Lighting suggestions 36" X 15 x 15

[freezetyle]

I recently got a nuvo fusion 30l (36") and have been struggling with lighting choices. The tank currently has a single kessil a360 which obviously leaves a lot of dark areas in the tank. So I have been throwing around the idea of selling that and getting the following options.
1) 3 kessil a80-
Pros: I already have a controller, silent (big plus), nice shimmer, price
Cons: under powered? Need to build canopy as I want to contain pretty much all light spill due to wife complaints
2) 2 ai prime
Pro: controllable, high powered
Cons:noise, still need to build a canopy, might still get shading
3)ati 36"sunpower non dimmable
Pros: no canopy, can use t5/led bulbs, even coverage
Cons:too powerful for15" depth?

Any Suggestions?

[Tyfighter]

I had 2 primes set up on my 40 breeder which is pretty similar in dimension but found there was too much shading. I ended up with 2 hydra 26s and have been much happier.

[Myka]

I vote T5 every time. I don't like the look of LEDs, and I don't like the programming of LEDs either.

Which types of corals will you be keeping?

[DKoKoMan]

Check out the Evergrow IT series. They make a size that will allow for complete coverage with no shading and they are virtually silent.

[Ace Storman]

You could always go with a couple of Radion xr30w Gen 4's. I have several and they are awesome! (IMHO)...
Because all 8 light channels are completely and individually programmable, along with a master brightness level, the sky is the limit as to the look and growth you desire.
Yes, cost is initially higher, but looking at the long term, no bulbs to replace every 6-9 month's, energy efficiency and greatly reduced power bills along with very cool and quiet operation along with wireless operation and cloud access from any device.
As the light is 'focused' downward, ecotech states that the coverage is about 36" x 36", but in actual fact, I am seeing good coverage in a pattern of about 24" x 24" based on a tank that is 26" deep. I have the lights mounted on the Multi Light Radion Mounting Solution. Lights are about 8 inches above the water. I have a cube which is 3 feet front to back so I opted to go with 3 XR30's as I can catch the back corners on each side.


20170228_083724.jpg

Reeflink controller programming interface allowing wireless control of the Radions.

Radion programming.jpg

[kyl]

Deven ran two XR15pro's on his 30L, looked great. The actual display area to light will be 36" x 11" x 12", you lose 3-3/4" width with the AIO wall and the glass is 13" high.

[Reef-Geek]

I have similar set up as your, do you only run at 20%?

Originally Posted by Ace Storman

You could always go with a couple of Radion xr30w Gen 4's. I have several and they are awesome! (IMHO)...
Because all 8 light channels are completely and individually programmable, along with a master brightness level, the sky is the limit as to the look and growth you desire.
Yes, cost is initially higher, but looking at the long term, no bulbs to replace every 6-9 month's, energy efficiency and greatly reduced power bills along with very cool and quiet operation along with wireless operation and cloud access from any device.
As the light is 'focused' downward, ecotech states that the coverage is about 36" x 36", but in actual fact, I am seeing good coverage in a pattern of about 24" x 24" based on a tank that is 26" deep. I have the lights mounted on the Multi Light Radion Mounting Solution. Lights are about 8 inches above the water. I have a cube which is 3 feet front to back so I opted to go with 3 XR30's as I can catch the back corners on each side.


Attachment 15746

Reeflink controller programming interface allowing wireless control of the Radions.

Attachment 15747

[Galizio]

I think all depends what corals and creature you going to put in the tank.
This could go long way. Sounds like you prefer the led, even because when you mention Ati fixture you said going to use E5.
I have mostly sps so will tell you definitely t5, but also before used led ,from the Cheap Aqua mars to kessil a360. The growth I get with t5 can't be compare to the led light.... now if you plan to fill up the tank with softies, zoas, anemones lps you can definitely go with led , makes the color pop more.... but honestly don't waist your money on the led t5(E5)... are too expensive and you better go for a decent led fixture , just think about a 36" E5 bulbs is around 100$ each, I like mine just to make the corals pop but will not rely on them for growth, just my opinion


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[WarDog]

If you are talking about those new LED strips that fit in a T5 slot, I have it on good authority that they are garbage compared to TruLumens or ReefBrights.

[freezetyle]

Originally Posted by Galizio

I think all depends what corals and creature you going to put in the tank.
This could go long way. Sounds like you prefer the led, even because when you mention Ati fixture you said going to use E5.

I wouldn't say I prefer led over other types. I have used all of them over the years. I would probably end up using 2xblue plus, fiji pink/purple and an actinic in the fixture. I just threw the possibility of the e5 in the mix as a potential option. Because the tank is relatively shallow I was concerned I might end up only running the ATI fixture full power for for like 2 hours a day.

As far as whats going in the tank, most likely mixed. all of the listed options give me flexibility, aside from maybe the a80's