Lighting suggestions 36" X 15 x 15

[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

[WarDog]

Every successful tank I have seen in person has been based on halide or T5 lighting, with LED's as supliments. That being said, all those tanks were SPS dominent.

[freezetyle]

I'm leaning towards the t5 fixture. As I was worried about the shading from leds. It would only be the 4 bulb model as I dont want to light up the back portion of the aio. This would allow all coral choices which is nice

Now 24" or 36"?

[Ace Storman]

Originally Posted by WarDog

Every successful tank I have seen in person has been based on halide or T5 lighting, with LED's as supliments. That being said, all those tanks were SPS dominent.

Warren, there is a interesting article published recently and I believe a link was published to this board a couple of weeks ago or so. It deals with the Radion Gen 4's and the quality of light output. Near metal halide output and the growth of lps, sps etc.

With the addition of the 2 extra light channels over the Gen 3's and the type of lens over the LED, it has made a substantial difference in illumination.

I can pm you the link to the article...but you've probably all ready see it

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by Ace Storman

Warren, there is a interesting article published recently and I believe a link was published to this board a couple of weeks ago or so. It deals with the Radion Gen 4's and the quality of light output. Near metal halide output and the growth of lps, sps etc.

With the addition of the 2 extra light channels over the Gen 3's and the type of lens over the LED, it has made a substantial difference in illumination.

I can pm you the link to the article...but you've probably all ready see it

Yes thanks, I've seen it.

This continues the ongoing debate of lighting. I do wish I could afford multiple fixtures run over multiple tanks. The Gen 4's look amazing and LED's do get better every day. I ran 2 Kessil 360W and I wasn't impressed, switching to T5 36w x8 a year later. Perhaps I used them wrong, I dunno, but I saw immediate results by switching. Some folks grow SPS no problem with cheap Chinese fixtures.

Basically, for someone starting their first tank, I generally don't recommend LED'S by themselves, as that person will have better beginner results with older tech.

[Ace Storman]

I have to agree with you when it comes to first timers. The KISS (Keep It Simple) approach is the best. Too many other things to worry about. Lighting is very important if you wish growth in your tank.

I have a reefer friend who has the Chinese specials similar to the Mars...he has not had any luck with LPS, seem to last 4-5 month's and eventually just seem to whether away.

I looked long and hard, did allot of late nights on many major forums before investing in lighting. The initial outlay in money was substantial (even utilizing the group buy) but I standardized all my lights, putting 4 on my main tank, 1 for my frag tank and 2 for my Qt tank. They were all Radion XR30w Gen 4's controlled by a single Reeflink controller. The power saving is substantial compared to T5 or Halide. So far a very noticeable difference in my LPS, softies and even my one an only SPS. They are beginning to explode with growth. I've taken several photo's of the now look and it will be interesting to compare them to pic's 6 month's from now.

Originally Posted by WarDog

Yes thanks, I've seen it.

This continues the ongoing debate of lighting. I do wish I could afford multiple fixtures run over multiple tanks. The Gen 4's look amazing and LED's do get better every day. I ran 2 Kessil 360W and I wasn't impressed, switching to T5 36w x8 a year later. Perhaps I used them wrong, I dunno, but I saw immediate results by switching. Some folks grow SPS no problem with cheap Chinese fixtures.

Basically, for someone starting their first tank, I generally don't recommend LED'S by themselves, as that person will have better beginner results with older tech.

[Ace Storman]

Originally Posted by Reef-Geek

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

The lights are still ramping up. All 3 lights are running at 45 percent at high noon. It is part of the default curve available as a profile in reeflink. I have not had the time to create a 'custom' profile. Its a work in progress...