QuoteReplyTopic: Lighting suggestions Posted: March 15 2018 at 10:51am
I recently picked up a 92 gallon corner tank and I am looking at upgrading the lighting on it. It currently has a 36 inch 4 build T5 fixture. What would be a good setup for a mixed reef?
I like the idea of smaller lights that can be spaced out better. I would say that 2 AI Primes or Kessil A160. If you want more light later you could add a 3rd one. That would work with thoughtful coral placement. If you go with the smaller lights I would run them near 100%.
I would second the vote on AI primes or the hydra 26 would be good as well. You will thank yourself for getting LEDs because of the huge decrease in cost to run and the ability to control most modern LED lights to an absurd degree (e.g., lightning flashes and cloud simulation on some controllers).
T5s makes a great supplement to the leds. They are diffused so it will calm down the shimmer and fill in the shadows a little. I have several Kessils with 2 T5's to give it the extra boost and even out the light. It is up to you. If it can all fit on the tank and you like the way it looks I would keep a couple bulbs above the tank.
I like the idea of supplementing an LED with T5 mostly for the reasons knowen stated. I personally like the shimmer look but did not at first (LEDs can be a bit strobey with weird light patterns/shades in the shimmer they produce). That is all personal preference though. I would see some tanks that have the lighting you are considering before deciding which one you like best.
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