Yet another 180 lighting question

MuShu · 03/20/2021, 04:58 PM

I have four 24inch Current lights on my 180. It's obviously not enough light.

Can I add 3 24-inch t-5 fixtures?

I do not have a Kessil budget, so those are out, and I'm hearing not-great things about the new Hydras.

There is no ceiling or canopy to mount the lights. I'd need something that mounts to the tank or something that I can buy a bracket to hang it. My first choice was Viparspectras, but there is no way to suspend them that is not from the ceiling.

Budget is $6-700. I'm only growing softies and easy corals.

Vinny Kreyling · 03/21/2021, 08:50 AM

Ocean Revive T-247 is a good light.
T-5 is an option too.

nathanieltyler · 03/24/2021, 08:42 AM

XR 15 might be a good option too.
T-5s are a standard, and always work great

cody6766 · 03/24/2021, 10:40 PM

BRS has a good YouTube video explaining why several XR15s are better than 2 XR30s, plus cheaper, over a 4' 120g. I'm sure the math would transfer to a 6' tank too, but I'm sure they're more expensive than the requisite number of Kessil lights. Basically, it blows your budget.

Any decent 6 bulb T5 fixture will be a good way to go. Go 6', or break it up. As long as it looks good over your tank and isn't much more than 6" short on each side, you should be good to go.

clevername · 03/28/2021, 12:19 PM

BRS answers 99% of the every week questions on here. People just need to do the research

03/20/2021, 04:58 PM	#1
MuShu Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 322	Yet another 180 lighting question I have four 24inch Current lights on my 180. It's obviously not enough light. Can I add 3 24-inch t-5 fixtures? I do not have a Kessil budget, so those are out, and I'm hearing not-great things about the new Hydras. There is no ceiling or canopy to mount the lights. I'd need something that mounts to the tank or something that I can buy a bracket to hang it. My first choice was Viparspectras, but there is no way to suspend them that is not from the ceiling. Budget is $6-700. I'm only growing softies and easy corals.

03/21/2021, 08:50 AM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Ocean Revive T-247 is a good light. T-5 is an option too. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

03/24/2021, 10:40 PM	#4
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	BRS has a good YouTube video explaining why several XR15s are better than 2 XR30s, plus cheaper, over a 4' 120g. I'm sure the math would transfer to a 6' tank too, but I'm sure they're more expensive than the requisite number of Kessil lights. Basically, it blows your budget. Any decent 6 bulb T5 fixture will be a good way to go. Go 6', or break it up. As long as it looks good over your tank and isn't much more than 6" short on each side, you should be good to go. __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI

03/28/2021, 12:19 PM	#5
clevername Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Manchester, MO Posts: 1,125	BRS answers 99% of the every week questions on here. People just need to do the research __________________ In process: 210gal, VARIOS-8 return, Kessil Lights, 80 gal sump, mp60's, and REGAL 200EXT 8" RECIRCULATING skimmer

03/24/2021, 08:42 AM	#3
nathanieltyler Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 10	XR 15 might be a good option too. T-5s are a standard, and always work great