Get Lighting Right the First Time. Reef Tank & Saltwater Aquarium Illumination | BRStv Buying Guide

Choosing the RIGHT light for your saltwater aquarium is more important than just picking your favorite brand. These are 8 essential considerations you need to think about before buying your next best reef light ever...!
Did you narrow down your next reef tank light? They are all right here:
➡ www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquari...
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The content contained in this video is general information on the topic and should not be relied upon as your sole source of information or safety advice for this project or topic. Each product or situation is different and has its own concerns related to successful completion and safety that must be fully researched by the individual considering the project or product. The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.
00:00 Intro
01:29 Wide angle
04:13 Elevated
06:51 Soft diffused
10:18 Hybrid
14:44 Wattage 50
16:48 Wattage 90
18:13 Wattage 150
21:51 Mounting options
22:23 Shimmer
27:09 Control
30:35 Kessil lens
31:52 Ryan / Randy Picks

[@jyoung11]

Great info. Getting back into reefing after an 8 year hiatus from living abroad. This is so helpful. Thanks guys!!

[@Socraticstatic44]

MicMol has been an amazing fixture in a price range that saved my corals when I couldn't afford to replace my Kessils. I can't miss an opportunity to sing the praises of what this light did to restore my tank without taking points off my credit score lol Love this channel, you guys walked with me through my reef keeping journey. Cheers!

[@sandroaces]

This should be a first video someone new to reef tank should watch before all other light video.

[@kelvinsoto8313]

Thank you for the great information thank you for taking time to investigate and give that information to us and don’t forget is a lot of people depending of you guys thank you for everything

[@jasonluther3567]

This is why I love you guys. I started thinking ab things earlier td. I was gonna run ai primes for a 40b sps. And was like no wait. I can grab 2 kessil a360x and even run a hybrid setup turn the damn things down and not run my lights as hot long term saving more money by spending more up-front

[@TampaBayReefEnthusiasts]

Aqua Illumination has come a very long way. Their lights are amazing and pretty much all we use now. We want to try Orphek but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

[@turkishreefer2568]

I have my Aquareef Pro 3 Plus. I am quite happy with it.

[@Odeazy]

I swear you guys made a video due to my comment on askbrstv! Great video #stimulus check

[@unthinkable1063]

I think an overlooked benefit of multiple lights for coverage set at a lower intensity offers a quieter more efficient operation. I started with 2 XR15 G4 over a 120G LPS/soft tank set at 100%. hanging out in my living room I could heard the fan noise. now that I added a 3rd light and dropped the intensity to 70% the fans run a lot less. I also have to believe running the lights at 70% instead of 100% has to extend the life of the lights. I look at it less of wasted wattage and more of reduced wear and tear and most importantly reduces the noise in from my equipment.

[@timothydillard9507]

Let’s do this!!! 🐠 💡 ❤️

[@jmarcant616]

So many choices. What would be the best for mixed coral and fish tank. Waterbox 90.2 tank. Thanks

[@scotthansen4156]

Hey Ryan, I’m thinking of keeping mostly softies,encrusting monti,zoas, ricordeas...what do you recommend for lighting, will it have coral color pop?

[@houstonswisha143]

How many watts of a flood light would I need for a 20 gallon? Thanks for the informative video

[@macreefs]

I really hope for and look forward to a lighting series on the Readsea lights and nano lighting trials in general. Thanks for all you guys do!

[@xXPinkPunisherXx]

You guys are still sleeping on those Mitras, they've been doing this lighting style with their multiple LED clusters panels for years now. Glad you brought them in, just gotta throw them in the lab now! :) Cheers from Canada!

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

ATI T5 x8 and some kessil’s, success and shimmer.

[@RobTeeJr]

How about tank shape e.g cube vs rectangle. For example the 60Lx18Wx24T tank vs 24x24x24 or 48x24x24 or essentially 2 cubes.

[@MrDon967]

watching this even tho i'll be buying a few viparspectras :D

[@allengrant6417]

Good choice It hasn’t let me down yet I’m buying two more to replace the Mars boxes

[@johngriffin5446]

I got the nicrew hyper reef 150s and they have been great.

[@MrDon967]

@@allengrant6417 that's awesome to hear. did you get the 165w or the higher one? i;m thinking of starting with 2 for my 120g that just got delivered today but i won't light it up for atleast 2 more months going to set my ATS get seeded for a month before using strong lights

[@MrDon967]

@@johngriffin5446 i'll look into it

[@justanotherfaceinthecrowd]

I had no issues with one (grew the tank 👈🏻) just don’t use them at full power. Ugly af though whichever way you look at it

[@Lexstasy1220]

Reefilabs is the best light I’ve ever owned.

