Difference between different lights

[TD1260]

Hey guys new to the forums and setting up my first mixed reef tank. Currently have a 40 gallon mantis shrimp tank that I’ve had a lot of fun with but I’m new to the lighting situation when it comes to corals. I’m going to have a 75 gallon rim tank. Right now I’m considering pairs reefled 90 or 160s, but I’ve also looked at the nicrew and smatfarms. I know there are differences and controllability of the settings, but what else are some of the nuance differences that will affect the health of the corals I don’t currently understand. Trying to make it a decision and respond to some offers tonight so any quick advice I can get on the thread will be super helpful!!!

 

[exnisstech]

I have Chinese black boxes, radions, Ai hydra, reefbreeders photons, and noopsyche K7s. They all will grow coral. I've read of people using nicrew and smatfarm as well for coral. Reefi is another one that folks seem to be happy with. Most opinions will be what people have experience with. Out of all that I have I like the photons best. My sps are doing very well under them and I like the panel vs puck style of lighting. The panel seems to have better spread and also much less light bleed which I like since mine are in the dining room and bedroom. The noopsyche do a pretty good job for the price. This mixed reef had k7 III pros over it and everything did so well I moved them over to my new build.

 

[TD1260]

I have Chinese black boxes, radions, Ai hydra, reefbreeders photons, and noopsyche K7s. They all will grow coral. I've read of people using nicrew and smatfarm as well for coral. Reefi is another one that folks seem to be happy with. Most opinions will be what people have experience with. Out of all that I have I like the photons best. My sps are doing very well under them and I like the panel vs puck style of lighting. The panel seems to have better spread and also much less light bleed which I like since mine are in the dining room and bedroom. The noopsyche do a pretty good job for the price. This mixed reef had k7 III pros over it and everything did so well I moved them over to my new build.

Appreciate the thoughts. So many moving parts on getting a reef tank going….