Reefer 250 lighting for SPS

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drcole

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So, just as I was trying to find lighting for my standard 55 gallon tank, I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive a new Red Sea reefer 250 here on R2R. I know there are plenty of 250 owners out there so I would love to know which lights you have had the most success with, especially for SPS.
 
A led t5 hybrid would look awesome over that tank. And give you the coverage youd want for sps. Two kessil a360we with the aquatic life hybrid would be sweet!
 
6x39 ATI Sunpower. If you want ramping for sunrise and sunset, throw a Reefbrite Actinic XHO strip on there. This is the exact setup that I bought that will go over my rimless 57 36x18x20 acro garden build. I’ve owned a bunch of different LED fixtures and I’m over it. I just want to grow healthy SPS now with a proven plug and play lighting system.
 
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I’m not too familiar with that fixture. However, what makes the ATI Sunpower the gold standard in T5 lighting is threefold... individual reflectors for each bulb, active bulb cooling / heat venting and programmed start ballasts.
 
I would just recommend to get the non dimmable ati as the controller may spoil over time and in long run the replacement ballast in case of failure is cheaper. The dimmable ballast is a lot more expensive.
 
Although I am a huge fan of MH lighting for SPS, that unfortunately looks like an Odyssea fixture... buyer beware! They don’t have the most reliable ballasts or wiring and in the past they’ve had a reputation for being a fire risk. Again, that was years ago when they were first introduced, not sure of their current quality.

I know it may not be the answer you want to hear, but if you can swing it, buy once and cry once. Keep an eye out in the R2R classifieds as well. I picked up my ATI 6x39 Sunpower for $350 shipped from @BoomCorals. If you are patient, there are deals to be had for quality, proven gear.
 
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