Help me choose? $600 to Light a 75 Gallon Tank

[Wonderful_Mystery]

I have decided I want to branch out to try some SPS corals, but I think my lights are holding me back based upon my water parameter testing (though I don't have a par meter). I have a set of Current USA Orbit Pro's (bought used) and an old 50/50 blue/white bar (also bought used). These got my feet wet for cheap, but now I want to do better.

Budget is $600 to light a 48" tank. I have considered the following options:
- 3 x Noopsyche K7 pro 2 (~$540)
- SB Reef 45 Ultra (currently on sale for $560)
- going for higher quality used (Hydra 26's, Kessil 360's, gen 3 radions)

I would like to keep the programming (mainly automated ramping & moonlight) that I have with the orbits, so more than just black boxes.
Let me know your thoughts/opinions.

 

[Biglew11]

I picked new lighting knowing that i was going to upgrade to leds, i went with the aquatic life 48" t5 hybrid fixture so i could add kessils a little while later.

i'm currently running the 4 t5 2 ati blue plus 1 aqua blue special and 1 actinic, for led i'm running 2 kessil a360x

 

[brett_schn]

I agree go with t5s. Or you could go to t5 hybrid and then add leds later. Or if u want just leds I recommend reefbreeders photon v2+

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

I had considered a hybrid route, but both of my Orbit IC Pro Bars would not fit between the aquatic life hybrid fixture's "led space"

 

[vetteguy53081]

3-4 Orpheus OR3 super blue strips

 

[brett_schn]

I had considered a hybrid route, but both of my Orbit IC Pro Bars would not fit between the aquatic life hybrid fixture's "led space"

I would sell the bars and do t5 hybrid with something like ReefBreeders or Black box lets

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

3-4 Orpheus OR3 super blue strips

Would you add those to my current setup, or just run them by themselves?

2 x Orphek OR3 Blue Blue Plus @ $190 Each is cheaper than the Aquatic Life + bulbs ($430 @ BRS), so adding those to supplement something else might be an interesting choice

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

I would sell the bars and do t5 hybrid with something like ReefBreeders or Black box lets

It would have to be black boxes, as the 48" ReefBreeder is $700 by itself (though I have seen them go used for around ($500)

 

[brett_schn]

It would have to be black boxes, as the 48" ReefBreeder is $700 by itself (though I have seen them go used for around ($500)

start with 1 16" ReefBreeders and then add another one that's what I would do. the 48" won't fit into a 48" hybrid and 2 16 will give you more then enough coverage for a 4ft tank especially with 4 t5 bulbs

 

[Gernader]

I would do black boxes such as Viparspectra or a T5 Hybrid. I’m currently using black boxes for a 75g (just like your tank) and I’m growing SPS like crazy!

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

I would do black boxes such as Viparspectra or a T5 Hybrid. I’m currently using black boxes for a 75g (just like your tank) and I’m growing SPS like crazy!

I will consider this. I know the corals don't "need" the ramping and moonlight, but I have grown to like it.

 

[Dbichler]

If you like the ramping go with 2 noopsyche and 1 Orphek light bar

 

[Kodski]

As Vetteguy mentioned, OR3 Strips would actually be great for you. I am looking into going this route with my new build and the orphek rep told me to try two blue strips and one daylight strip to get a better spectrum. You could easily start with three of them and add more if you find that you want to get more par. For what you're looking for though, three will be enough for some sps. The only issue right now, is controllability on the bars. The rep told me they should be releasing an app/controller for all the bars by the end of 2020, but for now you'll have to use a timer.

The single light that checks off all the boxes for what you're looking for is the Kessil A360x. I have one over my tank currently and I absolutely love it. I know two plus a controller will be more than your budget, but I promise you, its well worth the extra cost. If you can find a used pair, you may even be able to stick to your budget.

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

As Vetteguy mentioned, OR3 Strips would actually be great for you. I am looking into going this route with my new build and the orphek rep told me to try two blue strips and one daylight strip to get a better spectrum. You could easily start with three of them and add more if you find that you want to get more par. For what you're looking for though, three will be enough for some sps. The only issue right now, is controllability on the bars. The rep told me they should be releasing an app/controller for all the bars by the end of 2020, but for now you'll have to use a timer.

The single light that checks off all the boxes for what you're looking for is the Kessil A360x. I have one over my tank currently and I absolutely love it. I know two plus a controller will be more than your budget, but I promise you, its well worth the extra cost. If you can find a used pair, you may even be able to stick to your budget.

I agree on all fronts there. I think the dream would probably be Aquatic Life (or Orphek Bars) / Kessil 360 hybrid. Totally blows the budget though, even if I could find it all used.

 

[SifuMemphis]

Kessil + Aquatic Life if it's within your budget

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

Kessil + Aquatic Life if it's within your budget

I wish that was in the budget, but I haven't seen a setup like that for this price point.

 

[acropora4u]

what about something like this:

 

[Wonderful_Mystery]

what about something like this:

Is 4 x T5 Bulbs enough? if so I am thinking I might as well get the aquatic life which is cheaper and has space to add LED's down the line.

 

[oreo54]

48" G2 T5HO Hybrid LED T5 Mounting System WHITE w/End Caps - Aquatic Life

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

You have a 7" gap between the t5's and $300's.

Sadly the orbits 7.5" but w soo much dead space it's still possible to make it work.

"Might" actually be an advantage.

 

[creativeballance]

Get a couple CBBs and spend your other $400 on something else you need.