Lighting for 30 Gallon Tank

[Jmilton1227]

I am looking to convert a 30 gallon freshwater tank to a saltwater reef tank. I have a 10 gallon saltwater tank already with a budget light. I am looking to get recommendations on good light that will allow me to grow any coral I choose to put in there. My tank is 29x14. I have been looking at the Radion xr15. I would appreciate any advice that anyone has to give.

 

[Usarmy227]

I honestly would go with a AI Prime 16HD or a Hydra 32. You can find second hand ones on the marketplace here.

 

[Usarmy227]

I have 2 AI primes in my 90 gal. I was on a budget as well as you can see by different color Versions.

 

[Jmilton1227]

I have 2 AI primes in my 90 gal. I was on a budget as well as you can see by different color Versions.

Awesome thank you! Would you think I would just need one AI Prime 16HD?

 

[mcarroll]

For a longer/rectangular tank I'd suggest two smaller lights of whatever brand/type you like. One large light will be harder to get right and will have less even lighting.

 

[X-37B]

I would take a look at the blade for that tanks dimension.
This is an im 15" nano cube that is at an lfs.
Very nice look. I run the same tank with an xr15 blue.

 

[mcarroll]

I think you want them closer to the tank like this tho:

They need stronger lenses to be mounted higher up....or else a lot of light gets "dumped" outside the tank. That's a waste of light, and in your house also makes the whole room look weird. (Prolly not great for your eyes either.)

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I have a 100 watt nicrew on my 32 gallon that I'm very happy with.

 

[X-37B]

That's 2 blade at 8" above the water for reference. There does not seem to be much spill with most of the light going into the tank. I can't Comment on the glare but it appears minimal.

Same tank running a XR15 gen 5
Blue at 100% on ab+ setting.
I need the diffuser and shade as it is my bedroom next to the bed.
I run 3 XR15's on a 30×24 ×16 and need the shades as well. I can't stand looking directly at the light.

OP, you would need 2 XR15's for that tank and you could grow anything you want. You could could pick up 2 on ebay used to save some money. I bought 5 used and they have been running for 3 years now.

Anyway here is my 15.

 

[Usarmy227]

Awesome thank you! Would you think I would just need one AI Prime 16HD?

You’re welcome! I think you can get away with one and the 12” flex arm for it.