[@nigelrichardson6825]

The best compare and contrast video I've ever seen in relation to shimmer - great segment of the video. To me - your explanation of "Piece of the reef" Vs "Photo of a reef" sums it up incredibly well. I'm going for the more natural look, so to me shimmer is important - there's a big single point of light in the real world called the sun, so if you're lucky enough to scuba dive on a real reef you'll see shimmer - personal preference, but in my tank shimmer is a more natural look.

[@viveks7758]

I got a Red Sea 250 what’s the best lighting conversion for it

[@AmericanAquariumInformation]

AquaRay for the win 🏆

[@freedisk1980]

Could you recommend a light for aquamanta nano 60 90 L. Tank is 40x60x40 cm. Wanting corals and clowns. After something that clips to the back with an arm. Thanks you.

[@avatargunner6776]

I always love t5 on my 75 gallon. Since I started back into saltwater tanks again it seems to be hard to find any types of T5 lighting fixtures. all I can find are LED lights.

[@BRStv]

There are still some solid T5 fixture manufacturers out there. ATI makes some of the best if you ask us!

[@RTILEBEINSR]

I have a 125 gal 5 ft with hood reef tank. What light should I get with low mounting

[@vascojardim6703]

Love your videos as always but I have to disagree on the whole LED+LED "hybrid". LED coverage will never be as uniform as T5 in the sense that with T5 every square mm of tank is getting exactly the same spectrum 100% of the time. Led's, with multiple diodes interacting with surface agitation will always produce varying spectrum given the independent coloured diodes. Current lights have improved this to the point that it is almost (emphasis on almost) invisible to the human eye. But at a small enough level, there will still be different coloured rays of light in the tank vs the blanket spectrum provided by T5s. T5 LED hybrids rule!

[@GuessMyName86]

Agreed. Nothing beats T5s! Hands down should be the only lights sold. I use to have LEDS when I first started. I wish I knew how horrible they were. As soon as I switched to T5s, my corals grew 3 times the siize in a matter of days! All the coral are so happy! I wish I could post a before and after photo on here of my hammer. It tripled in size in 2 days with T5s

[@Name-ot3xw]

Installed some lights on my upcoming fish tank and "OMG why is my studio so blue" lol

[@heinzmarekwegener9366]

Please a test of the ATI STRATON!!!

[@justanotherfaceinthecrowd]

Would like to see a review on noopsyche led (currently a prize giveaway on R2R) tiny form factor and 95w, cheap price tag are these just another “black box”

[@hurricaneaquatics]

If you have ever heard of Sustainable Aquatics, they breed a lot of clownfish, they're about 45 min away from me. I go there a bit and their retail store is called The Coral Reef. They use the noopsyche over almost all of their tanks. They aren't very bright, but they really make Softies and LPS look fantastic. They have one over a 60 cube and it looks amazing.

[@Venomthegr8]

Trying to find some info on the pocpo genesis overflow and it's retail in the U.S. and Canada.....when will it be available and do you guys carry this item

[@BRStv]

This isn't an overflow that we currently stock. As of now, no plans to bring it in.

[@keshanumesh]

HI Guys Any chance of you doing a review on Illumagic lights

[@BRStv]

We don't stock that particular brand, so you probably won't see us do a video on it. BUT, I'll never say never 🙂

[@antreasdimitrakopoulos8962]

I have seen your your lighting videos and think about getting the eco tech marine xr15 g5 but I hear that red sea 90s are better

[@kajascha2233]

Is this a joke question ?

[@GenePlotkin]

I don’t think that RS reef led 90 are better. I don’t think many do, but it’s a perfectly good light that’s much more affordable. I’m very happy with mine.

[@BRStv]

I would suggest checking out Randy's video on both the XR15 and ReefLED90 to make a decision for yourself based on the data. Beyond the par data, definitely take the mounting and control options into consideration when making a decision. If you have any questions about either of the lights, we're happy to help answer them 🙂 XR15 G5 Blue - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ2YaWVsj9Ccf8k ReefLED 90 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2TKeqCqar-ia7c

[@JudicialMermaid]

Hey Randy & Ryan! I have a Waterbox Marine X 110 on the way (48”x19”x21”) and am really struggling to pick the right lights. I am running a heavily LPS dominate tank with a few softies but do want to add strategically placed SPS in the future. What lights would work best? I am open to all mounting options too.

[@BRStv]

Given the types of corals that you are keeping/want to keep, plus the tank dimensions, three 90w light fixtures would be a great lighting solution. For example, three Kessil A360X, three Radion XR15, or three Hydra 32. You could certainly get by with just two of them until you add the SPS corals. Each fixture has it's own mounting options from tank mounts to hanging options to rail kits.

