Lighting Suggestion for ADA 60F

[iTzJu]

Hey Guys,

So I have a ADA 60F that I plan on plumbing next to my display tank. I'm planning on using it as a small frag tank to keep any corals i cut up or to keep any new additions before placing them in my display.

I'm looking for some suggestions on how to light this thing.

The dimensions are 24x12x7inches

I was thinking of the following

Kessil A150
AI Nano

However, this thing is pretty shallow so a Kessil might be over kill since it is not dimmable.

I am also considering a T5 fixture, since the tank is pretty shallow do you guys think I can get away with a 2 bulb fixture? I'll be keeping SPS frags in there too though.

What do you guys think? do you guys have any other LED options besides the two I listed?

Below is an pic of the exact same tank that i'll be using, so you guys can get an idea.

 

[jgraz]

Don't bother with either one. The the length of the tank your not gonna get the spread you need to cover it. I had the AI Nano there is no way that light is gonna cover 24". I know AI claims it will but I didn't see it. I now have the Razor Nano. I like it but that ain't gonna work either. How about a full spec fixture that you can dim down.

 

[iTzJu]

Don't bother with either one. The the length of the tank your not gonna get the spread you need to cover it. I had the AI Nano there is no way that light is gonna cover 24". I know AI claims it will but I didn't see it. I now have the Razor Nano. I like it but that ain't gonna work either. How about a full spec fixture that you can dim down.

hmm, that's what i was afraid of.

i wouldn't mind getting a full spec fixture but i don't want to break the bank either. I was hoping to get the fixtures second hand and I want something aesthetically pleasing. I really do not want a large chunk of metal above this tank. lol

 

[jgraz]

T5 my friend. You could probably get away with 2 bulbs but only temporarily, 4 would be best. You could probably find a used Tek light on MR. It wasn't too long ago that I saw one.

Or just find yourself a AI Sol. That would work. They seem to be a dime a dozen these days.

 

[iTzJu]

T5 my friend. You could probably get away with 2 bulbs but only temporarily, 4 would be best. You could probably find a used Tek light on MR. It wasn't too long ago that I saw one.

Or just find yourself a AI Sol. That would work. They seem to be a dime a dozen these days.

hmm trying to avoid a 4 bulb fixture for the money id rather do a led fixture. I was hoping the 2 bulb would be enough to save on fixture cost and bulbs every year.

Haha I was thinking about getting another SOL but would rather get a full spec fixture out the gate. I plan on upgrading my current set of SOLs to Hydra52s once that kit is released. really don't want to upgrade 3 fixtures. Haha

John, which LEDs are you using currently? I recall them being low profile or am I mistaken?

 

[Hockeynut]

Reef breeders, or what about two of those 9 watt beam works lights on amazon I have the lower wattage version and it seems pretty bright on a small tank and they come with a clamp pretty clean look

 

[jgraz]

I have the ocean revive s026. Sleeker looking fixture, manual dimmer, ver clean curved lines. And at around $150 each it's hard to beat. If your down my way feel free to give me a shout and stop by.

 

[iTzJu]

Reef breeders, or what about two of those 9 watt beam works lights on amazon I have the lower wattage version and it seems pretty bright on a small tank and they come with a clamp pretty clean look

as much as i respect the reef breeders fixtures, i just do not like looking at them lol. I highly recommend them though if you have a canopy or for a frag tank that you do not see every day.

going to check out those beam works. however, disappointing that they aren't dimmable.

 

[iTzJu]

I have the ocean revive s026. Sleeker looking fixture, manual dimmer, ver clean curved lines. And at around $150 each it's hard to beat. If your down my way feel free to give me a shout and stop by.

i'll probably be around the area this Sunday if the weather holds up. I'll let you know John. Thanks for the offer.

Where did you purchase the fixtures?

 

[jgraz]

I got one fixture from their eBay store for $140, the second one I got from them direct for $10 more. I should be in and out on Sunday so just give me a shout.

 

[Alcohol120]

i'll probably be around the area this Sunday if the weather holds up. I'll let you know John. Thanks for the offer.

Where did you purchase the fixtures?

im thinking about going with the ocean revive s026 for my next tank too. you can order them from their website. i love the LED layout and color choices. its definitely for people who like a purplish/blue look to their tank and i think it only has 16 or so white LEDs out of the 48. they're pretty much designed to cover a 24x24 area, just like the other 120w fixtures, but the LEDs are spread out more to supposedly distribute the light better. they're much more aesthetically pleasing as well. theres rumors of a version with programmable display coming out after the holidays for around $200 if you want all the IT features. that might drive the price of the older version down in the new and used market. thats what im waiting for

 

[JRWOHLER]

Two bulb T5 will not be enough. I have that on my freshwater 55 G the problem you will have is that the fixture will not be wide enough to dispurse the light.

 

[iTzJu]

What do you guys think of par38 bulbs?

 

[jgraz]

What do you guys think of par38 bulbs?

Two should work. I've never used them personally but never really read anything negaitve. Downfall is for two quality bulbs you looking at a good chunk of change.

 

[Hockeynut]

Also because the light is so concentrated into 3 inch round bulb you have to raise them up a lot to get good coverage. I would try to get a 24 inch 4 bulb t5 JMO
I used to have two cheap two bulb fixtures on adams 20 and it was lit up nice.