Lighting your tank. You ask, we test! | BRStv Investigates

Get ready for an in-depth look into Metal Halide, T5, and LED reef tank lighting as we embark on a new BRStv Investigates series! We will put each light source to the test in an attempt to discover which is the best for your tank and corals!
Here's some of the lighting we will be putting to the test! brs.li/Reef_Tan...
Today on BRStv, we have a brand new episode of our series, BRStv Investigates. In this series, we explore popular reefing theories, products, methods, and what the manuals are missing, with a focus on putting them to the test!
You guys asked and we are going to answer!
In today's video, Ryan explains the methodology of this new testing series where we put each type of lighting source to the test, in an effort to finally decide which is the best! He describes what we will be testing for as well as how we will be conducting the tests!
So follow along and see what's in the works for this new series and share your thoughts in the comments below as to what you would like to see for future tests!
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for future episodes as we investigate everything from ceramic media effectiveness to how long your T5 bulbs actually last; all in our continuing effort to help make reefing a bit more fun and easy for you and your tank!
Legal Stuff
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.

[@IS-db6pn]

Don't let the finance department hold you back. Your effort into educating and helping reefers is why I'm a client of the company. Even if it means I have to pay extra to get your products shipped all the way to Puerto Rico. It's pretty awesome that you're willing to even test products you don't sell just for our benefit. Thanks!

[@timothysnave]

I love the emphasis in the beginning about responsibly providing scientifically accurate information. +1 for that. THIS is what the hobby needs now more than ever.

[@InappropriateReefer]

8 Dislikes from light manufacturers whom exaggerated their product specs and are now sweating bullet. Can't wait for this series!

[@matthewlebaron9421]

Thanks for all of the work you do with BRStv Investigates, it's fantastic that someone is performing all of the tests that you are and will ensure I will be a life long customer to help support it.

[@AG-by9wp]

BRS TV has come a long way in the past few years, love these videos and can't wait to see the results from the study!

[@noahs9952]

finally someone is actually testing all the lights out there. hopefully we get to a conclusion on what the best light is for corals. supper pumped for this series!!!

[@teecee9660]

This series and the many you continue to produce (IMO) are some of the best out there! I can watch these and geek out on the hobby I love! The more I learn, I realize the less I really knew. ​

[@coralinealgae]

This is why I love shopping at BRS. They give back to the reef community. Mad props.

[@VallejoVibes]

Hey Ryan, just wanted to come here and say that without your great youtube vids I wouldn't be a BRS customer. In my opinion this is the best reefing series on youtube. I feel better purchasing from a company that actually gives back to the community, please BRS budget dept. cut Ryan some slack and try to see the bigger picture here :)

[@zacjordan1845]

Ha! A million miles over budget, sounds like the voice in my head every time I look at my tank. I can't wait for the months to come. I'm very excited to see the many results that we've all been curious about. A massive thanks to Ryan and the BRS team!! The amount of vids you guys push out is tremendous and invaluable. I am truly thankful!

[@duenasj]

BRStv Investigates is SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME! I cannot thank you enough for digging down and giving us all some real data!

[@dudepros]

You guys bring great energy and enthusiasm into the reef hobby, thanks for all these informative and entertaining videos!

[@NeverMissStrokeTrainer]

I would like to comment on your statement that you are over budget on BRS TV: Your videos make all the difference for me as to whom I purchase my supplies from. Since pricing is about the same regardless of vendor: BRS, Marine Depot, Aquatic Warehouse, etc., If a site provides useful information to me, so that I can select the right products for my tank, then that is where I will buy my products. I have reviewed your 52 week series, and watched each video at least once, and probably multiple times, taking notes etc. This has allowed me to refine my decisions, and get the best possible products for my $$. Simply stated: Your video series makes all the difference when it comes to purchases. !

[@cubanreefer1582]

Hey Ryan very nice to meet you on ReefApaloozza good to see real people that love the hobby so much like you at BRS

[@Quiksilver5451]

This is really exciting that your going to be performing such detailed tests, for an element that's so important to the hobby!! Great work BRS Team!!

[@scurvy3810]

This is going to be epic! Huge for newer reefers trying to understand and decide between all the endless options. BRStv is what finally got me to pull the trigger on joining this amazing cult so tell the finance guys these series absolutely pull more people in and create more customers.

[@tracydoll7910]

Have to agree with Scurvy Reef, it's what brought me in.

[@jwhall3]

BulkReefSupplyCom Me too. The videos you produce are not just something for your marketing guys to pat themselves on the back about during a Tuesday morning meeting. They are more than that. They are making a real difference, to real people, in the real world.

