Lighting Options

laffy · 06/18/2018, 05:24 PM

Hi All,

I'm looking at getting back into the hobby as life has finally settled down. My wife and I are looking at setting up a 120 gallon (48x24x24) in a peninsula configuration. In terms of scapping, we'll be doing a long island that tiers down as it gets toward the front. This will be an LPS and soft tank only. SPS doesn't really fancy our pallets. We'd like to have the capabilities to house clams as well. So, with that being the general configuration and intended livestock, I'm absolutely torn on which way to go for lighting since things have advanced and become so specialized since my last AI sol blue light fixture... I think I've narrowed it down to 3 different packages:

1. 3 Radion XR15's (285 watts total) in a single row,
2. 3 AI Hydra 26 HD's (270 watts total) again, single row or
3. 6 AI prime HD's ( 270 watts total) in 2 rows.

I'm looking at these two manufacturer's for the independent channel control and dusk-to-dawn abilities. My initial thought was to go with a bank of prime's to be able to increase or decrease the PAR in specific locations for coral needs within the tank.

I've started to look at the Kessil AP-700 but haven't had much time to really dive into the nuts and bolts to see if the fixture compare to the proposed configurations noted above.

Pricing isn't the issue and I haven't been able to find anything comparing these two brands in a head to head. Is anybody running something in a similar configuration?

Thank-you for taking the time to read and I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

fijisrfr · 06/18/2018, 06:05 PM

I would recommend looking into the aquatic life hybrid fixture

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laffy · 06/18/2018, 06:47 PM

I had a look at them and I’m a bit confused. What’s the advantage or disadvantage for that matter of using a hybrid system? Is the idea behind the t5 to give a broader spectrum or more drive?

moondoggy4 · 06/18/2018, 07:34 PM

T-5 smooth out the led lights, they give it a fuller look.

fijisrfr · 06/18/2018, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

T-5 smooth out the led lights, they give it a fuller look.

+ corals love t5s

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aznflyfisherman · 06/19/2018, 08:58 AM

I would go with option two, you can always start with two ai hydra 26hd, but if you decide with mostly sps corals, add the third and I think you will good. I like led since it is easy to program and you have control over it. Pretty much set it and go.

nycman · 06/19/2018, 08:24 PM

Why have you not consider GHL Mitras LX7200s?

06/18/2018, 05:24 PM	#1
laffy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 10	Lighting Options Hi All, I'm looking at getting back into the hobby as life has finally settled down. My wife and I are looking at setting up a 120 gallon (48x24x24) in a peninsula configuration. In terms of scapping, we'll be doing a long island that tiers down as it gets toward the front. This will be an LPS and soft tank only. SPS doesn't really fancy our pallets. We'd like to have the capabilities to house clams as well. So, with that being the general configuration and intended livestock, I'm absolutely torn on which way to go for lighting since things have advanced and become so specialized since my last AI sol blue light fixture... I think I've narrowed it down to 3 different packages: 1. 3 Radion XR15's (285 watts total) in a single row, 2. 3 AI Hydra 26 HD's (270 watts total) again, single row or 3. 6 AI prime HD's ( 270 watts total) in 2 rows. I'm looking at these two manufacturer's for the independent channel control and dusk-to-dawn abilities. My initial thought was to go with a bank of prime's to be able to increase or decrease the PAR in specific locations for coral needs within the tank. I've started to look at the Kessil AP-700 but haven't had much time to really dive into the nuts and bolts to see if the fixture compare to the proposed configurations noted above. Pricing isn't the issue and I haven't been able to find anything comparing these two brands in a head to head. Is anybody running something in a similar configuration? Thank-you for taking the time to read and I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

06/19/2018, 08:24 PM	#7
nycman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: New York City Posts: 199	Why have you not consider GHL Mitras LX7200s? __________________ 72x26x24 Miracles rimless with ReefSavvy ghost overflow 4xMitras LX7206 / Lifereef sump, skimmer and fuge 302 Aquatics algae scrubber / JBJ 1/3 HP Chiller Aqua UV 28W

06/18/2018, 06:05 PM	#2
fijisrfr Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 594	I would recommend looking into the aquatic life hybrid fixture Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

06/18/2018, 06:47 PM	#3
laffy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 10	I had a look at them and I’m a bit confused. What’s the advantage or disadvantage for that matter of using a hybrid system? Is the idea behind the t5 to give a broader spectrum or more drive?

06/18/2018, 07:34 PM	#4
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	T-5 smooth out the led lights, they give it a fuller look.

06/19/2018, 08:58 AM	#6
aznflyfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 957	I would go with option two, you can always start with two ai hydra 26hd, but if you decide with mostly sps corals, add the third and I think you will good. I like led since it is easy to program and you have control over it. Pretty much set it and go.