This article details a six-month comparative study on coral growth and coloration under two different LED lighting systems: the Nicrew Hyperreef 150 and the Kessil AP700. Identical Jason Fox Limelight hydnophora corals were placed in separate, identically equipped 55-gallon tanks, ensuring consistent water parameters to isolate the impact of lighting. The experiment rigorously controlled variables, focusing solely on the differences in the spectral output and controllability of each light.The Nicrew Hyperreef 150, with its limited color adjustment capabilities, was compared against the more sophisticated Kessil AP700. After six months, significant differences emerged in both coral growth rate and color intensity. The results reveal a trade-off between rapid growth and vibrant coloration, offering valuable insights for reef tank enthusiasts seeking to optimize their lighting choices based on their specific aesthetic and growth priorities. The implications for choosing between these popular lighting systems are thoroughly explored, along with considerations for upgrading existing reef tank setups.
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Experimental Setup
This experiment compared the growth and coloration of a Jason Fox Limelight hydnophora coral under two different lights: the Nicrew Hyperreef 150 and the Kessil AP700.
Both lights illuminated identical corals in separate 55-gallon lowboy tanks, sharing the same 300-gallon reef and 40-gallon anemone tank sump system.
This ensured consistent water parameters across both tanks, focusing solely on the lighting differences.
Lighting Differences and Settings
The Nicrew Hyperreef 150 offered limited color adjustments, with only white balance and blue intensity controls.
The Kessil AP700 provided more comprehensive control, but matching it to the Nicrew proved challenging.
The Nicrew was set at 100% blue and 25% white, a typical setting for the YouTuber, while the Kessil settings were adjusted as closely as possible, with details provided in a pop-up within the video.
Growth and Coloration Comparison After Six Months
After six months, a significant difference in both growth and coloration was observed.
The Nicrew Hyperreef 150 resulted in noticeably greater coral growth, yielding a larger frag compared to the initial size.
However, the Kessil AP700 produced more vibrant and intense coral coloration, resulting in a more visually appealing outcome.
Additional Observations and Considerations
A frag from the experiment was placed in the 300-gallon main reef tank, exhibiting coloration closer to the Nicrew Hyperreef 150, suggesting a potential correlation between light spectrum and coloration.
The YouTuber contemplates upgrading the main reef tank lighting to Kessil AP700 or a hybrid approach, considering the superior coloration obtained in the experiment despite the slightly slower growth under the Kessil AP700.
Factors like light intensity and placement in the main tank might also influence the overall result.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Nicrew Hyperreef 150 demonstrated superior growth, while the Kessil AP700 produced more vibrant coloration. The choice depends on priorities: prioritize growth, choose Nicrew; prioritize color, choose Kessil.
The significant color difference observed prompted consideration of a lighting upgrade for the main tank to improve the overall aesthetic appeal of corals.
The experiment highlights the impact of light spectrum on coral growth and coloration, emphasizing the importance of careful lighting selection in reef tank setups.