Topic

Lighting & Pumps

Reef LEDs, return pumps and wavemakers, and how to match them to a tank.

Reef Lighting Schedule: Photoperiod, Ramping, and Lunar Cycles

How to program your LED schedule for maximum coral growth, minimum algae, and natural-looking sunrise to moonlight.

May 10, 2026

The science of reef lighting from PAR measurement to spectrum tuning for maximum coral growth and color.

May 10, 2026

A horizontal-cylinder gyre pump producing tank-spanning flow patterns that round powerheads cannot match.

May 10, 2026

A controllable AC return pump that runs quieter than its DC counterparts — field test results from three reefs.

May 10, 2026

A non-controllable AC powerhead under $30 that runs cooler and quieter than competitors at the same price.

May 10, 2026

A non-controllable budget powerhead that outperforms its price — honest assessment after three years.

May 10, 2026

PAR readings, controllability, and 18-month performance from the AI Hydra 32HD on a 75-gallon reef.

May 10, 2026

A controllable DC return pump that runs nearly silent. Two-year reliability and flow performance assessed.

May 10, 2026

PAR readings, color rendering, and 18-month performance from one of the most beloved pendant LEDs in the hobby.

May 10, 2026

Five years with the MP40 — flow performance, noise levels, controllability, and reliability vs cheaper alternatives.

May 10, 2026

A deep technical review of the AI Prime 16HD covering PAR readings, coverage area, spectrum, and value for money.

May 10, 2026