Lighting decision

[turbo2oh]

I’m at the point where I need to make a call on lighting and could use some input.

Tank is an IM Nuvo EXT 100 (4 ft) mixed reef. Right now it’s mostly LPS, but I’d like to keep the door open for SPS down the road.

Currently running a Kessil A360WE with a 24” T5 hybrid (ATI Blue Plus).

What I care about:

- I really like Kessil shimmer
- I do not like the disco ball effect you get from some LEDs
- I want better coverage than what I have now, less shadowing over time

What I’m stuck between:

AP9X
Seems like the cleanest possible setup. One fixture.

My hesitation is whether I’ll miss the “T5 blanket” look and if shadowing becomes an issue over time, especially if I start adding more structure or SPS.

Hybrid upgrade
Thinking 36” 4-bulb T5 and either keep my A360WE and add another Kessil, or just move to two A360X.
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Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

Check out the Nicrew Hyperreef Gen 2’s.

 

[turbo2oh]

Check out the Nicrew Hyperreef Gen 2’s.

I’m going to do a little research.

 

[turbo2oh]

I did some more research and I feel like I'm back at square one.

The bottom line is I have a Kessil a360we I can re-use if I have a hybrid fixture, but if not I can use it as a fuge light. I'm really not finding a ton of hybrid options primarily the Giesemann Stellar marin.

My budget is ~1k.

I'm now considering at the AI Hydra edges as well, but really concerned about the disco ball look.

Soo,

Option 1 - Geismemann Stellar marin + new Kessil ap360xe + my existing ap360we

Option 2 - AI Hydra edge 44 or 68 X 2 (the 68s would break the budget, but considering)

Option 3 - basically budget option of Option 2 with the Nicrew Hyperreef Gen2s (concerned about light separation)

Option 4 - AP90x

 

[turbo2oh]

Newest and most promising contender has entered the ring. The Reefbreeder meridian 35 seems like a good option. I would have to hold off on the additional bars but the core unit should give enough coverage and PAR.

 

[turbo2oh]

About to pull the trigger on the ReefBreeder Meridian 35. I’ve always been a fan of Kessils because I don’t like the disco ball effect from some LEDs. Is that still an issue with most LEDs? It’s hard to tell from pics/videos.