[@JoshBrown18]

Can't wait, been looking forward to these test for a long time!

[@tayloreke]

BRS, you guys are amazing doing all these tests! I have no clue how I made decisions before.

[@bbbvvhk]

thank you BRS. you guys are the best and care for that alone I always give my business to you guys.

[@NaturalAquaria]

Can't wait for this series! great work as always!

[@9StickNate]

Great video! I can't wait to see the results. I've been watching your videos for years. You guys have come a long way 👍

[@Coral_dude]

I am so happy you guys do this type of stuff. This right here does two things: 1 create loyalty from me bc I appreciate the free knowledge gained from a company that clearly has our best interest at heart. 2 CHANGE THE WORLD you guys are heroes and celebrities of a different kind the fact that you figure out components used by scientists are producing incorrect results shows how your scientific method is actually in place. Thank you so much for the continued hard work.

[@beachy73]

well done guys production values are awesome

[@rabrooks007]

What you do is absolutely why I buy my products from BRS. It's REALLY appreciated! I own an 85 gallon reef tank with a Kessil AP700 and at each end a Kessil A160. Am really looking forward to finding assistance in finding the "right" settings for a well-stocked LPS tank. I've gone from 35% intensity with a lot of white light to 60% intensity with almost entirely blue lighting (the latter seems to be better). Always eager to learn more!

[@ReefDudes]

This will be a great series on lighting. I love these investigation videos! Keep up the awesome work

[@mattgiles8739]

I just placed my first order with you guys last week, and I did it solely because of the brstv series. Up until now I always used amazon,ebay, etc for everything because It always looked a little cheaper on most things and I liked the free 2 day shipping with prime, but the bRSTV series really drove me to want to order from you guys, and as I kept looking through your site, I stopped and did the math on the points discount, and with that figured in you're actually the cheapest on many things, and on the things you're not the price was close enough I was willing to pay the difference to get from someone I feel like I know, and trust to take care of me if there was ever a problem. Incidentally , my order arrived at my house the second business day after ordering. :)

[@Drumsycle]

Good stuff guys! Great catalog of knowledge you'r building up with these video's.

[@olliesshopautos9327]

Awesome! I look forward to the results and also the journey to get there.

[@x101cree9]

Awesome job guys on all your tests, I've no prob personally sending over a small contribution to aid support and continuation of the great work you guys are doing , I'm sure anyone that seriously thinks about the time and effort required, not just that but setups costs will be more than happy to contribute

[@SinSilla]

Oh Boy, i'm so looking forward for this! BRS investigates Rocks!

[@dannylyle6212]

I can't wait for the outcome on the lighting. In the process of making a 20 gallon and 75 gallon reef tank so I want to make sure I get the proper lighting for both so again thank you :-)

[@pjfreak99]

Looking forward to this. You guys are the best!

[@xwyattx]

I greatly value what your doing here.

[@anuar6605]

great video ryan. cant wait for the results.

[@honestabe4760]

Dude you ever run for office you got my vote love your honesty goes a long way been putting my tank together for the last six months bought 80percent of everything from you guys don't know anybody with a saltwater aquarium so KZbin is my only teacher 🍎

[@t.regnerus301]

Keep it up. You guys are doing great things. 😎

[@r22d80]

gj thx BRS team, cant wait for the results!!

[@AcuaTV]

It would be nice if you could peer review your tests with some other institution to validate and make sure your test are being done correctly (not that they aren't) and that you guys didn't miss anything. Great job doing this investigations!!! Reef Busters!

[@gflinski]

Very well spoken.

[@tkotanko]

You guys are doing the right stuff here.... putting our money where your mouth is. Tell us what's good, what needs work, and what plain sucks.... really appreciate it... tell your budget busters to back off :)

[@bbcoach8160]

Can you guys do a review (PAR etc) for common surface lighting like the Fluval Marine 3.0 please! Such limited information on these yet a common option on the market. Thanks

[@Mitch-no8ui]

Hey guys love the videos and all the info! seriously makes being a new reefer easier. i was wondering if you guys could test the coral box moon led plus light. really curious to see how that affordable wifi controllable light performs!

[@ronrutstein3440]

awesome! can't wait. I have kessil lights and would love to know the best settings for lps coral.

[@moetivation2378]

I would like to see you cover the Current ic loop led. thanks for the video

[@P0HTAT0]

Am I the only one who was waiting for him to pass out from lack of breathing? This will be a grate series when it gets going.

