Partially Submerged Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 I just upgraded from a small 4g pico to a 20x20x12 tank. I had been using a Par30 over the pico with great success and thought adding a second one would give me enough light in the new tank. But now I am realizing that the light spread of the Par30s seems just not good enough and I'm losing one of my favorite coral (a birdsnest) even though it's close to the surface. I already have the goosenecks for the Par bulbs, so I would really prefer not to add an entirely different lighting system. Would two Par38s be adequate, or would it be just the same underpowered lighting with slightly better spread? Link to comment
BilabongAthlete Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Yes, the reef par38s would work very well on a tank that size, and bring back the life of your birds nest but I would get them soon. Good luck ! Link to comment
Partially Submerged Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Another 200 bucks...might just get a Kessil or something like that. Link to comment
Halo_003 Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Just pick up a Nanobox Tide and call it a day. Link to comment
Partially Submerged Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Those look nice. But they are barely stronger than my Par30s, and one of them would still be rather tight for a 20x20. Link to comment
zooman72 Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 A pair of Par38's would work well enough, but if you want greater control, than a Kessil A160W, Radion XR15w, or NanoBox Duo would be your best bet, although a bit more $$$... Link to comment
Partially Submerged Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Yeah, I think I'll go with the Kessil. Until then, I'll make do with what I have. I added a 4W Coral Compulsion LED spotlight to the two Par30s. It's directed right at the SPS corals and should help keep them going until I upgrade. Thanks for your input, all! Link to comment
Partially Submerged Posted May 6, 2015 Author Share Posted May 6, 2015 After some morre observation, I am relieved to report that none of the corals has actually died. In fact, they have been doing surprisingly well with the two Par30s. Still, I would like something with a bit better coverage and power. I can't seem to find the perfect light, though. The Kessils cast shadows, the Nanobox Duo and Radion are a bit too expensive, the Razor and Prime get pretty mixed reviews. Are there any alternatives that I should look into? Link to comment
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