lighting for a frag tank

[zoalander1]

Im preparing to setup a frag tank. Im using a 50g Rubbermaid stock tank. Its 52 in. x 31 in. x 12 in. Im also using a 40g tub for a sump. Im mainly setting it up for zoas with a few lps. This is a grow out system where I can frag and trade/sell with my local reefing club and also a fun extension of the hobby. Im not sure on what lighting to use. I was thinking of using 4 AI prime HDs or T5s. I dont need the added features of LEDs and I can get an 8 bulb T5 unit for 160 bucks on amazon (no bulbs). Replacing bulbs at 23 bucks each will add up, however I think 8 bulbs would be over kill anyhow. I was thinking 4 would be enough. Im looking at around 650 for used AI primes or 850 for new as opposed to T5 unit with 4 ati bulbs for 250. I doubt I would have this exact same system running for 5 plus years to have the added expense of bulb replacement out cost the Primes. The way technology moves, Im excited to see the lighting options in 5 years, and highly doubt I wouldn't change anything in that time. Im trying to stay cost efficient while not losing out on quality also looks don't matter, as this is in my basement. FYI I use AI primes with the aquatic life T5 fixture in my main display. Hence why these are the two options ive been considering.

Do you think 4 ati blue plus 48in bulbs would be enough?
What if I decided to get into SPS?
Would I still be better off with LED?
Is there another option?

 

[Ron Reefman]

I think 2 or better, 3 Mars Aqua led fixtures turned perpendicular to the length of the tank. Cost is low (under $300), light is great, control of intensity and at least 2 channels of color control.

 

[lilgrounchuck]

Second on the MA. Throw in a reef pi on top and you get the added bonus of being able to control them from your phone.

 

[zoalander1]

Thanks. Seems Amazon has a unit for 129.99. I've heard mixed things about the black box LEDs. Will the mars grow sps?

 

[SebastianM]

Viparspectra, they have a 160W and 300 w variant, both rated 5 stars and under $300 on Amazon, customer service based in USA, built in timers and controllable settings. This is my friends SPS dominant low boy under two 300W Chinese ViparSpectras:

 

[SebastianM]

Viparspectra, they have a 160W and 300 w variant, both rated 5 stars and under $300 on Amazon, customer service based in USA, built in timers and controllable settings. This is my friends SPS dominant low boy under two 300W Chinese ViparSpectras:

3* units not 2 sorry

 

[zoalander1]

3* units not 2 sorry

Thanks. Do you have an estimate on his dimensions?

 

[lilgrounchuck]

Thanks. Seems Amazon has a unit for 129.99. I've heard mixed things about the black box LEDs. Will the mars grow sps?

Like a champ. Growth on everything took off after I added a 300w, but I was also coming from a current orbit that was keeping things alive but they weren’t thriving.

 

[zoalander1]

Do you think 3 165w units would be enough?

 

[vetteguy53081]

A couple of Kessil A360s will do well

 

[Ron Reefman]

Thanks. Seems Amazon has a unit for 129.99. I've heard mixed things about the black box LEDs. Will the mars grow sps?

IMHO, bad comments about BB leds are mostly either very old opinions or from people who spent $750 or more on led fixtures and hate that BB fixtures will grow coral just as well.

Do you think 3 165w units would be enough?

Absolutely!