Frag Tank Lighting Recommendation

sayitfast · Jan 3, 2017

I'm in the process of setting up a 18 x 18 frag tank... I have everything I need except a light. I'm going crazy trying to pick one. The tank will mostly house LPS but I would like to be able to host SPS also in the future.

On my short list are:

Radion 15 Pro 4
Kessil 160 Tuna blue
AI Prime HD
Reef Breeders Photon 16 v2

Obviously there is a big price difference here... I really only want what I need and will work. If I can get away the the AI Primes great... However I don't want to regret any purchase. They also need to look good as this tank will be next to my DT in my office.

What would you do???

popsgym · Jan 3, 2017

Good question for me as well. I'll await the results for a jump on the same future project.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 3, 2017

any of them will work, so will a $80 mars aqua. Its more important to set it correctly. A par or lux meter will help. and knowing what kind of par your animals need.
I belive the Photon will have the most punch and probaly over kill, but it comes with a dimmer.
the only other real question is spread..

sayitfast · Jan 5, 2017

I have a Seneye with a par meter... which surprisingly was very close to the Apogee Par meter my LFS lets people barrow. I guess at this point I'm leaning towards the AI Prime HD. I have given myself until Friday to decide.

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 5, 2017

You can check the spread for the AI here. http://www.aquaillumination.com/science/par.html

sayitfast · Jan 5, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
You can check the spread for the AI here. http://www.aquaillumination.com/science/par.html

That is super helpful... Thanks!!!

Dom · Jul 20, 2017

Helpful thread. I'm setting up a frag tank myself and am researching lighting. Unlike yourself, I have a spare 4 lamp T5 fixture I plan to use. I'm interested in knowing what color bulbs to use. While I understand which bulbs I select will depend on which corals I have, I'm wondering what bulb combination would provide the broadest light spectrum to accommodate the widest range of coral?

The light is 24 inches wide as is the tank. It has a depth of 12 inches.

I was thinking:

1 ATI Blue Plus
1 GE 6500k
1 UVL Actenic White
1 ATI Purple Plus

Thoughts anyone?

saltyfilmfolks · Jul 20, 2017

Dom said:
Helpful thread. I'm setting up a frag tank myself and am researching lighting. Unlike yourself, I have a spare 4 lamp T5 fixture I plan to use. I'm interested in knowing what color bulbs to use. While I understand which bulbs I select will depend on which corals I have, I'm wondering what bulb combination would provide the broadest light spectrum to accommodate the widest range of coral?

The light is 24 inches wide as is the tank. It has a depth of 12 inches.

I was thinking:

1 ATI Blue Plus
1 GE 6500k
1 UVL Actenic White
1 ATI Purple Plus

Thoughts anyone?

Exotic choice there. Honestly I'd try it.
Most would Recomend c+ b+ b+p+. Good but it's been done.

Dom · Jul 21, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
Exotic choice there. Honestly I'd try it.
Most would Recomend c+ b+ b+p+. Good but it's been done.

Thanks. But I'd prefer to go with something that others have had proven success, instead of experimenting.

(c+ b+ b+p)? Is that (2) blue, (1) purple and what's c?

saltyfilmfolks · Jul 21, 2017

Dom said:
Thanks. But I'd prefer to go with something that others have had proven success, instead of experimenting.

(c+ b+ b+p)? Is that (2) blue, (1) purple and what's c?

Coral plus by ati.