Should I change lighting?

[Giek]

Hello reefers, I recently changed my tank, I moved from a 30g to a 60g display, the rest of the system stayed the same, lights included.
I am currently using a 4x39w ATI T5 fixture, coupled with 30 watts of DIY royal blue LEDs trying to add a little pop to the acro colors.
DT dimensions were 31x16x14”, now 36”x20”x20”. The main difference is the 6” height, that I cannot cover by lowering the fixture (it already was quite low).
I’ve the possibility to buy for very cheap an Aquatic Life 4x39 fixture, to couple with some LEDs. I’m thinking of adding 2 XR15 to the AL, or something else (tell me your opinion!).
Despite the mixed reef, my interest is mainly in the acros, and I want to keep at least 4 T5 bulbs on them. Switching to the AL fixture would basically keep the actual bulbs, adding the possibility of more capable leds coupled with it.
But, if not needed by the corals (Is my ATI still enough?), I’d prefer not stress them by switching lights, intensity, …
What's your opinion? Would my corals benefit or are more leds not needed?

 

[robanister]

Your tank depth is to deep for the t5. 16 inches may if I recall for good par. I recently got the or4 which will without a doubt reach the bottom. Conside one on each side of t5 if possible. Or just get an led fixture that has good par and spread at 20 inches deep. Your not acro heavy so shading is not a big deal.

 

[Giek]

Your tank depth is to deep for the t5. 16 inches may if I recall for good par. I recently got the or4 which will without a doubt reach the bottom. Conside one on each side of t5 if possible. Or just get an led fixture that has good par and spread at 20 inches deep. Your not acro heavy so shading is not a big deal.

Great input. I'll consider a pair of or4s if not going for the AL + led fixture

 

[VintageReefer]

I would definitely take a Meridian 24 over 2 xr15. The Meridian could light that whole tank without the t5. But the t5 would be good supplementation.

Meridian 24 by itself covers 36x24x30 for mixed reef with sps

Plus they make add on led bars that mount right to the light, you could always add them down the line. The bars are strong also

Meridian 24

Specifications: Recommended Mounting Height: 10-14" (25-35cm) above waterline with OHM Balance Optics 150watts max power draw Case dimensions LxWxH: 23.75" (60cm) x 8.5" (22cm) x 1.15" (2.29cm) Weight: 5.9lbs (2.7kg) 25.75" (65cm) long including plug and antenna cover 1.4" (3.56cm) case height...

reefbreeders.com

 

[robanister]

I would definitely take a Meridian 24 over 2 xr15. The Meridian could light that whole tank without the t5. But the t5 would be good supplementation.

Meridian 24 covers 36x24x30 for mixed reef with sps

Meridian 24

Specifications: Recommended Mounting Height: 10-14" (25-35cm) above waterline with OHM Balance Optics 150watts max power draw Case dimensions LxWxH: 23.75" (60cm) x 8.5" (22cm) x 1.15" (2.29cm) Weight: 5.9lbs (2.7kg) 25.75" (65cm) long including plug and antenna cover 1.4" (3.56cm) case height...

reefbreeders.com

Hey @VintageReefer got 1k for my new light? O wait going orphec that will be 1600 please. I'm dead with these prices!

 

[VintageReefer]

Hey @VintageReefer got 1k for my new light? O wait going orphec that will be 1600 please. I'm dead with these prices!

I’m essentially using a Meridian 24 to light my 48” reef.

I just have it in the form of dual meridian 11’s with a bigger gap between the panels

 

[robanister]

I’m essentially using a Meridian 24 to light my 48” reef.

And how deep sir.. how high off tank?

 

[Giek]

I would definitely take a Meridian 24 over 2 xr15. The Meridian could light that whole tank without the t5. But the t5 would be good supplementation

I don't think I've ever seen this fixture here in Italy. It looks blue heavy, but a nice blend of different wave lenghts.
I'm scared by the possible shipping cost ahah :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

 

[robanister]

I don't think I've ever seen this fixture here in Italy. It looks blue heavy, but a nice blend of different wave lenghts.
I'm scared by the possible shipping cost ahah :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

Well Ciao ! !!

 

[VintageReefer]

And how deep sir.. how high off tank

48x18x21.5

Fixture is 9” off the frame with the side tank mounting arms

I swapped to wide angle which reduces par slightly but gives wider coverage.

They also make narrow optics but that’s more for mounting very high or for tanks over 30” deep

I have no issues with par even with wide angle optics


Banana torch on front glass upper mag mount 500+ par when I’m in my peak period

 

[VintageReefer]

I don't think I've ever seen this fixture here in Italy. It looks blue heavy, but a nice blend of different wave lenghts.
I'm scared by the possible shipping cost ahah :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing:

The whites are crisp and strong
They fixed a balance issue a lot of fixtures have. Eliminated useless red and green channels to add more blue uv and white.

 

[robanister]

The whites are crisp and strong
They fixed a balance issue a lot of fixtures have. Eliminated useless red and green channels to add more blue uv and white.

Well you don't get a nice red color without a little red in your lights.!!! It's called reflection of the spectrum. I'm keeping my little red. I see things that I wouldn't with it.!

 

[VintageReefer]

Well you don't get a nice red color without a little red in your lights.!!! It's called reflection of the spectrum. I'm keeping my little red. I see things that I wouldn't with it.

Lol white contains red

I get red just fine, whether in heavy blue or day spectrum

 

[robanister]

Lol white contains red

I get red just fine, whether in heavy blue or day spectrum

Looks orange..lol

 

[eggie]

I have almost the same tank dimensions just a little taller running ATI 6 bulb fixture with 2 AI Blades on each side for the led effect and I wouldn’t change a thing. Growth and coverage is better if your doing Sps. Im hitting 500-450 par top

 

[eggie]

Here is the AI Blades effect

 

[VintageReefer]

Looks orange..lol

Lol no dedicated reds needed