Light recomendations for new tank.

[426HEMI]

Did you get the 18”-24”? If so, you won’t be able to mount them on a 30” tank without some modification or without the optional bracket mount. The light is only 18” and the built in mounts will expand up to 24”. I had an older version of that light on a 9.1g tank that was 24” wide and the mounts were extended as far out as they go. I did end up hanging it which could be an option for you. But honestly, if you can return those I’d consider going a size up with 24”- 36”. You will have pretty low par on the edges of the tank. If you are ok keeping most of your corals towards the middle and directly under the lights then you should be ok. Those are definitely good lights though for LPS and soft corals.

Yes I got the 18-24, I knew ahead of time I'd have to mod them, no worries there. I think I'll be OK, I tend to keep things in the middle anyway for easier maint of the glass. Good lookin out though.

 

[Cwentz758]

I got two Red Sea ReefLED 50s for my 65g and they are perfect and cost 220$ and are WiFi enabled and the app is simple.

 

[Cwentz758]

I got two Red Sea ReefLED 50s for my 65g and they are perfect and cost 220$ and are WiFi enabled and the app is simple.

You I would think would be fine with 1

 

[426HEMI]

Did you get the 18”-24”? If so, you won’t be able to mount them on a 30” tank without some modification or without the optional bracket mount. The light is only 18” and the built in mounts will expand up to 24”. I had an older version of that light on a 9.1g tank that was 24” wide and the mounts were extended as far out as they go. I did end up hanging it which could be an option for you. But honestly, if you can return those I’d consider going a size up with 24”- 36”. You will have pretty low par on the edges of the tank. If you are ok keeping most of your corals towards the middle and directly under the lights then you should be ok. Those are definitely good lights though for LPS and soft corals.

What settings to you have for your light? I have mine in now and need to get them set up.

 

[partlycloudy531]

What settings to you have for your light? I have mine in now and need to get them set up.

I had the Gen 2 which were more powerful than the ones you have. But I ran mine at 100% blues and 15% white for 9 hours a day with a 30 minute ramp up and down. I prefer more blue so that was the main reason I went with that setting. If I were you I’d run the blues at 100% and then just adjust the white until you get the color you prefer. Keep the red and green under 15%. You can’t really cook corals with that light.

 

[426HEMI]

I had the Gen 2 which were more powerful than the ones you have. But I ran mine at 100% blues and 15% white for 9 hours a day with a 30 minute ramp up and down. I prefer more blue so that was the main reason I went with that setting. If I were you I’d run the blues at 100% and then just adjust the white until you get the color you prefer. You can’t really cook corals with that light.

Thank you.

Red and greens aren't adjusted?

 

[partlycloudy531]

Thank you.

Red and greens aren't adjusted?

Keep the red and greens below 15%

 

[426HEMI]

Keep the red and greens below 15%

Ok cool, thanks again.

Did you see good response with this light as far as color and growth goes after installing it?

 

[partlycloudy531]

Ok cool, thanks again.

Did you see good response with this light as far as color and growth goes after installing it?

Yes, my zoas especially did well. But all of my LPS had good color and growth. Your tank is shallow so you will be fine. People with deep tanks are the ones who complain about these lights. Just keep the light close to the surface. You just need to worry about the edges of your tank since you got the shorter lights. I ended up putting a Hydra 32 on mine only because I started to build a new tank and changed my mind and had already bought the light. I’ve noticed no difference in my corals since switching.

 

[426HEMI]

Yes, my zoas especially did well. But all of my LPS had good color and growth. Your tank is shallow so you will be fine. People with deep tanks are the ones who complain about these lights. Just keep the light close to the surface. You just need to worry about the edges of your tank since you got the shorter lights. I ended up putting a Hydra 32 on mine only because I started to build a new tank and changed my mind and had already bought the light. I’ve noticed no difference in my corals since switching.

Thank you.

The lights actually ended up fitting, barely. But as someone said there are shadows at the edges of the tank. I think I may just order the bracket so I can get them a little higher up to cover the edges even if the PAR in those areas isn't ideal.

 

[partlycloudy531]

Thank you.

The lights actually ended up fitting, barely. But as someone said there are shadows at the edges of the tank. I think I may just order the bracket so I can get them a little higher up to cover the edges even if the PAR in those areas isn't ideal.

Just be careful raising them up. It may look like you are getting better coverage with the naked eye but it won’t increase the par on the edges and it will only decrease the par in the middle. Your shallow tank is why those lights will be just fine for most LPS, but raising the lights starts taking that advantage away.

 

[426HEMI]

Just be careful raising them up. It may look like you are getting better coverage with the naked eye but it won’t increase the par on the edges and it will only decrease the par in the middle. Your shallow tank is why those lights will be just fine for most LPS, but raising the lights starts taking that advantage away.

I'll probably end up buying a PAR meter to test with. Make sure I get it right. I should still be able to get the light close to the water, just in a much more stable way. They are at their max expansion now for the arms.

 

[partlycloudy531]

I'll probably end up buying a PAR meter to test with. Make sure I get it right. I should still be able to get the light close to the water, just in a much more stable way. They are at their max expansion now for the arms.

Well good luck with the tank. You will figure out the best way eventually. I’m on my third light now. Started with an AI prime, then went with the Orbit Pro and now the Hydra 32. I’m close to going back to the Orbit mainly because the fixture itself is more aesthetically pleasing and the results are just the same.

 

[426HEMI]

Well good luck with the tank. You will figure out the best way eventually. I’m on my third light now. Started with an AI prime, then went with the Orbit Pro and now the Hydra 32. I’m close to going back to the Orbit mainly because the fixture itself is more aesthetically pleasing and the results are just the same.

Hearing the results are basically the same makes me happy. Love your set up with any of the lights. Super clean.