[@JudicialMermaid]

@@BRStv Thank you guys so much for the response! I think I will go with the Hydra 32s as I already run the Nero 5’s. :)

[@RElder-xq4sj]

I am working on a public display setup 11 ft long 4ft tall and 30” wide. Plan is to make it a mixed Coral setup. Currently looking at a few Orphek Amazonas 960 programmable variety. What are your thoughts on these lights and this depth? Thanks

[@BRStv]

We haven't had our hands on the Amazonas, so unfortunately, we can't give any feedback on those particular fixtures.

[@TheKoiReefer]

Any update when the ATI straton will be reviewed and compared?

[@BRStv]

It is on our list to do, it has been hard to get them in stock to use for testing.

[@Ethan-ic5yq]

Would really like a suggestion on lighting for a 40 breeder tank trying to not break the bank too

[@BRStv]

Check out the AI Prime. Two of them work great for a 40B softie/LPS setup. You can always add a third down the road if you want to venture into SPS. www.bulkreefsupply.com/prime-16-hd-led-reef-light-black-body-aqua-illumination.html

[@preston3114]

I have a t5/ho with 16 inch endplates, and i think the kessil 160 is the only led that fits it, am i wrong?

[@BRStv]

You could also use the A360WE or A360X fixtures. Just turn the circular plate sideways to use with the shorter endplates. Each light has their own circular plate, so make sure you get the right one for your fixture.

[@josemorales-uk6gw]

Suggestions for 8 ft 300 gallon mixed reef help

[@BRStv]

Four XR30's (mounted front to back) would be a great option since I assume the width of the tank is probably at least 30 inches. If it's 24" from front to back, then the XR15's become an option. Definitely take Ryan and Randy's points on mounting height and mounting options into consideration too before pulling the trigger on new lighting. If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call and we'd be happy to discuss more!

[@manuelnunes8415]

What lights can be mounted in canopy? Height above the tank is limited and I'm also worried about heat in the canopy.

[@BRStv]

There are very few lights on the market today that have a good canopy mount. T5 retrofit kits probably being the easiest to mount cleanly to a canopy, but Reef Brite LED strips are also great when you don't have a lot of clearance. They don't have a specific canopy mount, but it you're DIY friendly, they can be attached to a canopy very easily.

[@michaelross5674]

Would it be beneficial to get a larger light than needed for my tank and just turn it down .....gonna upgrade eventually .....but would this be a good option

[@BRStv]

As long as you tune it to the correct PAR for the corals that you're keeping, there is no harm in purchasing a larger light and turning it down, aside from spending more money than necessary for that larger fixture. That said, this might save you money in the long run if you don't have to buy a new fixture later on when you upgrade.

[@greennavy2006]

AI should change the mounting options the Primes and maybe should include 4 screws or holes on top for different mounting options... mounting from the back is a pain in the assfor different applications

[@blakemcclurkin4842]

What’s the best light for a 75 gallon mixed reef tank?

[@BRStv]

Best is always so subjective. If you're set on using LED's, as most reefers are, going with a pair of XR15's is a solid choice.

[@stevethomas7687]

What would be your best suggestion for a 30x30 90 gal cube? I want the best bang for the money!

[@nornicle2]

ATI Straton - one light covers 30x30

[@BRStv]

If this is an LPS or mixed reef, a single Orphek Atlantik (full size) is a solid choice. Due to the 30" depth from front to back, you may get a little bit of shadowing in that direction, but this is probably the best bang for the buck. In the future, if you decided to go heavier on the SPS side of things, you could always add on additional Orphek LED strips to accommodate those higher light corals. www.bulkreefsupply.com/atlantik-v4-gen-2-led-light-fixture-orphek.html

[@stevethomas7687]

I want a mixture of corals and fish

[@rc2300s2r]

A500x from Kessil makes me curious. They say it’s for SPS.

[@hurricaneaquatics]

It's the best Kessil they've ever made fir reef. Yes, SPS will be no problem. I own one and keep SPS. Used to keep SPS under the older 360 as well, but that was a stretch.

[@S2minute]

A recall the video about Reefbrites and that you stated they were the best lighting you tested yet. Soooo....what's up?

[@BRStv]

The ReefBrites were definitely very high up there, arguably the best in terms of even coverage. That said, coverage isn't the only factor. Mounting options, control, number of cords, and other factors are something that most reefers, including Ryan and Randy, will also consider when deciding on a light fixture for their tank.

[@lemon2125]

DO you think the aquatic life t5 hybrid is good for the im 25 lagoon?

[@BRStv]

Given the shallow dimensions, probably overkill unless you're going SPS dominant.

[@lemon2125]

@@BRStv I don't want sps but I do want a clam(s)

[@jumbowana]

Am I the only one who hates led shimmer? You can get a realistic shimmer with some surface waves and t5s.

