Frag tank lighting

[tchildress]

I am about to start a frag tank in my 30 gallon cube aquarium...this isn't a biocube. I plan to be able to keep all corals; SPS, softies, etc. What size of lighting and what type of lighting would I need? Thanks!

 

[tchildress]

I was thinking about a metal halide or an LED....any suggestions?

 

[btldreef]

I would do a 150watt halide.
LED's are great, but the initial cost scares a lot away, and I'm hearing more and more people complain that over time, SPS under LEDs loose their color.

 

[acrylic51]

Agree MH would be an easy route. Debatable on SPS loosing colors with LEDs.... To many variables to say that's the truth. I could point you to a thread of a guy in Japan that has been doing it, and his SPS and all other corals are incredible coloration; actually out of this world, so that's why I say hit or miss. Price not really an issue if doing a DIY setup.

 

[1snapple]

DIY a LED fixture.... much cheaper.

 

[jstdv8]

I have a Evil 66 Par 38 LED screw in fixture over my frag tank.
Growing SPS just peachy

 

[1snapple]

Cool, i want to actually build a fixture....... like
RB CW RB
RB CW RB
Royal blue w/ 60 optics and CW with 80 optics.