Lights for mixed reef

[Esplay]

Hey reefers, I want to establish a mixed reef in the long run. I currently have 2 Kessil a80’ s running for a year now. I Plan to keep a some sps corals hence I need to add extra lights. Anyone used the brand noopsyche before? I heard reviews about it being good. I probably have to get 3 sets for a 4 foot tank. Anyone has suggestions or offers on good light fixtures? I’m keen to hear more. Thanks!

[Reefer_peter]

Never heard of this light before. From the looks of the light, looks like some company trying to replicate Hydra. Plus I don’t think there is any local warranty for it. It is better to go with recognised and established lights such as Hydra, Radion or Orphek. Although these lights cost a lot, they more or less guarantee success and you get what you pay for.


Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app

[Esplay]

I see, I agree that purchasing more familiar Brand’s like AI or Kessil makes me feel more secure haha. Just want to ask, is it sufficient if I add 1 hydra 26 and 2 of my Kessil for a mixed reef? Assuming I run them all at 100%. 

[Kingkk]

I’d recommend to add T5 with kessel, it can’t go wrong
Put 2 tubes on either side of kessel


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Esplay]

I have considered T5 lighting before but I have decided to go with LEDs due to its controllability and colour. 

[Kingkk]

Oh ok got it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SubzeroLT]

Local warranty support (i.e. local service center) is quite important for key equipment like lights. I've seen reefers who had to wait for weeks for replacement parts or had to purchase new set of lights because of lack of ability to service them.

Not sure of your tank size but from pictures,  it appears a minimum of 2x Hydra 52 would be suitable. The Kessil can be used as supplement or frag tank. And of course, ideally all lights should be of the same brand for better control.

 

 

 

[Esplay]

I see, thank you for the response. My tank size is 4x1.5x1.5, shallow setup. 2 hydra 26’s enough for sps?

[leong_rei]

The price u buy too ex if u rrally want buy this go taobao get 200per pis only

Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app

[Reefer_peter]

29 minutes ago, Esplay said:

I see, I agree that purchasing more familiar Brand’s like AI or Kessil makes me feel more secure haha. Just want to ask, is it sufficient if I add 1 hydra 26 and 2 of my Kessil for a mixed reef? Assuming I run them all at 100%. 

You won't have enough spread and you will get hotspots where par is too high if you do this. Running them 100% all the time will shorten the lifespan of the LED also. Also don't get Kessils if you are going for Sps. They are more expensive than Hydras, have poor par output and distribution and Sps don't seem to look them. But aesthetically they are the best LED and I would recommend Kessils for a softie/LPS tank only. T5s enhance growth of sps but electrical consumption high and heat output is high. If your chiller fails your whole tank may GG lol

[Esplay]

8 minutes ago, Reefer_peter said:

You won't have enough spread and you will get hotspots where par is too high if you do this. Running them 100% all the time will shorten the lifespan of the LED also. Also don't get Kessils if you are going for Sps. They are more expensive than Hydras, have poor par output and distribution and Sps don't seem to look them. But aesthetically they are the best LED and I would recommend Kessils for a softie/LPS tank only. T5s enhance growth of sps but electrical consumption high and heat output is high. If your chiller fails your whole tank may GG lol

I agree about the T5 part, I’m afraid one day I return home and my tank will be boiling haha. So do you think 2 sets of 26’s  are sufficient for my tank? If so, what light schedule and output should I use. Thanks 

[Reefer_peter]

I still think you need two Hydra 52s

[SubzeroLT]

2 hours ago, Esplay said:

I see, thank you for the response. My tank size is 4x1.5x1.5, shallow setup. 2 hydra 26’s enough for sps?

I ran 2x Hydra26 initially for my 3x1.5x1.5 & it was not enough. Ended up getting a 3rd Hydra26 for that tank.

You can have 2x Hydra26 but will need to limit the SPS placement to specific areas & certain coral types.

The number of lights depends on your rock scape & also the type of SPS. Some such as birdsnest, monti & digi can get by with lower light levels. 

 

For 4ft, and want it to be 'solid', you probably need minimum 2 Hydra52. When budget allows, you can add a 3rd Hydra52 later on.

 

[Kingkk]

I agree about the T5 part, I’m afraid one day I return home and my tank will be boiling haha. So do you think 2 sets of 26’s  are sufficient for my tank? If so, what light schedule and output should I use. Thanks 

This I agree.. tank will boil .. I always run on my aircon to 26 C when ever I leave home for more than an hr.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kingkk]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sfx]

Would suggest u go for 2x radions xr30, and if you want, can add a xr15 in the middle...

My tank is 3.5ft, using 2x radions xr30 currently...


Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app