Lighting recommendations for a small SPS tank ?

[adamRS80]

Attached is a photo of the space where my tank sits. Soon I'll be setting up a 32"L x 16"W x 14"H but currently it's a 17 gallon Mr. Aqua (24"L x 12"W x 14"H) with one AI Prime (not the new HD version), the lens is 7" above the tank and is basically as high as I can get it. Total clearance from bottom of cabinet to counter-top is 24" so basically there is 10" of space from the underside of the cabinet to the top of the tank. I like this AI Prime but not sure that I want to buy another one and be married to this particular brand and model. I've been considering a 24" T5 fixture, or adding another AI Prime. I'm not sure that the prime is strong enough for SPS but I'm currently only running it at about 65% and would eventually have two. I realize that I have no corals so I'm really just asking for experience on whether the Prime is strong enough and good enough for decent growth and good color. I've seen the Kessil lights at Salty Fish, they look awesome but I'm not sure that I have room (height) for them or if I even need something like that.

I know this is a never ending topic with many different options. I just thought I'd ask what some of you guys thought.

[alton]

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?79088-PAR-METER-LOAN-PROGRAM
Just contact me, off the top of my head I would say no. But if you keep high light corals in the center, you maybe able to keep lower light SPS like caps and birdsnest on the side? At least with the meter you can see how bad the lighting drops off.

[adamRS80]

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?79088-PAR-METER-LOAN-PROGRAM
Just contact me, off the top of my head I would say no. But if you keep high light corals in the center, you maybe able to keep lower light SPS like caps and birdsnest on the side? At least with the meter you can see how bad the lighting drops off.

Thanks Alton. I'm leaning to an ATI 4x24" T5 right now. I like the compact-ness of all the LEDs out there but I want to have enough power, light spread and get good color.

Can you recommend an LED fixture that you think would be good for my application? I know this hobby is a lot of experimenting but lighting gets expensive and I'm hoping to buy one and not have to switch or upgrade for a long time. I was also considering a Hydra 56 or something like that. I just only have 10" above the tank so I'm limited to how much spread I can get from LEDs.

I think I sold you my Regal Tang back in 2005 or 2006 when I was taking down my Oceanic 42. I'm not sure if you remember that, and I could be mistaken but I know I sold it to a long time Maast member and I think it was you.

[alton]

Wow it has been a long time, I believe you lived in Alamo Heights at the time? My best luck has come from Build My Leds out of Austin, but unfortunately they are only making horticulture lights now. I have them on all four of my tanks and the corals do great. Reefnub has had great success with AI, but he uses more than required and then turns them down. I had used ATI T5 lamps in the past with great success but replacing the lamps every year got expensive.

[adamRS80]

Thats right, I lived close to North New Braunfels and Eisenhower, I still live nearby. I loved that fish. I bought it from Aquarium Sales and Service, in 2000 when it was a tiny, quarter sized juvenile.

I've previously looked at the Build My Leds but recently found what you said, that they're not making aquarium lights right now. I'd seen good things written about them though.

I was in Salty Fish and noticed the Reef Breeders light over one of the tanks in the front room. I'd seen it before but not really paid attention to it. It seems like there is some pretty good feedback regarding these lights and the newer V2 versions are using "name brand" LEDs. I may try one of them out, the 24" is what I'd be using, and I'm sure I could buy it locally from Salty Fish since they have it on display. https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-24-v2/