75g Mixed Reef Lighting Recommendation

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

IMO if you're not spending $1000 and actually want an "upgrade" T5's are the only way to go. Four to six T5' will grow anything you want better than any LED...

The best LED's match T5 performance and thats about it, but cost waaaaaay more.

Theoretically LEDs last longer and do have a smaller footprint, but the latter also typically means worse coverage, e.g., SPS, that grows on one side and dies on another where light does not go...

In sum, "upgrade" to whatever you're using (unless halides) means $1000 in LEDs (ecotech or kessil, etc) or just get some T5's (that everyone has known for years has literally grown the best reef tanks out there). Add a point source LED to the t5' like Kessil later for shimmer that we all like nowadays... when u can afford it..

When/if T5's become less available in 5 or 10 years, just switch them out with a nice coverage LED like XHO's. By then LEDS may have surpassed T5's in spectrum, growth, coverage, etc.

 

[Hasted]

Which lights are you using? The old AIs, the HDs, or the new 16s? I have 3 AI Primes and two coralife t5 fixtures using ATI blue+ and actinics over a 65 gallon. You can DEFINITELY get a mixed tank with those lights.

AI Prime 16HDs.

I was only referring to using the Primes and ONLY the Primes. It was suggested and I was hoping to give insight on that very specific set up. I was not satisfied and hoped to be informative on why.

The suggestions for T5s WITH the Primes seems to be a solid choice. I do not have any experience with it, though. Your lighting seems to be great and one that the OP could/should look at!

Beautiful tank!

 

[uhgster1]

AI Prime 16HDs.

I was only referring to using the Primes and ONLY the Primes. It was suggested and I was hoping to give insight on that very specific set up. I was not satisfied and hoped to be informative on why.

The suggestions for T5s WITH the Primes seems to be a solid choice. I do not have any experience with it, though. Your lighting seems to be great and one that the OP could/should look at!

Beautiful tank!

Thanks.

 

[Spare time]

Thanks everyone. Interesting options. I like the ATI Hybrid + 2 primes. Looks like that would be about $800 by the time i buy bulbs, hanging kit, etc. A little cheaper than the Radions with their mounting arms, but not a ton cheaper.
thanks again!

That is a fantastic choice. You can also put reefbrites in the fixture if you don't want to swap bulbs out. I would stick with that ati and AI hybrid before the anti-led users hop on the thread lol

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

That is a fantastic choice. You can also put reefbrites in the fixture if you don't want to swap bulbs out. I would stick with that ati and AI hybrid before the anti-led users hop on the thread lol

I think the aqualife hybrid and one LED, whatever you want that LED to be would be a very nice option. And to save money, just get the hybrid for now, buy the LED when you have the money....

Again, trying to cater my thoughts based on original poster wanting an upgrade but not wanting to spend lots of $$$ (I guess his budget is less than say $500). ..

 

[mrmoray]

Thanks again everyone! Starting to think a hybrid setup might be the way to go

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Aquatic life t5 hybrid

Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid 36 inch for sale in perfect working condition $200. Open to trades for Central Florida area. Looking for AI Hydra 26 HD to trade.

www.reef2reef.com

Texas - 48” 4x54W Giesemann Matrixx

Unknown age on bulbs. Includes mounting legs. Glass top needs to be siliconed but doesn’t affect it and I didn’t want to silicone it back in just in case it ever needed repair. Glass sits flush so as long as the fixture isn’t tilted/upside down it won’t fall out. Using a hanging kit will also...

www.reef2reef.com

Maryland - FS: ATI Powermodule 8x54

Workhorse of a light, only selling because I got the hybrid fixture. Normal wear, bulbs need replacement. 350 obo

www.reef2reef.com

New York - Ai Hydra 26 HD x 3

Selling 3 Ai Hydra 26HD with Red Sea mounts in great condition. One of the mount is missing a screw but you can find it from a hardware store. $250 shipped each.

www.reef2reef.com

Pennsylvania - Kessil 160WE x2

Upgrading to a bigger tank tomorrow and purchasing Kessil 360’s. Looking to sell my current 160WE’s. Comes with the original packaging and a Kessil spectral controller. I do have a 90 degree mount attachment available but not the actual mounting arm. (As you can see in my ghetto rig, the AP700...

www.reef2reef.com

Id just watched used goods forum, you get something at good priced...

 

[mrmoray]

Thanks!