Lighting for a 72" X 48" X 18" mixed reef

[boudster]

I am currently in the process of setting up a 72" X 48" X 18" mixed reef. This is a rimless setup and I plan on hanging the lights from the ceiling. I'm having trouble figuring out my best options for lighting. I'm thinking about hanging a total of 6 pendants that each cover a 24"X24" area, but that's going to get pretty expensive....especially since I'm thinking Radion or Kessil.

Ideally I would love to find a fixture that covers a 36" X 24" area and then just buy 2....but I haven't seen anything like that.


Would 6 of the Radion XR15w pendants work? With such a shallow tank would there be any reason to go with the Pro version?

I also really like the shimmer of the Kessils....any thoughts on what kind of Kessil solution would work.

I'm not married to either of these brands, so if anyone has some other solutions I would certainly be interested. My main goals are to have no dark spots and to be able to keep a good mixture of corals, and would also like to have some clams at the bottom of the tank.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

[rffanat1c]

Xr15 is enough power to penetrate. I have two over my 24" deep tank with no issues.


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[biecacka]

Kessil AP700 is supposed to have a great spread.

Corey

[boudster]

Originally Posted by biecacka

Kessil AP700 is supposed to have a great spread.

Corey

Thanks! Interesting thought. According to the Kessil Website

For a Mixed reef:
Coverage is 48"x24" hanging 15"-18" above water surface.
For an SPS dominant:
Coverage is 36"x24" hanging 5"-7" above water surface.

I guess theoretically I could go with 3 of these at 15" above the water surface, which would be easier than dealing with 6 24X24 spread lights....but would be more expensive.

[zoomonster]

Sorry let me make it more expensive... keep in mind that even though Kessil lists the 360WE at 24x24 that's a big stretch for a reef (too much shadow and not enough light IMO not related to depth). My tank is 72"x24"x27" and I use 5. If it were not for the big center overflow that number would be 6. You might be ok with 4 x 36" units of some sort, side by side, running length wise. 4 x AP700 20" lights might cover it but not to familiar with those lights.

Just my opinion but the only economical solution (for the fixture anyway) for a tank as big as yours is a MH/T5 fixture at about $1050. 250W was more than capable for mine but you might need 400w bulbs for that area (maybe not for that shallow). The downside is power consumption, heat and bulb replacement.

[boudster]

Thanks... That's not what I wanted to hear, but I want to do it right. So are you thinking I'd need 8 pendants if I went with the Kessils? Definitely want to avoid MH

Originally Posted by zoomonster

Sorry let me make it more expensive... keep in mind that even though Kessil lists the 360WE at 24x24 that's a big stretch for a reef (too much shadow and not enough light IMO not related to depth). My tank is 72"x24"x27" and I use 5. If it were not for the big center overflow that number would be 6. You might be ok with 4 x 36" units of some sort, side by side, running length wise. 4 x AP700 20" lights might cover it but not to familiar with those lights.

Just my opinion but the only economical solution (for the fixture anyway) for a tank as big as yours is a MH/T5 fixture at about $1050. 250W was more than capable for mine but you might need 400w bulbs for that area (maybe not for that shallow). The downside is power consumption, heat and bulb replacement.

[zoomonster]

At least 8 but considering your tank at 48"w is twice mine at 24" ideally IME you are talking about 10-12. But I run about 6-7" off water (good coverage and keeps light in the tank) with a 27" deep tank. So hanging them higher you can probably get that number down. Trust me I was not happy after buying three that I needed an additional two. Like I said before I would be looking at some of the box units.

I have mine mounted with the goosenecks and even though I don't like hoods considering that or some sort of hanging fixture so I can supplement with some T5's. I have a mixed tank but mostly SPS.

[HaroldT]

As someone who switched back from LEDs, I would suggest three 250 watt metal halide pendants for a 72" long mixed reef aquarium.

No shadowing problem, great coral growth and good color.

It would set you back less than $1000 and would work great.

[ReefRockerLive]

If you're looking for a fixture that's capable of covering a 36" x 24" space, take a look at the GHL Mitras.

[boudster]

Originally Posted by ReefRockerLive

If you're looking for a fixture that's capable of covering a 36" x 24" space, take a look at the GHL Mitras.

Funny you should mention that. I was just looking at those, but I didn't see where I could buy them

[ReefRockerLive]

Aquarium Specialty, Premium Aquatics, and Aqua Cave all carry GHL products. Try contacting them.

[Tgionet]

3x AP700s and 4 48" supplemental T5 retrofit kits? The AP700 has great spread and doesn't create hotspots as badly as Radions do. Would come out to about $3500. From my experience the new app that's in closed beta for the AP700 actually works properly now so I feel comfortable recommending the light.

[billbunton]

Originally Posted by boudster

Funny you should mention that. I was just looking at those, but I didn't see where I could buy them

You can also look in the for sale forum. I still have one for sale, and I think there are a couple others with units for sale.

[boudster]

Wow, was really hoping to find an LED solution for around $2,000. Is anyone using something that isn't top-of-the-line but still gives great results?

[boudster]

Any thoughts on using 6 EcoTech Marine Radion XR15w PRo fixtures (setup as 3 rows of 2), each equipped with the wide angle lens adapters? With the wide angle, each fixture is said to cover up to 36"X36". Wouldn't that give plenty of coverage? with each row covering a max area of 36" X 72"?