Deciding on lighting

[Ryan03]

Currently I have a 90 gallon 48”x18”x24” tank. I may be upgrading to a bigger 60”x24”x24” soon but I wanted advice for my lighting. Currently on my 90 gallon I’m running 2 popbloom rl60 and only have zoas, and lps (hammer, torch, duncan, acan) they all seem to be doing fine my hammer split a head in about a month and half after I introduced it to the tank and my duncan is growing 2 heads after about 2 months. Later on I am planning to have sps specially acros and would probably keep my rock work at 12” or maybe a bit higher not too high which is why I’m thinking about upgrading my lights. I’m between radion xr15s and hydra 32hds (may or may not get used) however I’m not sure how many would be enough for me both for my current 90 gallon compared to the 5ft tank mentioned earlier (if I upgrade)? I’d appreciate opinions and pictures of your tanks with these lights. I am also open to more budget friendly but similar performance lights if you know of any.

 

[Peace River]

Another consideration is the options from @Reef Breeders. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[slingfox]

There are many options for lighting from
economical to very expensive. All can grow coral. You might not get the best spectrum, the greatest fluorescence, or aesthetics but there is something that will work. Figure out kind of budget you want to work under, whether you want to use your existing lights, and ask for recommendations with those constraints.

If you have no budget limitations then take a look at the Radion XR30 which are proven or ATI Stratons. If you want to save some money then Reefbreeder and ReeFi Unos. Nicrew on Amazon works for many people. The A8Pro line from AliExpress are probably best bang for your buck in high par reef lights. Lots of options.

If you plan to build a 5 ft tank with 12 inch high aquascape, XR15s are not a great choice unless it is mostly softies. SPS will prefer more light. I assume you are considering XR15s on that size of tank is to save money (ie, for an SPS dominant system, a 5 ft tank would need at least three XR30s and some would put 4). If you want to save money, why not get one of the other brands which are better value for dollar?

 

[NanoSteam]

My picks:

Top dollar $$$: Radion XR30
Best shimmer (if that's a priority): Kessil
Budget: Nicrew Hypereef Gen 2

EDIT: Since OP mentioned AI, I ran Hydra 26HD's for years and while the lights were ok the app was insufferable so they are a hard pass in my book.