Lighting Dilemma

[RoanokeReef]

Morning, wanted to get some opinions on lighting a 35.4"L x 21.7"W x 20.9"H with External Overflow. I have a buddy getting rid of some XR30 Pro G4's. I also have an XR15 Gen5 from my current tank. My tanks are SPS dominated. So, wondering what you would do.

Option 1 - 2x XR30 Pro Gen4
Option 2 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5

 

[Cell]

Xr30's

 

[jda]

Gen 4 are fine for most tanks. I doubt that gen 5 or 6 really give you much more. Don't pay too much for them since they could go out at any time.

If you are buying new, then don't overlook Photon v2. The best acropora growers that I have seen under LED use these.

 

[Spare time]

Does it have to be a radion light? I personally am not a fan due to their price

 

[RoanokeReef]

Does it have to be a radion light? I personally am not a fan due to their price

Yes, only because if I got XR30 G4 I'm getting a great deal on two or going XR15 Gen5 because I already have 1 so buying another isn't awful for pricing.

I just dont know if the older 2 XR30 Gen4's would be better / worse than 2 XR15 Gen5's.

 

[Spare time]

Yes, only because if I got XR30 G4 I'm getting a great deal on two or going XR15 Gen5 because I already have 1 so buying another isn't awful for pricing.

I just dont know if the older 2 XR30 Gen4's would be better / worse than 2 XR15 Gen5's.

The g4 xr30 will have a stronger output but the xr15 gen 5 will have better distribution of that intensity. I don't think it will matter either way. I personally would go with the xr15 unless the deal on the gen 4's is really good since every electronic device has its lifespan.

 

[RoanokeReef]

Well I started digging and an option 3 came up-
Option 1 - 2x XR30 Pro Gen4
Option 2 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5
Option 3 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5 + Aquatic Life 4 Bulb T5 Hybrid

I'm leaning more towards option 3 at this point.

 

[Spare time]

Well I started digging and an option 3 came up-
Option 1 - 2x XR30 Pro Gen4
Option 2 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5
Option 3 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5 + Aquatic Life 4 Bulb T5 Hybrid

I'm leaning more towards option 3 at this point.

Option 3 is the best. And hybride between puck and strips is my favorite

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Well I started digging and an option 3 came up-
Option 1 - 2x XR30 Pro Gen4
Option 2 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5
Option 3 - 2x XR15 Blue Gen5 + Aquatic Life 4 Bulb T5 Hybrid

I'm leaning more towards option 3 at this point.

I would go with Option 1 by far. Now if you wanted to add the T5s to the XR30 Gen 4, that would work as well. 2 XR15s isn't going to cover a 36 inch SPS tank, even with a 4 bulb T5 (Which isn't much for SPS).

I would go with the 2x XR30 Pro Gen4, it's the best option by far.