90g mix reef best lighting

Nelson90g · Jan 17, 2017

Noob to the forum i have a 90g with two aqua mars 160watts led lighting i am about too buy to hydra 26 was wondering will that be good for sps or is there anything elso better priced for sps no t5s also if i go that route how do i intensify the light little by little so the corals dont bleach. But wont die on me of too little light thanks in advance tank os a standard 90g

ReeferMaddness843 · Jan 17, 2017

Following as I'm always looking for lighting info. I currently run 2 kessil 160we and 4 t5 bulbs (all Ati 2blue+ 1coral+ 1purple+) over my 90 mixed. Zoanthids, monti (encrusting and plating) mushrooms, chalices, euphylia, acropora, millies, etc. All are doing well and growing happily with good color.

Nelson90g · Jan 17, 2017

Do u think i will get away with 2 kessil ormaybe 3 without using the t5s

Nelson90g · Jan 17, 2017

And for price would it be better the hydra 26s

ReeferMaddness843 · Jan 18, 2017

If only doing kessil I would do 3 of the 360we. No hands on experience with the hydra lights tho.

dangros · May 23, 2017

@ReeferMaddness843, how did you mount the lights? I dont feel like the 2 360we's are enough for my 90.

ReeferMaddness843 · May 23, 2017

I had the kessils on a gooseneck attached to the acrylic hood hinges and the t5s mounted in the hood. I cut holes in the hood to allow the kessils to shine in and still breathe. Weird acrylic tank so hard to say for others. No, really, it was a weird tank. Lol. Unfortunately I had seam pops along the top so had to change tanks. Currently have an 80gallon shallow with an SB Reef Light (32" timer version). I couldn't be happier!!

ReeferMaddness843 · May 23, 2017

Bare tank shot to show hinges: (again, weird)

Here you can see the gooseneck going into the hood.

dangros · May 27, 2017

I suspect it's the T5s that contribute the most to your coral growth success (from a lighting perspective). Having said that, there are many who run just Kessils and do quite well. It just hasnt been my experience. Having said that @slief has found great success with just kessils on his 500g. Maybe adding a 3rd on mine would do the trick but having a center brace kinda sucks w/a 3rd light.

ReeferMaddness843 · May 27, 2017

I've actually switched to all LED (SB Reef 32") in the new tank. And personally, feel better growth than in my last tank. All personal experience and annecdotal, not wanting to hash up the lighting war. Lol. I'm sure there are other contributing factors as well, but happy with the way it's going.