Lighting for 25 lagoon

[jake760]

Recently picked up an innovative marine 25 lagoon and I’m struggling on what lights to use. I’ve considered 2 ai prime hds, xr15 blue, nicrew, and the noopsyche k7 IV. First I was going to do the single xr15 but heard there may be some problems with shadowing so now it’s all up in the air for me. Any and all help his appreciated!!

 

[Asserted]

Honestly for the money I think the noopsyche k7 IV is king especially with having app control. Been looking around for lights as well, but for a smaller TMC 13.5g.

 

[whalewhalewhale]

I think you’re approaching this from the wrong angle.

If you’re keeping mostly softies, a single AI prime will suffice.

If you’re doing a mix of softies and LPS, a single AI prime will still suffice, but it won’t hurt to get a second prime or use a single XR15. (same applies to the nicrew and noopsyche)

If you’re doing SPS, your goal is to blanket the whole tank with light. This means most of your options above kinda suck. Like it’ll get you started but eventually you’ll have to switch to larger panel or multiple LED bars.

The most intuitive way to understand lighting requirements is to study what the natural environments of the corals you want to keep are. Mushrooms, zoanthids, euphyllia, scolymia, leathers, etc. are found deeper in the water, sometimes shadowed by rocks and corals above. Worrying about “shadows” really isn’t a big deal unless it’s completely shadowed with not even reflected light hitting it. On the other hand, SPS like acropora are in shallow waters and super close to the surface. They’re getting blasted by sunlight with no shadows above.