Back into the deep end. What's going on with lighting now?

bobme · 08/12/2020, 02:47 AM

I have been out of the reef game for a long time. Well maybe not long but long enough.

When I was into reefs - LED lighting was still newish but was around for a few years. But people would trash anyone who wanted to use LEDs and who was using LEDs. Mainly because they just didn't have the depth penetration that I "think" it does now? No idea really. That is what this question is about.

I am wanting to start two new tanks. Both tanks are 24" tall. I am looking for some guidance with what in the world is going on now days with the lighting for reefs.
Thanks guys,
bobme.

Vinny Kreyling · 08/12/2020, 08:33 AM

Mostly T-5 or LED. BRS does a lot of videos on the subject.

Sk8r · 08/12/2020, 09:43 PM

I use LED but wish I could get it to the profile of the old 13,000 k Metal Halides. One advantage to LEDs is the duration: MH bulbs burn down (not out) and your corals will feel it. If somebody comes up with a program that Radions can accept that euphyllia corals would love as much as MH coupled with 2 actinics---I'm all ears. But because the Radions are pretty, and easy-operating, and don't require frequent replacement, that's what I use. It penetrates to 36" depth still at a strength that low-light life doesn't like much. But you can dial it back.

08/12/2020, 02:47 AM	#1
bobme Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 9	Back into the deep end. What's going on with lighting now? I have been out of the reef game for a long time. Well maybe not long but long enough. When I was into reefs - LED lighting was still newish but was around for a few years. But people would trash anyone who wanted to use LEDs and who was using LEDs. Mainly because they just didn't have the depth penetration that I "think" it does now? No idea really. That is what this question is about. I am wanting to start two new tanks. Both tanks are 24" tall. I am looking for some guidance with what in the world is going on now days with the lighting for reefs. Thanks guys, bobme.

08/12/2020, 08:33 AM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Mostly T-5 or LED. BRS does a lot of videos on the subject. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

08/12/2020, 09:43 PM	#3
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I use LED but wish I could get it to the profile of the old 13,000 k Metal Halides. One advantage to LEDs is the duration: MH bulbs burn down (not out) and your corals will feel it. If somebody comes up with a program that Radions can accept that euphyllia corals would love as much as MH coupled with 2 actinics---I'm all ears. But because the Radions are pretty, and easy-operating, and don't require frequent replacement, that's what I use. It penetrates to 36" depth still at a strength that low-light life doesn't like much. But you can dial it back. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.