Best lights for 30 gal reef

[Reefpete]

I want to be able to keep any and all corals. Right now I have a t5ho 4 bulb coralife setup 31watts x 4

Any suggestions tank right now has a carpet max mini, hammer, and green star polyps

 

[fort384]

I have a couple of AI Sols on my 57 and they do very well. 1 unit would be enough for your reef.

If you are looking for bargain pricing, you could check out the taotronics led pods on eBay. I have seen some positive reviews about them, and the price is definitely right.

 

[Reefpete]

I have a couple of AI Sols on my 57 and they do very well. 1 unit would be enough for your reef.

If you are looking for bargain pricing, you could check out the taotronics led pods on eBay. I have seen some positive reviews about them, and the price is definitely right.

Awesome thanks .... I have seen those dimmable ones it's just I can't really hang them in my situation but I guess I could figure that out .....


How many watts would one al sols be ?

 

[fort384]

I believe they pull 75W at full intensity. But wattage is somewhat immaterial when talking LEDs on a reef. It is all about individual diode intensity and optics.

 

[Reefpete]

I believe they pull 75W at full intensity. But wattage is somewhat immaterial when talking LEDs on a reef. It is all about individual diode intensity and optics.

So you think one of those should do the trick on my tank?

 

[fort384]

1 AI Sol on your tank would be more than enough.

I run 2 on my 57, but they peak at 45% blue and 35% white. They are extremely powerful - especially with the installed optics.

 

[Reefpete]

1 AI Sol on your tank would be more than enough.

I run 2 on my 57, but they peak at 45% blue and 35% white. They are extremely powerful - especially with the installed optics.

now let me ask you...the ai sols do they have blue and white lights in one? i was looking at the nano one and they has a sliding touch mechanism which allows you to change the colors of the leds? or would i have to make a decision between white or blue?

 

[fort384]

They have the AI SOL White, which is a combo of 16 White LEDs and 8 Blue. The AI SOL Blue is 8 White LEDs, 8 blue LEDs, and 8 royal blue LEDs. The AI SOL Blue is around 20,000K at full intensity, and the white is around 14000K at full intensity.

I don't think you would get proper coverage with the nano model, unless you went with 2 nanos.

 

[Reefpete]

They have the AI SOL White, which is a combo of 16 White LEDs and 8 Blue. The AI SOL Blue is 8 White LEDs, 8 blue LEDs, and 8 royal blue LEDs. The AI SOL Blue is around 20,000K at full intensity, and the white is around 14000K at full intensity.

I don't think you would get proper coverage with the nano model, unless you went with 2 nanos.

ok perfect i was looking at the ai sol blues which look amazing...i think i will go with them....thanks for the help .....

and you can control the colors im assuming on the fixtures ?

 

[fort384]

Yes. Each color is individually controllable.

 

[Reefpete]

Yes. Each color is individually controllable.

Thanks a million youve helped me out a lot with this as i am new to led lighting and havent got a clue lol

 

[fort384]

No problem. Before you pull the trigger I just want to make sure you realize that results can be achieved with cheaper lights. Don't get me wrong, I like the AI's and am glad I purchased them but I don't want you to get three weeks down the road and realize you could have gone a cheaper route.

The AIs offer great control, great optics, and look great. You will be pleased with the quality. But like most things in this hobby that comes at a price.

 

[Reefpete]

I really appreciate that and I understand that ....I do like the control and the fact you can upgrade the lights as time goes by but yes def comes at a price lol thank you though but to be honest quality lasts and their customer support I heard is really good

For 400 bucks it's not so bad for something ill have for years hopefully

 

[fort384]

Indeed. And I can vouch for their customer service. It is great, and they are reef keepers.

 

[Keithhjs]

I got the AI Sol Blues also and would recommend them. However, they now have the Vega which has more color spectrum available. You might research them too I believe they are close to the same price. Also remember you need to get a controller too otherwise you can't adjust the different lights and color combinations.

 

[fort384]

It is $100 more - I personally don't know if it is worth it. Adding in additional color can give you some cool effects I suppose, but it is not beneficial to the health of coral.

But, they do look pretty sweet!

 

[Reefpete]

Going to order the blacks off eBay ai sols blue and the controller I think I should be fine always exciting getting new toys lol

 

[sanderson417]

Reef Pete, I am following your thread. I was looking at the same lights. How do you plan to mount them?

 

[Reefpete]

Reef Pete, I am following your thread. I was looking at the same lights. How do you plan to mount them?

Follow along ..... Well I have my tank by a slanted Ceiling so to save money I was going to custom make a hanging kit myself somehow because I can't use the ones ai sells ...ill post pics of my set up now

 

[Reefpete]