Lighting for IM 170 EXT

[Intheflesh]

Hello friends.

I currently have an IM 50 gallon, and upgrading to either a 100 (24x48 foot print) or 170 (30 x 59 footprint).

If i go the 100 route, I will be using 2 x Radion XR30 gen 4 (which I currently own both, and one is running on my 50). In fact, most of my 50 gallon equipment was 'sized up' with the intention of going larger eventually. I would be able to re-use almost everything from my current set up.

I have the space for a 170, and the wife's blessing, so I am seriously considering that option. So I am just doing a little research on equipment. I have several Ideas I am considering for lighting:

1. A 3rd 4th gen XR-30 (seems the most logical)
2. the 2 XR30s I already have + (2) AI Blades 57"
3. sell off the eco-techs and do something completely different/new: 3 x hydra 68 edge, ???

Probably would not consider the G6 XR30s or ATI Straton X; a little too cost prohibitive.

Goal of the tank would be mixed reef, but leaning towards SPS dominant.

 

[X-37B]

I run an ext 170, 112, and a 50.
3 xr15 gen 5 blue over the 50.
2 photon 50's and 3 or4 uv/v bars over the 170.
400 watt halide and 2 edge 14K bars over the 112.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I sold off my g4 xr30 pros when one failed and couldn't bring myself to paying for g5s and replaced with noopsyche k7 and haven't looked back.

In your case you could probably ad another g4 xr30 if you can get a good one.
I have never used blades - so i can't comment.

But I am not a radion or AI fan. I would sell them off and replace with noops personally. 3 of the new IV would run $139 each and be able to grow what you want. 3 would be fine for LPS and SPS top half of the tank. if you want sps everywhere i would do 4 mounted front to back.

 

[Intheflesh]

Thank you for your input. I am not familiar with those, I will have to do some research!

 

[PPBlimpy]

Thank you for your input. I am not familiar with those, I will have to do some research!

great lights, wonky app and shipping times can suck. But glass lenses and great spectrum in my opinin.

I come from halides so once I set it where I like them I don't mess with my lights every again. if you like playing with the lights then they probably aren't for you. the app gets frustrating. there are a couple guys that have made stand alone controllers that high jack the noopsyche internals that look promising. i still need to test them out.

 

[Intheflesh]

I tend not to fuss with my lights. As it is, I dislike the Mobius app, and am just sticking to a stock preset for ease.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I tend not to fuss with my lights. As it is, I dislike the Mobius app, and am just sticking to a stock preset for ease.

Then yea, i suggest checking them out. they can take upwards of 2-3 weeks to recieve when ordered thru their website.

 

[Intheflesh]

I run an ext 170, 112, and a 50.
3 xr15 gen 5 blue over the 50.
2 photon 50's and 3 or4 uv/v bars over the 170.
400 watt halide and 2 edge 14K bars over the 112.

The 112 is such a cool tank, I wish I had the space for deep lagoon like that, its just too deep front to back.

Thank you for your input!

 

[jackson6745]

Another g4 since you already run them (I assume like them) , and you’re not looking to spend a fortune on newer stuff. It would be more even coverage than adding 2 blades with 2x g4 imo. You could always add a t5 hybrid (used) if you want to fill in more space down the road. I run 4xg6 in a t5 hybrid on the 200ext. Looks awesome