[@wwiiireef]

Waiting for the Straton video. Maybe when they get some to sell!

[@BRStv]

It's definitely on the to-do list!

[@carlstrohmeyer]

Actually how many watts needed is somewhat misleading, as LED fixtures can vary greatly in the ratio of PAR per Watt of energy used from as low as .08 watt to over .50 watt per unit of PAR (as measured at the industry standard of 400mm of depth) Another correction (as I have been in the aquarium industry since 1977), is EcoTech & Kessil were not one of the pioneers in LED (especially when it comes to efficiency), more of a johnny come lately

[@mplusfish8018]

Why doesn’t anyone really talk about the Maxspect Jump LED? Is it not good enough?

[@BRStv]

At the moment, we don't stock those lights and haven't tested them to be able to give you a solid opinion on their performance or recommended mounting heights.

[@BeagleIL]

All the tanks you've shown in this video are beautiful. And all of these tanks go against one of the "newbie" rules to follow - You don't have any tops/screens to keep fish from jumping out. And no talk about how having on on the tank affects the lighting choices...

[@BRStv]

We usually remove the screen tops for filming purposes only. Here is a video we did on how screen tops affect par, if you're interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKG2Y5KwiMmbpNk

[@BeagleIL]

@@BRStv Perfect! Just the right info I was looking for. Thanks again!

[@allengrant6417]

Black box hasn’t let me down yet 3 years later lol

[@steriskyline4470]

I’ve got two systems, one with 4 black boxes and one with two g5 xr30 blues, growth and colouration are indistinguishable. The price different is not =|

[@aquaticnstuff7666]

tick tick hahaa

[@joeharris8233]

Yeah, no, sorry but after using Kessil it does not give you nearly the same coral growth as a 250 watt metal Halide in a good reflector. A 250 watt Halide will provide better SPS growth, give you no disco ball issues and gives you no shadowing issues. Sorry but if you want to get it right the first time, it would be metal Halides

[@aquaticnstuff7666]

Christmas in March everybody, happy stimmy

[@ghost61]

Where the ghl lights

[@kevinlarue4142]

Why aren’t mounting inside a canopy ever discussed?

[@BRStv]

A vast majority of reefers aren't utilizing a canopy, but mounting is certainly a big factor for those that are using a canopy. Unfortunately, most light manufacturers don't have a great way of mounting their fixtures inside of a canopy, so in many cases, DIY does come into play.

[@Redsea250]

What is the name of those fish ? 10:13

[@BRStv]

I think you're looking at our stripe blennies 🙂

[@Redsea250]

@@BRStv yes thank you from Italy 🇮🇹

[@jrbennettm]

That curved led fixture. What is that called??

[@BRStv]

I think you may be referring to the Reef Brite LED strips.

[@jrbennettm]

@@BRStv ohhh I see now. There’s 5 of them mounted on curved brackets. That’s genius!! Thanks!!!

[@TilmanBaumann]

I thought we moved away from this nonsensical Wattage metric. :/ PAR and distribution if the only thing that counts. Lumen would be a good compromise.

[@BRStv]

Wattage isn't the best metric by any means, but it's a good way to at least assign "weight classes" to certain lights so that we can evaluate further from there.

[@buddybonbutt7510]

Ok so what I learned is I'm too poor to get my Coral looking good

[@BRStv]

Lighting can be affordable! For example, T5's are a great light source and usually don't break the bank. A lot of times we'll suggest that reefers go with the T5/LED hybrid fixture and just use the T5's to start. Then, as budget allows, you can add in LEDs if you need more light.

[@mihaia6026]

Darn @BRS, you are soo biased. T5 is the best and most cost-effective with heat as the only real drawback. Led is ideal for any corals that require low light (soft corals and some LPS). A lot(and I mean a lot) of box LEDs or a few ATI Straton/Philips Coral Care and even a bit more Orphic produce decent light for most light-demanding corals (similar with T5). The dropback is that the cost is much much more than T5(even with T5 bulk exchange for 5 years), multiple fixtures and mounting/cable management, and power outlets. An advantage of led over T5 is less heat. Power consumption is the same as properly lit corals need much more led fixtures. Led is marketed a lot and beginners get tricked. You have low light demanding corals go led. Anything else T5 is better.

[@cruelolol]

Damn, the lighting topics really bring out the cheap whuddabouters with chips on their shoulders. BRS would probably be getting better margins selling cheap chinese lights but alas they dont. For good reasons.

[@PhD-JWT]

Don’t trust their advice. I did… went with 5 AI prime’s. They meted… burnt out, BRS turned their back, and now I’m shopping for replacements 🤷🏻‍♂️