Suggestions for a 7' tank

FishMann410 · Feb 20, 2026

Getting back into the hobby after almost 20ys. LEDs are completely new to me. I have an IM 240 on order. The tank is 83 x 30 x 22 and eurobraced.

I'm more into fish than corals but I wouldn't mind having a few LPS. I really like the slim profile of the AI Blades but with a 30" wide tank, how many do you think I would need? If its too many to be impractical what would be a better option or a similar option at the same cost? (One 48" blade is $450) Not too concerned with cost at the moment as long as I am getting the best for my dollar. Not that they have to be top shelf because again, I'm not really interested in SPS. Although the tank is kinda shallow...but I digress.

I also imagine I may need to construct some kind of hood or shield as the tank will be right next to a couch and tv at a 90° angle.

Appreciate any insight. I've been too busy as of late to get out to my lfs and see these things in person.

JumboShrimp · Feb 21, 2026

I'm incredibly excited for you-- that IM tank sounds fantastic. As a loose comparison, I run two separate 150-gallon FOWLR tanks myself-- 60" long tanks. I use two 12" AI Grow Blades, sitting on top of my glass tops, on the small L-shape legs they sell. I have them set slightly apart from each other, and about 12" from the end of the tank. Because I am not growing corals, those two lights alone give me amply lighting to 'see' my fish. Also I run the lights dimmed-down, which results is far less algae-- even with nitrates over 60 ppm. (I'm sure my phosphates are sky-high, too.) My point is, with your 83" tank you should easily get away with three 21" Blades. Even three 12" Blades, if money is a factor. (I bet you'd have enough fire-power for softies and other easy corals down the line, if you go that route.) Of course, if you ever want to expand, you could add a second row of additional Blades. Hope this helps;

FishMann410 · Feb 22, 2026

Thank you. This is interesting. Your lights do not span the entire tank. How different are the ends of the tank compared to areas directly under the lights?

JumboShrimp · Feb 22, 2026

I'm really not finding a loss of adequate lighting at the ends.

ShawnSaucier · Feb 22, 2026

I think it really depends on what you really want to accomplish with “ some” corals.
I am a Kessil fan but that has a certain look to it. 3x 360x would be sufficient and give a very natural shimmer look. They are rated for a 2’x2’ footprint, keeping a lot of the light off of the glass. Using their mounting bars and extensions, you will be able to hit the center point of the tank. Just position your aquascape under the lights. Would be fine for softies and LPS. Very compact

ShawnSaucier · Feb 22, 2026

ShawnSaucier said:
I think it really depends on what you really want to accomplish with “ some” corals.
I am a Kessil fan but that has a certain look to it. 3x 360x would be sufficient and give a very natural shimmer look. They are rated for a 2’x2’ footprint, keeping a lot of the light off of the glass. Using their mounting bars and extensions, you will be able to hit the center point of the tank. Just position your aquascape under the lights. Would be fine for softies and LPS. Very compact