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Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2025 2:52 pm
by maygena
I've got a 120-gallon tank with some Acropora and Montipora, but they're not thriving. The bottom third looks kinda dull. What's the best lighting setup for deeper tanks? I'm running two cheap LEDs but guessing they're not cutting it.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:42 pm
by flumby
Deep tanks need serious penetration. I'd recommend Kessil AP700 or Radion XR30s. They've got the intensity to reach 24 inches without bleaching. What's your photoperiod right now? Also, check your PAR levels at the sandbed—anything below 100 is sketchy for SPS.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:42 pm
by flumby
Deep tanks need serious penetration. I'd recommend Kessil AP700 or Radion XR30s. They've got the intensity to reach 24 inches without bleaching. What's your photoperiod right now? Also, check your PAR levels at the sandbed—anything below 100 is sketchy for SPS.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:42 pm
by flumby
Deep tanks need serious penetration. I'd recommend Kessil AP700 or Radion XR30s. They've got the intensity to reach 24 inches without bleaching. What's your photoperiod right now? Also, check your PAR levels at the sandbed—anything below 100 is sketchy for SPS.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2025 10:57 pm
by trailblaz
flumby wrote: ↑Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:42 pm
Deep tanks need serious penetration. I'd recommend Kessil AP700 or Radion XR30s. They've got the intensity to reach 24 inches without bleaching. What's your photoperiod right now? Also, check your PAR levels at the sandbed—anything below 100 is sketchy for SPS.
Yep, seconding Kessils. I run three AP700s over my 180 and my Acros at the bottom are popping. Might wanna tweak the spectrum too—more blues for depth.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2025 10:57 pm
by trailblaz
flumby wrote: ↑Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:42 pm
Deep tanks need serious penetration. I'd recommend Kessil AP700 or Radion XR30s. They've got the intensity to reach 24 inches without bleaching. What's your photoperiod right now? Also, check your PAR levels at the sandbed—anything below 100 is sketchy for SPS.
Yep, seconding Kessils. I run three AP700s over my 180 and my Acros at the bottom are popping. Might wanna tweak the spectrum too—more blues for depth.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2025 12:02 am
by layla22
My tank's only 18 inches deep but my Torches love the AI Prime. Not sure if it's enough for your setup though. Maybe add T5s? Heard they're killer for coverage.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2025 1:41 am
by _goldfin
PAR is key here. I'd borrow a meter before dropping cash. My 150 had similar issues until I switched to Orphek Atlantik V4. The spread's insane, and my Lobophyllia's finally coloring up down low.
Re: Best lighting for deep coral tanks
Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2025 2:43 am
by maygena
Thanks for the recs. Gonna look into Kessils and check my PAR. Didn't realize how weak my current lights were.