New light for my new reef tank

[Peppe]

hi guys, I'm setting up a new reef with the following measures 48 "x24" x24 ". I would like to choose the most suitable lights for SPS without having shadow areas even when they will be very large colonies.

Ultimately what would be the best light option for me to have good growth and coloring between orphek icon, radion g5 and ati straton? how many lights should i use? combined with Led or t5 neon bars?

 

[carmodpg]

hi guys, I'm setting up a new reef with the following measures 48 "x24" x24 ". I would like to choose the most suitable lights for SPS without having shadow areas even when they will be very large colonies.

Ultimately what would be the best light option for me to have good growth and coloring between orphek icon, radion g5 and ati straton? how many lights should i use? combined with Led or t5 neon bars?

Congrats on the new set up. My personal recommendation (assuming you have no existing colonies) would be to start with about 3 (4 if you have the resources) G5 XR15s with the potential to add another one (or two) in the future once your corals have grown. I like the XR15s bc they give you room to add more if needed and 2 equals the cost of one XR30. Further, multiple XR15s give you the ability to tinker with the placement to eliminate any shadowing issues.

 

[Hydrored]

As I have used both the G5 and the Stratons for SPS hands down the Stratons for coverage and zero fan noise. I replaced 5 G5 XR30’s with 4 Stratons over my 8’
I’m replacing 5 GNC Blueray Pros over my 300 after a month and I know you are familiar with those.

I edited my post as I’m familiar with @Peppe and I know T5/halides are out

 

[Jekyl]

Agree with above. While LED seems to be the craze, everyone with T5 or Halide seem to be the smart people.

 

[Peppe]

As I have used both the G5 and the Stratons for SPS hands down the Stratons for coverage and zero fan noise. I replaced 5 G5 XR30’s with 4 Stratons over my 8’
I’m replacing 5 GNC Blueray Pros over my 300 after a month and I know you are familiar with those.

I edited my post as I’m familiar with @Peppe and I know T5/halides are out

are you using the gnc pro and replacing them with the ati?

 

[Peppe]

Congrats on the new set up. My personal recommendation (assuming you have no existing colonies) would be to start with about 3 (4 if you have the resources) G5 XR15s with the potential to add another one (or two) in the future once your corals have grown. I like the XR15s bc they give you room to add more if needed and 2 equals the cost of one XR30. Further, multiple XR15s give you the ability to tinker with the placement to eliminate any shadowing issues.

when the tank is mature I will move already large colonies in there. with Radion it would be better 3 xr30 or 4 xr15+ two LED bars?

 

[Hydrored]

are you using the gnc pro and replacing them with the ati?

No, I have the Stratons over my 210, the GNC's are over my 300

 

[Oldreefer44]

Have had Halides, Halides +T5, Orphek Atlantiks and now Stratons. Would not go back.

 

[Peppe]

No, I have the Stratons over my 210, the GNC's are over my 300

Do you post a photo or video of your reef under statons?

 

[Peppe]

Have had Halides, Halides +T5, Orphek Atlantiks and now Stratons. Would not go back.

Do you post a photo or video of your reef under statons?

 

[Hydrored]

@Peppe I have posted a bunch of photos and coral pictures here-

ATI Straton LED Light - Comments, Review, PAR, Coverage, Discuss...

Hi All, I purchased two pre-embargo ATI Straton units for testing and feedback. The two units were replacing an 8-Bulb 48" ATI Powermodule over half of my new ~340g SPS reef. I wanted to document my findings and comparison on PAR, heat, sound (none!), look, build quality, coverage, and so on...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Jekyl]

Also the most expensive lights you can buy though

 

[Peppe]

Also the most expensive lights you can buy though

what do you mean?

 

[Jekyl]

Stratons are $1200 each

 

[Peppe]

but in your opinion if I choose Radion with how many would I have the best coverage? and if you choose the kessil ap9x instead?

 

[Peppe]

@Peppe I have posted a bunch of photos and coral pictures here-

ATI Straton LED Light - Comments, Review, PAR, Coverage, Discuss...

Hi All, I purchased two pre-embargo ATI Straton units for testing and feedback. The two units were replacing an 8-Bulb 48" ATI Powermodule over half of my new ~340g SPS reef. I wanted to document my findings and comparison on PAR, heat, sound (none!), look, build quality, coverage, and so on...

www.reef2reef.com

on which page do I find your photos? do you think the stratons are better than gnc bluray pro?

 

[Jekyl]

1 ap9x, not sure on radion

 

[Hydrored]

on which page do I find your photos? do you think the stratons are better than gnc bluray pro?

Yes, absolutely, hands down. The mounting options suck for Straton though.

 

[PopDBE]

For your tank 48x24x24, you'll need 3 radions xr30 or 2 ap9x or ap700.

I have 48x24x20h. Tried with 2 xr30 and there's a lot of shadows. Also xr30 has too many color options. Kessil is simple settings. For me anyways.

 

[ReefCheef]

hi guys, I'm setting up a new reef with the following measures 48 "x24" x24 ". I would like to choose the most suitable lights for SPS without having shadow areas even when they will be very large colonies.

Ultimately what would be the best light option for me to have good growth and coloring between orphek icon, radion g5 and ati straton? how many lights should i use? combined with Led or t5 neon bars?

All of those lights will work. Straton's are the best.