Best Lights for Frag Tank, 48x24x15

[Angustia]

I have a frag tank, no SPS, all LPS. Looking for great lights for growth, but not overkill.

I was thinking the Reefi Uno, but that seems like it's way too powerful.

Seeing I only have LPS, what gives the best spectrum for those and does not overpower them?

 

[TX_REEF]

Kessil AP9x! I use this on my frag tank, check out my build thread.

It's on sale too: https://amzn.to/3OtKbAm

 

[skey44]

I have two Kessil Ap9x on that size tank and I think it’s great and don’t think it’s overkill. But everyone is different in what they are looking for. If you want to try just one go for it, that’s how I started. In my experience you may really want to add another one over time. Really helps with shading and keeps the lighting a lot more uniform and “blanketed.” I have included pics from new setup vs previous. Kinda hard to tell in the pics but I much prefer the two ap9x over the one with supplemental a160’s for the edges.

 

[SliceGolfer]

Take a look at the new Gen 2 Nicrew HyperReef series, specifically the 150 or 200, daisy chain two together and get the Gen 2 controller.

 

[Hooz]

For LPS you don't need a ton of light. You could realistically do it with 2x AI Primes, but you'd likely have some shadowing (not a huge deal for LPS).

If you're going "budget", I'd say a pair of the Nicrew Gen 2 lights would be decent. Radion spectrum and Radion spread, but much lower price. I'd recommend the controller with them too.

Or buy a pair of used Hydra 26HDs and roll with it.

 

[Angustia]

I am interested in the AI Grow Blades, 48”. Any experience.

I have the fuge blade and that thing grows chaeto like I haven’t seen before. The chaeto grows very tight and very thick. So they have the spectrum correct on that light.

 

[Hooz]

I am interested in the AI Grow Blades, 48”. Any experience.

I have the fuge blade and that thing grows chaeto like I haven’t seen before. The chaeto grows very tight and very thick. So they have the spectrum correct on that light.

The Grow will grow coral, but to get the most out of them (growth AND color), you really need a Grow and a Glow at least. They actually recommend 2 Grows and 1 Glow but, depending on how you mount them, you might be able to get by with one of each and just dial the Glow down.

 

[bobnicaragua]

Reefi UNO are great lights. You’d have plenty of power and flexibility. It’s not like you have to crank them up.

 

[SaltyArms]

Heh, I came here hoping it was an sps tank. I’m actually about to move two 48” grow blades off my frag tank of the same dimensions because it’s primarily sticks.

 

[bobnicaragua]

Heh, I came here hoping it was an sps tank. I’m actually about to move two 48” grow blades off my frag tank of the same dimensions because it’s primarily sticks.

You can always add to what you have. Add more bars, 2 modular lights, T5, or halides.

 

[bradreef]

6 bulb t5 would be ideal. Adjust height for par adjustments. Really, with a frag tank, spread is more important then power. The reefbreeder 2 fixtures would be great AS well as AI blades. . I have a 6 x 2 frag tank and run 2 XR30's over my SPS section. Over the LPS section I run a 4 bulb t5 retro with LEDs in middle.