Affordable lighting options for 48" long x 24" wide x 16" tall 80g lagoon tank

[adittam]

I'm planning a build right now with the tank listed in the title. It's going to be rimmed and have a glass lid to help reduce evaporation (I will keep it clean). I'm not going for the best of the best (see my current build thread for the lights I am using to successfully grown LPS and softies in my 46 gallon bowfront...Current USA 2 bar setup, which is frowned upon by pretty much everyone here), I just want to have the option of growing a few easier SPS down the road at strategically placed locations in my tank as well.

A couple lights that I've been looking into so far are the Current R24 or the Noopsyche K7 PRO (discontinued version 2 if I can find it, to save some $). Open to other suggestions in this price range as well. Very open to buying used, if that's a more efficient use of my money. I would like to stay with LED's for their low profile, as my wife is not going to go for the aesthetics of a large lighting rig hanging over the tank in our living room.

 

[Spare time]

What is your max budget and what is your preferred price range.

 

[adittam]

What is your max budget and what is your preferred price range.

Max $600 total.
Preferred <$400.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

48" DX18 Hybrid Dimmable T5 HO Light Fixture (OPEN BOX)

A Dimmable T5 HO Aquarium Light Fixture with Provisions for your Favorite LED Modules! The ultimate way to incorporate both fluorescent and LED lighting over your aquarium in a stylish and compact package. Aquatic Life's DX18 Hybrid Light Fixture accepts four T5 lamps which, when paired with a...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Give that a go. Good price. Hate that it is a c rating but I love mine.

 

[adittam]

I'd prefer to stick with LEDs on mount arms if possible, as my wife does not want large light fixtures hanging from the living room ceiling.

 

[Doctorgori]

3-4 AI Sol primes maybe … should light that pretty good..i got mine off of Amazon for $180 a month ago, price went up a lil since them

 

[SteveEreef]

48 inch Reefbreeders photon is $699 and would work fine

 

[adittam]

How about a pair of AI Hydra TwentySix HD's?

 

[Spare time]

Reef breeder or a sbreef lights might work. Nicrew Hyperreefs (a couple of the 100w) could work.


Used isn't a bad option.

 

[Spare time]

Reef breeder or a sbreef lights might work. Nicrew Hyperreefs (a couple of the 100w) could work. Reef brites are nice but you would need a hanging kit since your tank isn't rectangular.


Used isn't a bad option.

 

[Uncle99]

Two Visparspectra 165watt $300 (on each end below)
Two Nicrew Hypereef 150watt $325 (in the middle)
Two Aqueon Halos 80watt $350.

 

[adittam]

"since your tank isn't rectangular."

The footprint is 48” x 24”

 

[Spare time]

The footprint is 48” x 24”

I thought it was bowfront? Reef brites are long LED strips that mount on the ends of a tank, so a curved front wouldn't work.

 

[uhgster1]

Look for used AI Hydra HD 26s. You can get a pair for $400 if you look around.

 

[adittam]

I thought it was bowfront? Reef brites are long LED strips that mount on the ends of a tank, so a curved front wouldn't work.

My current tank is bowfront, new build is going to be a 48"x24" lagoon.

 

[ninjamyst]

Used hydra 26 sells for $200 shipped. Or get nicrew from Amazon.

 

[jpark457]

I have been looking at nicrew hyper reefs for a next tank vs as a replacement for random used beams works that came w the tank I have now. The main knock I have heard is that they can be loud but haven’t gotten to see them in person yet to judge. From what I can tell from trying to read up on them they seem to walk a line between random no name and some of the pricier stuff.

 

[adittam]

Any opinions on a couple Noopsyche K7 PRO II's versus a couple Nicrew hyperreef 100's?

 

[Lokipsl]

I will throw another vote in for reefbreeders. Great customer service and it comes with legs to fit on your aquarium.