New build:-) What lights to go with?

[JTIV]

Ok so I recently Ordered a new shallow reef tank. Dimensions are 48LX24DX16T and I am wanting to get some input on what lighting you guys should go with. I am currently running a 150 watt metal halide T5 combo on my RSM30. I like the light and the growth I am getting out of a 15K bulb. The new tank will have all types of corals there is plenty of room in there. I really like SPS so there will be quite a bit in my new tank. stocking this tank is going to be expensive so I will be mainly stocking with Frags and want to ensure good growth. I am thinking about a Reef Brite HyBrid Metal Halide 36 inch Pendant with XHO LED strips 15K to start or Maxspect Razor R420R LED Light Fixture 16K. What are your guys suggestions I am open to any light / lights that will cover the tank but want to keep things clean looking no hood open top. and still sustain good growth.

[JTIV]

bump

[markalot]

Do not go maxspect if you are thinking SPS. Nothing wrong with the light, but the single strip of LED pucks means you can only enjoy the coral colors from the top. It's a beautiful fixture otherwise and I know it produces great coral colors when looking straight down. My other issue with LED's is that they lack a strong peak in the green light which means at the proper PAR for corals they look dim to our eyes.

 

Reefbright LED's are crap for the money paid. If you like Halide I would stick with it plus T5 to fill things out. If you are looking to spend that much money then you are open for a LOT of options.

 

If you want only LED I would look at the BuildMyLED strips lights to duplicate the coverage of T5 but with LEDs.

 

You can't go wrong with the ATI T5 fixtures, and they make a hybrid LED fixture.

 

You can't go wrong with the Nanobox hybrids and he has lots of options, including taking old lighting and making a hybrid fixture from it.

[JTIV]

Do not go maxspect if you are thinking SPS. Nothing wrong with the light, but the single strip of LED pucks means you can only enjoy the coral colors from the top. It's a beautiful fixture otherwise and I know it produces great coral colors when looking straight down. My other issue with LED's is that they lack a strong peak in the green light which means at the proper PAR for corals they look dim to our eyes.

 

Reefbright LED's are crap for the money paid. If you like Halide I would stick with it plus T5 to fill things out. If you are looking to spend that much money then you are open for a LOT of options.

 

If you want only LED I would look at the BuildMyLED strips lights to duplicate the coverage of T5 but with LEDs.

 

You can't go wrong with the ATI T5 fixtures, and they make a hybrid LED fixture.

 

You can't go wrong with the Nanobox hybrids and he has lots of options, including taking old lighting and making a hybrid fixture from it.

Ty for the input. I have looked at ATI and did hear that they have a hybrid T5+led fixture just haven’t been able to find out who sells it. (I can find just the T5 fixture)

[Hexadron]

Ty for the input. I have looked at ATI and did hear that they have a hybrid T5+led fixture just haven’t been able to find out who sells it. (I can find just the T5 fixture)

 

This one?

[JTIV]

This one?

Yeah that looks like it. Ouch. That better be one bad light. I am going to continue to look around and see what options are out there but I like what I see. maybe I should not of bought a 48" long tank lol

[brad908]

8 bulb 48" ATI Sunpower. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html

 

Then you can have NanoBox Dave throw in some LED pucks. $575 for 4 pucks. Includes storm controller and paint job