[@kurtscoville5324]

Awesome series.

[@cubanreefer1582]

My tank came with four hydra 26 and so far everything looks good to my naked eye like you mentioned

[@antjaw]

This is the lighting test I would LOVE to see. Make multiple equal sized frags from the same colony of SPS, LPS, Zoa and Pally (Or other coral types as well). Grow them for a month in the same tank so you know that they have healed and select the frags that are most similar in size/color. Create a setup with multiple tanks of the exact size all plumbed together. All tanks would then be using the same water and being tested with 100 % equal parameters. Each tank would have the exact same pump with the same placement so that the flow is identical in each tank. Place a different light type/configuration over each tank. Each tank is separated by a barrier to prevent any light "bleedover". Place a frag of SPS, LPS, Zoa and Pally into each tank. Monitor for growth and coloration. You could take this series even further after this test. After determining the best lighting source, use that for a similar test for tank parameters(Alk, Phosphates, nitrates), trace elements, salinity, PH, coral placement, additives, food, temperature...etc. You could essentially build the holy grail of tanks once all of these parameters are know. I love the videos and have learned a great deal from them. Thanks for all of your hard work. It is appreciated!

[@dangappa]

You're a good speaker Ryan. People could be paying you just to do it. Tell the bean counters, it's money very well spent.

[@stemanic1]

You mentioned early in the video 'BRS recommended settings' for LPS. Do you have a link?

[@bundyrumbum]

ita been a little while since we've seen the 160, are you looking at doing another full update on the gear, fish, coral etc. Also keen to see an update on the clown harem tank

[@PaulEwog116]

I'd like to know more about that clownfish/BTA setup you keep showing in this video. My next project is going to be a bta only reef and I've thought about the large clown colony but from what I have read you eventually end up with one pair and the rest dead. A video on that tank would be great.

[@MythicalMasterpieces]

This is going to be awesome, thanks for all your hard work on this! I am a Kessil man (shimmer

[@MySimpleReef]

Giesemann hybrid :} you guys kick ass on the videos as always thank you guys for that!!

[@tonyy33055]

man I can't wait to see the SHOWDOWN... lot of lights out in the hobby. I am more of the budget reefer. so I do a lot of second hand and eBay. I have the Ocean Revive Arctic-T247-B..... hope to it reviewed or something similar... p.s GREAT JOB as always...

[@nevadagunbros]

Im Soo Excited! Battle Royale! I hope the Metal Halides make a comeback

[@NeoStorm_401]

Omg!!!! I can't wait for the Maxspect Razor R420R 160w 16k test!!! I need this in my life. I have it and can't seem to find the sweet spot. Ugh!! Driving me crazy. Lol haha Thanks for doing this hope it's soon 👍🏼👍🏼

[@FORREST123100]

At 5:05 min what is in the right corner of the tank? is that an over flow leading to a sump or something else? @BulkReefSupplyCom

[@Boosted98gsx]

Would it be possible to do this kind of testing on freshwater? I know it doesn't have the same significance (and would likely require a separate channel, due to channel title being for reefs), but I'd like to see a good lighting shootout for planted aquariums (but would likely parallel refugium / macro algae lighting)...

[@AlinEkisde]

I still dont know at how much power I need to configure my Radion XR15 G4 pro in my 24 gallons size 18x18x18" and the radion at 9,8" from water level. So is a 25cm from water and a 45cm deep tank cube. Now im on 60% intensity and whites at 25%, red at 0% and uv at 40%. Should I use more intensity? I have sps lps and some soft like zoanthus. Ty!

[@jeroromouse9699]

very nice! please help us test ULNS 0 nitrate vs 3ppm and 0phosphate vs .03. lets put it into test which coral color up more and changes! tnx BRS!

[@abh3960]

reef brite blues i use no white on low setting on 45 gallons is that ok

[@Thedoubbler1369]

please test the jbj orion Lt 120. I can't find anything on it

[@tomorrowme3133]

Kudos fron Spain!! Amazing videos , please test the evergrow, dsuny and marsaqua. Thanks!!

[@sammysmythe8876]

what website is that displayed at 2:54

[@cubanreefer1582]

Hey man am looking for a magnet frag rack for a Red Sea S-Max 650 wish glass thickness is about 5/8" I couldn't found any at he show cause they want me to put extra magnets and honestly this tank deserves better

[@nickstano6054]

I cant find the latest update for this video, if there is one.

[@abh3960]

Thx guys.

[@mancavemikey]

Can you guys make en episode about Dinoflagelettes? It seems to be a growing concern in the hobby.

