Lighting for lps corals

[Rivera5]

Hi there,

I'm currently deciding on a lighting fixture for my project and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

My setup is a Red Sea Reefer 170, 34gal (24" x 20" x 20"), with a variety of corals including lots of LPS (Acanthatrea, Scolymia...), Zoanthus, and mushrooms.

I'm torn between two options:
- ATI Sun Power 6x24w (3 Blue Plus, 2 Coral Plus and one Purple or Actinic)
- Radion XR15 Pro

I'd really appreciate your advice on this.

Thanks in advance.

[texaslow]

I've got a friend with a similar setup, JBJ 30 gallon rimless, smaller dims but same vibe. He's running the XR15 pro with a mount and we've noticed some shading issues. The light's programmed but when we cranked it up to 14k on the fly, it seemed to cover more area. There's definitely a hotspot in the middle with just one puck. The ATI Sun Power will give you the flexibility to keep anything you want. You might want to reach out to ATI NA and ask about the Sirius x2 LED unit - it's in the same price range but supposedly has better light spread distribution. I've been watching this video on the Sirius x2, it's on an Aquamedic Cubicus tank with similar dims. Only downside is you need to connect a USB to a Windows PC for custom programming. Ecotech's got great support and nice programming via Reef Link, but that bumps the price up to around $650. Check out the video, it might give you some insight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBMuXfyv-Yw

[rileyon]

You're weighing high-end options, and I think it's worth considering hybrid LED/T5 fixtures from Gliessman and ATI. They offer total control, but be prepared for a hefty price tag.

[riveton]

xr15 pro with wide angle lens

I've been considering this setup too, Rivera5. My buddy with that JBJ 30 gallon tank had some issues with shading. He's got the XR 15 pro and it's got one puck, which creates a hotspot in the middle area. He's got it programmed but when we cranked it up to 14k on the fly, it seemed to cover more area. I think the wide angle lens might help with that.

ATI's Sirius x2 Led only unit might be worth looking into too, it's in the same price range and is supposed to have better light spread distribution. I've been watching this video on it, it's on an Aquamedic Cubicus tank with similar dims. The only downside is you need a USB to Windows PC for custom programming.