Lighting for 55g Mixed Reef

[cre1024]

Hey everyone! I'm about 4 months into my classroom reef tank that I created for my environmental science and chemistry classes. The tank is a 55g and 48" long. I'm still on a very tight budget (no money from school AND we have a newborn on the way soon). I had transitioned from a freshwater into full marine, so I started with basic freshwater LEDs. I added a single t5 coral grow fixture that has kept the softies I have so far happy, but I'm in need of an upgrade. I had some people say they would donate a fixture to me, but those have fallen through.

So now that I'm looking into purchasing, I'm looking for something suitable for the tank and my corals (anthelia, xenia, GSP, some zoas). When the tank matures some more, I'd love to try out some hard corals too. BRS is running a deal on the Aquamaxx Prism CC II. Anybody have experience with these? Looks like 3 would be best for this size tank, but I might start with 2 for budget reasons.

Any opinions, suggestions, or help is appreciated!

Thank you all!

 

[Spare time]

I would take a look at noopsyche lights. They are by far one of the best budget options available.

 

[cre1024]

I would take a look at noopsyche lights. They are by far one of the best budget options available.

I've seen these around and was looking at them also. The Prisms are only $60 each right now, which is why I was strongly considering those.

 

[Spare time]

I've seen these around and was looking at them also. The Prisms are only $60 each right now, which is why I was strongly considering those.

The prisms are very weak.

 

[cre1024]

The prisms are very weak.

That's good to know, thank you!

 

[Spare time]

That's good to know, thank you!

They are 24w and the noopsyche minis are nearly triple the power.

 

[cre1024]

They are 24w and the noopsyche minis are nearly triple the power.

How many of the minis for a 48"?

 

[Spare time]

How many of the minis for a 48"?

2-4, depending on what you want to keep. If it was an SPS tank, I'd say 4. LPS and softies are probably fine with 2-3. The only thing is that if you prefer a more daylight look, the noopsyche minis are very blue.