[@flyingcat3170]

I am planning my first SW tank. the lights are so expensive. I might have to go for a rock only tank :/ Do you have any tips for me when it comes to lights? I dont even know what to look for in the lights

[@dc110770]

Could you do a Hydra 52 had and a Triton Lani One review please?

[@cubanreefer1582]

Thank You chief

[@daniel69284]

Hey BRS ... Can yall please give a advantages and disadvantages of a tall marine tank. I am getting 60x24x29 tank and I am trying to plan ahead of things to consider like Flow adjustments, Rock placement, live stock, LED adjustment ( because it so tall I have to put my led 90% to penetrate to the bottom .. but i cant have coral to high because the light might be to intense. ) Not much info on youtube or internet for beginners on tall tanks.

[@daniel69284]

Ok Thank you

[@abh3960]

i have your ocean revive 45 gallon what settings for sps lps......my blues are 85 white 20....

[@Meldium]

How about Par 38 LED bulbs? I've seen many people use them for main display. I myself used 6 of them on my 55g Reef. and 5 on my 35g Cube. Great success using them, but still Dont know if you would test them. I have videos on my channel that shows them.

[@Meldium]

that would be great BRS. Thanks a lot! :)

[@jbeanz24]

can anybody tell me what kind of anthias are in the tank at 3:22

[@julianhancock455]

I would like to see the ATI hybrid in the line up please.

[@Offerico]

Kessil A160WE Led because they say they take care for the color spectrum blend.

[@doragon3329]

Two questions. One, is a 165 watt mars aqua led ok on a 20 by 16 by 16 reef ok. Only easy corals ie Duncan's, torch, frogspawn, bubble tip. Also, how bright should it be, cause I can't afford a par meter. Two, what kelvin is moonlight?

[@doragon3329]

BulkReefSupplyCom thanks!

[@greennixon00]

Can you please test kessil a160 blue tuna vs 360...................

[@nhall00195]

Chinese wifi LED (165w). Would love to see review of this.

[@scottevans2424]

what coral insert is that please and where is it from?

[@mattgiles8739]

They got them from Living Color Aquariums.

[@akhiruzzamanhabib8536]

i am on a budget so can i use two nano tank lights in my 36*18*21 tank? 50 gallon

[@BRStv]

Absolutely. If you're going LED, I'd actually recommend using multiple fixtures. One LED fixture is likely not going to cut it over a 36" length anyway.

[@urielg763]

Test ocean revive I'm a beginner so far I love them you can adjust blue and white and can be put on timer

[@urielg763]

Sump

[@urielg763]

BulkReefSupplyCom I need help selecting a overflow box and a sump filtration system for a 75 gallon tank

[@mranoraks5860]

what would be the best cheapest lighting option for a 220 reef tank

[@PatrickJewellTheGreat]

Dude you guys are the bomb. This will drive so much well deserved web traffic to you guys.

[@mattkavili]

I’d like to see a straight up coral growth test. Take a bunch of GSP, Zoas, and some birds nest, all from the same colony. Put em under different lights and see which one grows faster.

[@uknowwho80]

I always try to get the best equipment possible but lately I've had a lot of family emergencies so I'm broke and I can only afford Chinese black box LEDs and they have been growing everything in my tank (from acros to mushrooms ). I hope you test those lights. Thank you.

[@TrashPandaFTW]

ATI Hybrid LED T5 for the win!

[@UnfilteredJustice]

Orphrek Lighting. Supposedly one of the best in the industry and I always wondered why you guys don't carry that brand. Too expensive for the mass market or not enough different models?

[@Skazila]

Evergrow/Reefbreaders photon please!

[@DOLDY12]

Please include the Mars Aqua or black boxes.

[@MrMangoHaze126]

Can anyone help we with setting up my AI Prime light setting for a fluvial evo 13?

[@dannybski9620]

What i'd personally really like to see is "i've got tons of pesky algae, now what?" ...but maybe that'd be better off as its own thread somewhere :) these videos are good though, keep up the good work

[@wazza9089]

How on earth does this video get thumbs down???? Trolls are taking over the world people, there is no stopping them Great vid guy's

[@blakewright575]

Kessil 360 please.

[@jamesharden158]

How do I light my tank with a conopy?

[@lawiez]

yes!!! diffuse light or single pucks?!! help!

[@PsychoAxeMan]

cheap Chinese led if u hang them 15 inch above tank and do 60 -50 spectrum with a water shimmer it works well for me on a 20 gallon reef