Figuring out lighting for new sps only tank

[Lacesoutfinkle]

Tank is 60" long x 24" wide x 20" deep. I don't plan on buying black boxes but don't have a bottomless budget. Was originally planning on doing t5 led hybrid. Was gonna use 60" aquatic life fixture with the 4 t5 bulbs and 3 ghl LED 7204. Was also thinking 4 radion 15s.

Since then I'm leaning more towards using 2 orphek atlantik icons with supplemental bars if needed. Looking to grow sps near the bottom. Will this get the job done ? Open to all input and ideas.

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[Cell]

I think all the options listed would work. I'm partial to Reefbreeders Photon V2's.

 

[Doctorgori]

IMO there are 4 “ tiers”
- Sino/ Amazon cheap Hypergro et under $100
- Sino/Amazon mid: Nicrew $100 - $200
- Quality mid: Noopsyche, A.I , et $200. - $300
- HiQual/Overpriced. Sky, Kessil, Radion $400 - $1000

for that sized tank no matter what you do looks like you will be outta a few bucks

 

[bradreef]

I have previous model xr30's. This light that catches my eye for the money is the reefi uno 2.

 

[SPS2020]

IMO there are 4 “ tiers”
- Sino/ Amazon cheap Hypergro et under $100
- Sino/Amazon mid: Nicrew $100 - $200
- Quality mid: Noopsyche, A.I , et $200. - $300
- HiQual/Overpriced. Sky, Kessil, Radion $400 - $1000

for that sized tank no matter what you do looks like you will be outta a few bucks

I think AI falls in that last category as well coming in at $429 (Hydra32HD), compared to $529 for the XR15 G6. When I bought four Hydra32's it was because I didn't want to choose between the XR15 Pro or Blue. If I were doing it over, I'd opt for the ReefBreeders Photon V2's. Both Adam at BattleCorals and Tim Herman use these lights...and their Acros are quite appealing.

 

[dadnjesse]

If you want the Radion I would do XR30's instead they put out a lot more light and you get more spread. A lot of people recommend Reefi uno 2

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

For an SPS tank, you'll need more than 2 icons for 60". You need coverage and par penetration for growing Acro near the bottom. There are plenty of fixtures that can do it. I agree with an above poster, with a 5 foot tank and SPS, you're going to be out some money unless you plan on growing all those SPS in about a 4 foot space.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Tank is 60" long x 24" wide x 20" deep. I don't plan on buying black boxes but don't have a bottomless budget. Was originally planning on doing t5 led hybrid. Was gonna use 60" aquatic life fixture with the 4 t5 bulbs and 3 ghl LED 7204. Was also thinking 4 radion 15s.

Since then I'm leaning more towards using 2 orphek atlantik icons with supplemental bars if needed. Looking to grow sps near the bottom. Will this get the job done ? Open to all input and ideas.

​

three Ai Hydra 26 or 32hd

3 Orpheks OR3-150 strips

3 noopsyche K7 pros

two RB Photons

 

[Lacesoutfinkle]

For an SPS tank, you'll need more than 2 icons for 60". You need coverage and par penetration for growing Acro near the bottom. There are plenty of fixtures that can do it. I agree with an above poster, with a 5 foot tank and SPS, you're going to be out some money unless you plan on growing all those SPS in about a 4 foot space.

Would 4 reefi unos get the job done ? Honestly never heard of them til now but I'm intrigued after doing a bit of research

 

[bradreef]

Would 4 reefi unos get the job done ? Honestly never heard of them til now but I'm intrigued after doing a bit of research

The pro 2 you might be able to get away with 2 and the 120 degree lenses. 3 would be ideal.

 

[Bj’s Reef]

I’m following to see where this is going.

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Would 4 reefi unos get the job done ? Honestly never heard of them til now but I'm intrigued after doing a bit of research

I would go with the version 2 pro. If you could get 4 and spread them, yes, that would be great. I have personally never used them. I might go 3 and see how that does and you could always add another if budget is an issue.

 

[CloudReefer]

Tank is 60" long x 24" wide x 20" deep. I don't plan on buying black boxes but don't have a bottomless budget. Was originally planning on doing t5 led hybrid. Was gonna use 60" aquatic life fixture with the 4 t5 bulbs and 3 ghl LED 7204. Was also thinking 4 radion 15s.

Since then I'm leaning more towards using 2 orphek atlantik icons with supplemental bars if needed. Looking to grow sps near the bottom. Will this get the job done ? Open to all input and ideas.

​

You could check out the Reefi Unos. I love mine mounted ~12" from the top of the water with 90 degree reflectors. I have two covering a 36" x 24" tank and get about ~150 par at the bottom of the tank at 35% power.

ReeFi Lab – Smart Aquarium Solutions

www.reefi-lab.com