance lol. So my main concern is nutrient control and making sure I have consistent parameters

 

[gkprevite]

You don’t need a different light necessarily but you might need to either add fill light or another fixture to even out the light spread and reduce shadowing.

 

[DIYreefer]

Thank you!! I feel like a lot of people try to “sell” me on why I need a new light but I don’t understand why I would if I like my color of my current light and my settings. But yes I am 1 year into the hope as of this week and I plan on doing my first icp test and starting to dose in Feb!

Honestly, I don’t think an icp would be necessary at this point for you. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t hurt by any means but generally, icp tests are going to be more beneficial for those with tanks that are heavily stocked with corals (or for people that are having issues that can’t be sorted out otherwise).

Just be patient and focus on that stability. You’re off to a great start, no need to over complicate things. :)

 

[exnisstech]

Thank you!! I feel like a lot of people try to “sell” me on why I need a new light but I don’t understand why I would if I like my color of my current light and my settings. But yes I am 1 year into the hope as of this week and I plan on doing my first icp test and starting to dose in Feb!

Not sure I would bother with an ICP unless your trying to figure out a mysterious issue. I don't believe they are necessary at all. Also dosing isn't really anything to look forward to IMO I would much rather get by in WCs for as long as possible. Simple can be good especially when starting off.

I've never done an ICP on any of these systems and they did / do ok. I think ICP can be useful but also can lead to confusion and tail chasing of things that may not even matter. Almost like looking for problems which I try to avoid. JMO

Past tanks

Currently running.

 

[FlameangelLover]

Thank you!! I feel like a lot of people try to “sell” me on why I need a new light but I don’t understand why I would if I like my color of my current light and my settings. But yes I am 1 year into the hope as of this week and I plan on doing my first icp test and starting to dose in Feb!

Not sure I would bother with an ICP unless your trying to figure out a mysterious issue. I don't believe they are necessary at all. Also dosing isn't really anything to look forward to IMO I would much rather get by in WCs for as long as possible. Simple can be good especially when starting off.

I've never done an ICP on any of these systems and they did / do ok. I think ICP can be useful but also can lead to confusion and tail chasing of things that may not even matter. Almost like looking for problems which I try to avoid. JMO

Past tanks

Currently running.

First off your tanks are beautiful . Second YES! I have a 40 gallon breeder that I do weekly 5 gallon water changes . Which is about a little over 10% and so far so good I just thought I needed to start dosing because my corals are getting slightly bigger

 

[FlameangelLover]

Thank you!! I feel like a lot of people try to “sell” me on why I need a new light but I don’t understand why I would if I like my color of my current light and my settings. But yes I am 1 year into the hope as of this week and I plan on doing my first icp test and starting to dose in Feb!

Honestly, I don’t think an icp would be necessary at this point for you. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t hurt by any means but generally, icp tests are going to be more beneficial for those with tanks that are heavily stocked with corals (or for people that are having issues that can’t be sorted out otherwise).

Just be patient and focus on that stability. You’re off to a great start, no need to over complicate things. :)

Thank you!!!

 

[exnisstech]

I try to encourage people to keep things as simple as possible when new. Doing so makes things easier and leads to less frustration IME
Normally dosing is only needed if corals are consuming more than WCs can keep up with. Most people including myself dose to maintain alk and calcium levels and some trace elements are added with aoke supplements tho I have no idea which or how much of each is added. I dose based on my alkalinity consumption and calcium follows along without needing additional corrections. There are many different products but I've found ESV 2 part and AFR to be the easiest for me with AFR being my favorites. The tank in the first image above ran on just kalk which can be simple also.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

I think it’s the combination of a good light, good flow and stable parameters that are within range that result in growth.