Best lights for 50 gal IM

[Tinklez]

Hey everyone, I’m a bit overwhelmed at how many types of lights people recommend. I’m looking to make my first reef tank. I’d rather get the best now and not worry so much about upgrading. I’ll do a mixed reef with some SPS eventually.

What do y’all recommend for the a 30x24x16 tank?

2 AI Prime 16? Kessil? Anything else?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would do something like 150-200 watts nicrew if you want sps down the road

 

[Josh Will]

Consider 2pcs Popbloom RL90 or RL115.
2pcs Popbloom RL90 are growing corals like crazy on my mixed reef tank, impressed with the shimmer, PAR..

 

[slingfox]

By “absolute best” you also mean you have no budget limitations? If so then the ATI Straton X which should come out sometime in 2026 looks like the best lights on the horizon.

If you want lights now then look into the ATI Straton Pro 2.

 

[Segalplayer]

Sorry edited this one bcs it posted twice oops

 

[Segalplayer]

I love my Radions, been using them since 2017 and have never had any complaints at all. Now they have the free mobius app too so you don’t need a reeflink . Super easy to use app, sleek, color is amazing, and can grow anything! I use a diffuser on mine @25% on its way to 40%

Would defs go XR-15’s so you can space them out on the rails how you want

 

[eg8r210]

I will be getting the Straton X as soon as it is available here in the US.

 

[X-37B]

I love my Radions, been using them since 2017 and have never had any complaints at all. Now they have the free mobius app too so you don’t need a reeflink . Super easy to use app, sleek, color is amazing, and can grow anything! I use a diffuser on mine @25% on its way to 40%

Would defs go XR-15’s so you can space them out on the rails how you want

Nice!
My ext 50 runs 3 xr15 gen 5 blues.

 

[slingfox]

double post

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey everyone, I’m a bit overwhelmed at how many types of lights people recommend. I’m looking to make my first reef tank. I’d rather get the best now and not worry so much about upgrading. I’ll do a mixed reef with some SPS eventually.

What do y’all recommend for the a 30x24x16 tank?

2 AI Prime 16? Kessil? Anything else?

Prime 16 or 32hd

2 Orphek OR3 light bars (sky blue and Blue plus)

two noopsyche K7 Pro