Fixture length on 48 inch tank

ReeferReefer · Dec 11, 2018

Need some advice on my new build. I am upgrading my 90g AIO to a 120 (4*2*2) with sump. It will be a softie dominated tank.

I am currently running a Tek T5 6 bulbs, 36 inches long with a SB Reef Light sBar (36 inch). Currently there is six inches on each side without the light over it. The T5 seems to fill in the light well but I don't have a par meter. Will this be enough lighting for the new tank?

If not, what do you recommend for around or under $600?

I was considering a Reef Breeders Photon V2, SB Reef Lights Ultra, Geissman 48 inch 6 bulb and some viraspectra x3 blackboxes.

As you can tell I am interested in t5 and led. May add t5 supplementation down the road to led or get more reef bars if I go t5.

Any advice on how you would light this tank would be appreciated. It doesn't need to be crazy since I won't be doing SPS this time.

mtraylor · Dec 11, 2018

Personally if its a softie tank. I would use the light that I have and use that money for something else. I think you will be fine. Save your money. Place your corals accordingly.

Smite · Dec 11, 2018

I agree. If you were looking to do sps wall to wall then id say go 48" but with softies and keeping your rock work a few inches in from the glass you'll be good with 36". Probably spend less time cleaning algae off your glass too

Big G · Dec 11, 2018

I have a 48" SB reeflights ultra on my 90. Plenty of power and you get end to end coverage. Lots of adjustment on the four channels it comes with. Easy to control using your iPhone.

Dual40IM · Dec 11, 2018

I think you should be fine with what you have. I actually prefer using a size under light. i.e, 48 inch tank 36 inch light. Helps with light spillage onto the floor and gives you some lower par area to acclimate new corals. I have a 24 inch ATI fixture over my IM Lagoon 25 and light spillage is crazy bad. Wish they made a 16 or 18 inch fixture.

jda · Dec 11, 2018

I would use your existing light as well. If you don't like it, then be on the lookout for a used light that works - take your time and save a bunch of money.

jporter17 · Dec 11, 2018

I have a 36" light over a 48" tank and you might find you have more lower light coral options that way. I agree with better. control of light spillage. Try it, you can always change if you're unhappy with the coverage. JP

ReeferReefer · Dec 11, 2018

I should note I'm going for a open style aqua scape with two main pillars of rock. There won't be much coral near the glass.

ReeferReefer · Dec 11, 2018

I guess I'll just give it a try. I can always add another sBar from SB Reef Lights to boost up my par.

I'm running ATI bulbs in my Tek light as well. I should probably get my hands on a par meter and do some testing.

ReeferReefer · Dec 11, 2018

Big G said:
I have a 48" SB reeflights ultra on my 90. Plenty of power and you get end to end coverage. Lots of adjustment on the four channels it comes with. Easy to control using your iPhone.

How high do you run the channels? Does the fixture get hot? Seems like a lot of leds for not having a fan.

Big G · Dec 11, 2018

The fixture has ventilation slots that work like a heat sink, keeping the unit cool. Worked perfect, even during the past summer heat. Can't stress this enough, this unit is built sturdy, it's solid and heavy. The unit, at least when I got mine, does not come with any preset programs. Had to create my own by trial and error. Below is one of my programs I've been running. Of course your mileage may vary, depending on tank conditions, rock, sand, and types of corals. As you can see, I'm not running it set very high. The tank was new and was doing battle with algae outbreaks.
Highly suggest you get a lux meter to establish a baseline for your tank and so you can gauge changes as you adjust your lights as needed.
Got mine on Amazon it was about 16.00
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00LSFR0FO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hope this helps a bit.

ReeferReefer · Dec 12, 2018

Big G said:
The fixture has ventilation slots that work like a heat sink, keeping the unit cool. Worked perfect, even during the past summer heat. Can't stress this enough, this unit is built sturdy, it's solid and heavy. The unit, at least when I got mine, does not come with any preset programs. Had to create my own by trial and error. Below is one of my programs I've been running. Of course your mileage may vary, depending on tank conditions, rock, sand, and types of corals. As you can see, I'm not running it set very high. The tank was new and was doing battle with algae outbreaks.
Highly suggest you get a lux meter to establish a baseline for your tank and so you can gauge changes as you adjust your lights as needed.
Got mine on Amazon it was about 16.00
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00LSFR0FO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hope this helps a bit.

Wow, this is very helpful!

So the Ultras biggest advantage over the standard size is the 4 channel control, passive cooling and longer fixture design right?