Getting back in the game - Give me your input on these tank/light options?

[GokesReef]

Hey all! Been way too long since I've been by, but I'm happy to be back! Long story short, I had a ~3 year old 20H that suffered a complete crash about 2 years ago and has been sitting dry since. Now, I've been getting the itch again and am about ready to start it back up, but since there have been some changes in what's going on out there, I wanted to get some easy input from you all..

 

Tank

 

For the tank I've come up with 3 options. The simplest (and cheapest) is to just clean up the old 20H and filter and pack it back up.

 

However, the Innovative Marine 20g Fusion has really caught my eye. Nice, clean, look and I like the slightly deeper/shorter dimensions. What are the opinions on this AIO? I know the inTank basket is recommended, and the original Nuvos seem to have had issues, but these have all been resolved in the Fusion line, correct?

 

Finally, The Mr. Aqua Framless 17.1g - this would be run the same as if I put the original 20H back up with a HoB and a TBD light.

 

Light

 

So here's the real question - do LEDs work yet? Can they adequately support good SPS growth?

 

My original AquaticLife 4x24" T5 fixture is past it's prime, so it will need to be replaced for the new setup. The IM Fusion has the option to include 2 of their fixtures (LED Watts: 6 x 3 Watt - Color: 3 x 10K and 3 x 456nm) for an additional $200 - but they don't seem adequate and better can be had for the money.

 

The AquaticLife EDGE seems good - a brand I trust and good features, but is it powerful enough to support SPS? How about the Current Orbit? What is the recommended overall wattage to look for in LEDs for SPS growth, if possible?

 

Should I just get another T5 fixture? A better LED setup anyone knows of?

 

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to jumping back into the fray

[ajmckay]

Hey, I'm pretty much doing the same thing... Except my tank didn't crash - I took it down to re-do the floor. That was in 2012 though and I just got the itch again in like November/December. Tank is cycling at the moment and I have a few fish in QT for when it's ready. It looks like a heater malfunction was the cause of your tank crash? Ack that sucks. I've thought about building in a bit of a safer system by having 2 smaller heaters in my tank vs 1 large one. I think my heater might be undersized a bit though so haven't decided if that's enough yet (use a 200w heater for 70 gal combined tank and sump).

 

Anyways, since you're getting back into it and you have a nice tank "under your belt" I vote you go for what you really want. I'm personally a fan of regular AGA aquariums, black trim and all. But I also really like the look of the rimless tanks. I also don't like lots of equipment. So out of the options you listed I would go for the IM Fusion... Even if you were considering a sump I think that would still be my choice though - I'm not a huge fan of the dimensions of the 20H for reefs.

 

Lighting: Yes LEDs work. There's been a recent trend toward hybrid LED/T5 units but they seem to be really high priced at the moment unless you feel like building one yourself. I don't think the issue is growth or power related, it's more about blending. Most LED fixtures are "full spectrum" meaning they use 5-7 different LEDs in the same fixture so depending on your tank layout and scape it's possible to get some color banding and such. Overall though I think LEDs have taken over as the first choice in reef lighting and there are a ton of commercially available options.

 

For that tank since it's only 13" tall (the Fusion) I think you could get away possibly with those lights though I don't have experience with them specifically so I can't say for sure. Maybe someone else will chime in. I think you could do a single Kessil in that size tank though... I think those look pretty neat and the base model is around the same price. Hopefully someone else will have suggestions - I just built my own so I haven't messed around with too many commercially available lights.

[GokesReef]

Hey AJ good to see again! Yeah it was actually a series of issues... the heater failure caused a small crash but quite a bit survived. Then I came down with an Aiptasia infestation that eventually took over and stung everything except my Clownfish and Pistol Shrimp to death. Then, one day, I woke up and the tank was brown and frothy - everything done. Still no idea what triggered that, but I think it may have been related to airborne cleaning chemicals that were used in a near-by room.

 

But that's the past! Thanks for the response - I really do like the look of the Fusion, and having a pre-built back chamber to tuck away the heater and filtration ought to really keep it looking clean. I'm with you on not liking equipment and cables hanging all over the place.

 

I was also thinking that the slightly shorter Fusion would help with the light situation and I am glad to hear LEDs can compete! T5s were great but a bit of a hassle with bulb maintenance and whatnot. Though, the color customization really did make it nice. I'll read up a bit more on the different color LEDs used in that fixture and see if I can find the layout or pics of others using them.

 

I've seen the Kessil mentioned here and there but haven't looked into it yet - I'll get on that now thanks again!

[GokesReef]

Also, I've been looking more at lights and think this might be a nicer option - better quality LEDs and more spectrum control: EUPHOTICA Lite 16" Programmable Full Color Spectrum Saltwater LED or reefbreeder's SuperLux

[Arkayology]

Hey man, how's it going? Just go with T5s IMO. Get a ATI sunpower and if you want LEDs you can have Dave Fason retro it for you.

[GokesReef]

Hey man, how's it going? Just go with T5s IMO. Get a ATI sunpower and if you want LEDs you can have Dave Fason retro it for you.

 

Thanks! I got the Aquatic Life 4x24 T5s fixed up and working again, and I picked up a refurbished superluxe from Reefbreeders - I'll start with the LEDs over the DT and the T5s over the QT and see how it all goes. The QT has been up for a week not and the DT should be delivered today! Busy weekend ahead