Best LED lights (under $500) for my 90 gallon

[msujohn]

I'm setting up a new 90 gallon tank this week. I plan to have fish and corals (LPS/SPS, etc). What is the best lighting option for me.
I'd appreciate any advice you can provide.
Based on my $500 budget, it looks like the following are my best options: I'm really not sure what the difference is between all these units.

- Ocean Revive T-247 - need 2

- Reef Breeders Photon 48

- Reef Radiance IT2040

- Reef Radiance DM165+ need 2 I want lights that are programmable, dimmable, and have the moon lighting.

 

[hart24601]

I run 2 reefbreeder value on my 65 and will have 3 on my 48" 120. Since not programmable they don't count, from that list I would try the 2 t-247. I like the large number of violets and not too many whites.

 

[softy]

What are your tank dimensions? ReefStar has a great fully controllable system.

 

[msujohn]

It's a standard 90. 48x18x24

 

[tonizzy22]

I would recommend the Reef Breeders Photon 48. I currently have 2 Photon 16s over my 90 and love them. The three things I dislike about them are that the timers don't sync together, you have to program both timers individually, and both units must have power cords which doesn't look as clean when hanging from the ceiling. With a Photon 48 you won't have any of these issues.

 

[msujohn]

Are there any concerns with the Photon 48 being 1 unit vs. having 2 separate units. Meaning - it would be going directly over the center brace on the tank - does that create any shadows, etc? I also need to find a solution on how to mount the lights on the tank itself (brackets/rails, etc) - mounting the lights on wires from wall/ceiling won't be an option for me.

 

[hart24601]

The one vs two units is my concern. I think it's on my build thread, but I put the value fixtures on the AI tank mount. I had to get some thin metal cut for a few bucks, but it works great.

 

[tonizzy22]

The Photon 48 has a break in the center to divide the fixture into two sections of LEDs. I saw it at a LFS and worked perfectly with a 90 gallon tank.

 

[NanaReefer]

I'd go with the Reef Radiance DM-165p or P+ x2. With the Photon 48 if the light goes bad for whatever reason, you've no lighting period. With 2 RR if one goes you still have one Beside the RR being an awesome unit, great customer service and they're on SALE!!