Light Selection for specific footprint

[Maho.B]

Hello. I'm am waiting for my new tank to arrive and I'm trying to figure out the lighting. Here are the dimensions: 47.3” x 35.4” x 19.7”

This will be a mixed reef but SPS dominant. I'm leaning towards Reef Breeder Meridian (open to others too) based on the good things said about them on this site, but unsure of the size needed, especially because it's 36 inches front to back.

Is there a link or "calculator" that shows lighting sizes for specific tank dimensions? Thanks.

 

[rtparty]

You’ll need to add the edge bars or whatever so you get the width

 

[Ef4life]

And orphek atlantik works extremely well over a 36” long tank imo. 3 would be an ideal panel of light, but a hearty investment. 2 spaced out with a few of the orphek bars would reduce the cost somewhat. Or even just use the orphek light bars, get like 6 and space them out a bit for good coverage.

The reef breeders meridians would do well too imo, no actual experience, but again 2-3 of them would probably be ideal depending on size . Bonus is the meridian can daisy chain the lights to reduce the amount of cords your plugging in to the wall.

 

[Maho.B]

I do like that Meridians can daisy chain and add the edge bars later as things grow out. I'm just not sure if the spread of light front to back would be enough? It's 48" long and 36" front to back and 20" deep. Would Meridians be okay with the s
36" front to back dimension?

 

[Ef4life]

I do like that Meridians can daisy chain and add the edge bars later as things grow out. I'm just not sure if the spread of light front to back would be enough? It's 48" long and 36" front to back and 20" deep. Would Meridians be okay with the s
36" front to back dimension?

I would personally do 3 24” meridians (or orpheks) spaced evenly. The 24” length would be over the 35” front to back. $2400 and imo it should have excellent spread and intensity. You could opt for the larger 3ft version too

2 48” would work too with the conventional installation, you would certainly have more led power but it’s more concentrated, less spread without adding in a light bar imo. $3k + light bars if needed. Raising the lights higher will help with spread and color mixing.

I have an orphek over my 40b, it’s probably the most ideal light available imo for a 36” tank. Your dimensions are roughly 3 40b sitting next to each other

 

[Maho.B]

This is very helpful, thank you!

 

[Science/G]

3 of the Meridian 24s and you would be rocking!

 

[Maho.B]

Appreciate the input, Meridians sound like the way to go on this setup!