Lighting Advice

[Benjibarr]

Hello all, I am fairly new to reefing and started with a Fluval evo 13.5 but realized I wanted something bigger. While at my LFS they had a C-Vue 45 aio for a fair price, so I went ahead and purchased it. I am having a difficult time figuring out what type of light I should purchase for it. The dimensions are 25x22 and I will mainly have LPS and softies in the tank. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Besieged]

It really depends on budget and long-term goals, but for a 25x22 AIO with LPS and softies, you're probably looking at a PAR target of 75-150, maybe up to 200 if you plan on keeping higher-light LPS like torches, hammers, or acans.

More light is generally better, but only if properly diffused and adjustable. Excess light can be turned down, extending lifespan and reducing heat and energy waste, but too little light can limit coral health and growth. Since PAR decreases with depth, you want to ensure the light penetrates well enough to reach corals at lower levels.

For a tank this size, you have a few solid options. A single high-quality LED puck-style fixture like an AI Hydra 32HD, Radion XR15, or Kessil A360X will give strong, adjustable coverage, though you'll want to check spread and intensity to avoid hotspots and shadowing. If you prefer even distribution, two smaller lights like AI Prime 16HDs or Kessil A160s can provide better spread and prevent excessive shadowing from rockwork. Light bars, like ReefBrite or Orphek OR3s, can also work well, especially if supplemented with a main fixture for full-spectrum balance.

Beam angle and mounting height also play a role. Wider beam angles help prevent hotspots, but if too wide, they can result in excessive light spill and wasted energy. Ideally, you want an adjustable mounting option to fine-tune both height and intensity.

If budget isn’t a constraint, going slightly over what you think you need allows flexibility for future stocking choices. Are you considering specific corals beyond just general LPS and softies, or are there any fixtures you're already looking at?

 

[Benjibarr]

It really depends on budget and long-term goals, but for a 25x22 AIO with LPS and softies, you're probably looking at a PAR target of 75-150, maybe up to 200 if you plan on keeping higher-light LPS like torches, hammers, or acans.

More light is generally better, but only if properly diffused and adjustable. Excess light can be turned down, extending lifespan and reducing heat and energy waste, but too little light can limit coral health and growth. Since PAR decreases with depth, you want to ensure the light penetrates well enough to reach corals at lower levels.

For a tank this size, you have a few solid options. A single high-quality LED puck-style fixture like an AI Hydra 32HD, Radion XR15, or Kessil A360X will give strong, adjustable coverage, though you'll want to check spread and intensity to avoid hotspots and shadowing. If you prefer even distribution, two smaller lights like AI Prime 16HDs or Kessil A160s can provide better spread and prevent excessive shadowing from rockwork. Light bars, like ReefBrite or Orphek OR3s, can also work well, especially if supplemented with a main fixture for full-spectrum balance.

Beam angle and mounting height also play a role. Wider beam angles help prevent hotspots, but if too wide, they can result in excessive light spill and wasted energy. Ideally, you want an adjustable mounting option to fine-tune both height and intensity.

If budget isn’t a constraint, going slightly over what you think you need allows flexibility for future stocking choices. Are you considering specific corals beyond just general LPS and softies, or are there any fixtures you're already looking at?

I appreciate you taking the time to help me out, budget is around $400 right now so I was hoping to use only one light right now. Torches and Acans are definitely some of the corals that I will be keeping. I was looking at the new AI Edge 44hd but I will look into some of the ones you mentioned. Corals I will have are Torches, Hammers, Acans, Blastos and Zoas.

 

[TX_REEF]

What's your budget? Here are some options:

• Kessil A360. I am biased, but I love the shimmer and there is evidence of kessil producing superior color development in corals. https://amzn.to/4bkQD7g
• Noopsyche K7 mini. I don't think you need the K7 pro since the tank is on the smaller side and you only want LPS and softies. awesome budget option. https://noopsychereeflight.com/prod...TJWuYrv5DHRjsUsdSTanc7vpf_9_-Rpn6cDT5T68oVRWk
• Reefi uno. top-tier controllability, less shadowing than kessil because it is more of a "puck" than a spotlight. You'll miss out on the shimmer, though. This is what I'd use if I wasn't a kessil fanboy. https://www.reefi-lab.com/product/reefi-uno-2-1-pro/

 

[Liquid361]

For a tank this size with a $400 budget, I’d go with Kessil as well. It’s great light for a small tank and as was said, the shimmer is beautiful and striking, much better than others in that price bracket. I’m currently sitting up a large new tank. I’m using 5 Radion XR30 pros, but for supplemental lighting, I’m using 3 Kessil A500s because of love the Kessil shimmer. Best wishes!

EDIT: it’s worth seeking for sale fixtures here to save a little cash.

 

[Benjibarr]

Thank you all for the suggestions I will look into the Kessil a360 since it has been recommended multiple times.