Need help choosing a light!!!

[Joshua Agostoni]

I have an algea problem so not only am i going to buy some GFO to help with this problem i also realize my lighting has something to do with it. Along with relying on my refugium to get most of the phosphates and nitrates out. However i bought a light that doesn't have the best spectrum and i am sure that since for the majority of the time my light is on its straight white light its not helping.

I am looking for a light that is going to be good for corals, that i can change the spectrum / Color range. I have a 48 inch long 55 gallon tank however since lights are expensive i would like to get a light that in the future if i get a bigger 120 gallon like i want i will be able to but another light to cover the rest of the length.

Also i would like the light to be controlled from my phone or a remote.

Im going to purchase from Marine Depot so if anyone wants to take a look and drop links to things they find that would be great.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I have an algea problem so not only am i going to buy some GFO to help with this problem i also realize my lighting has something to do with it. Along with relying on my refugium to get most of the phosphates and nitrates out. However i bought a light that doesn't have the best spectrum and i am sure that since for the majority of the time my light is on its straight white light its not helping.

I am looking for a light that is going to be good for corals, that i can change the spectrum / Color range. I have a 48 inch long 55 gallon tank however since lights are expensive i would like to get a light that in the future if i get a bigger 120 gallon like i want i will be able to but another light to cover the rest of the length.

Also i would like the light to be controlled from my phone or a remote.

Im going to purchase from Marine Depot so if anyone wants to take a look and drop links to things they find that would be great.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Kessil_...for_Aquariums-Kessil-YH33920-FILTFILD-vi.html

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

anything a bit cheaper then that?

 

[Crabs McJones]

anything a bit cheaper then that?

Well...you're kind of asking alot. You want a light that will grow coral, cover a footprint of 48" long, presumably lighting a 120 down the road, and something that is wifi controllable out of the box and only offered by marine depot. Alot of limiting factors doesnt really give you alot of options :) even if you went with 2 AI primes you're still looking at 400 and you'll need more in the future when you upgrade to your 120 and start getting into more advanced corals down the road. Better to buy good now instead of spending more money buying "ok" now and good later on

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

No i said im ok with having to get another light down the road. when i upgrade. so a light that covers 48 inches now and i add another later is fine. i can deal with it not being wifi as long as i can set the color spectrum cause right now my light has two modes moon light and full blast white lighting but isnt good enough for corals

 

[Crabs McJones]

No i said im ok with having to get another light down the road. when i upgrade. so a light that covers 48 inches now and i add another later is fine. i can deal with it not being wifi as long as i can set the color spectrum cause right now my light has two modes moon light and full blast white lighting but isnt good enough for corals

Is there a particular reason only marine depot? I'd take a look at the sb reef lights, they're inexpensive and will grow any coral you put under them

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

Do you think one of these would work? I currently dont have corals and if i get some im going to start with softies. im thinking one of these would work good

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

Is there a particular reason only marine depot? I'd take a look at the sb reef lights, they're inexpensive and will grow any coral you put under them

i can finance my purchase though them.

 

[mtraylor]

I would definitely go with some pendent type style or kessel setup so you can add as you go. That's great advice. Good luck.

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

https://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Il...ums-AquaIllumination-3Z48121-FILTFILD-vi.html

what about this for 48 inch tank
i can get another one if i get a bigger tank

 

[Dilan Patel]

you would need at least two of those for a 48in tank.

 

[Dilan Patel]

You can do what I did when I ran my 55gallon reef. i bought two kessil 160's I liked them and grew corals. you could go with 36o we if u want as well. I also used a brs t5 retro kit later as well.

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

You can do what I did when I ran my 55gallon reef. i bought two kessil 160's I liked them and grew corals. you could go with 36o we if u want as well. I also used a brs t5 retro kit later as well.

i went with that option got two of them with goose neck and the remote. I felt like that was best option since i already have a kessil lighting up my refugium and it does a great job.

 

[melev]

Perhaps we should be discussing the size of your clean up crew instead. :)

 

[Joshua Agostoni]

Perhaps we should be discussing the size of your clean up crew instead. :)

My clean up crew has about 10-15 nasarius snails 4 emerald crabs 2 pep shrimp 1 clean shrimp 1 lobster and probably like 15 hermits

 

[melev]

My clean up crew has about 10-15 nasarius snails 4 emerald crabs 2 pep shrimp 1 clean shrimp 1 lobster and probably like 15 hermits

Sound like you need a bunch of snails like Trochus, Cerith, maybe Astreas... and how about a tuxedo or diadema urchin? The peppermint & cleaner shrimp and that lobster won't do much cleaning of algae. I recommend one critter per gallon. The more hungry mouths you have, the more better they will consume your algae situation.