Lighting Options for 48" x 30" Peninsula Lagoon

tyler502 · 2026-09-24T13:46:44-0400

I'm currently putting together a build for a new IM 100 gallon Lagoon Peninsula EXT, and I'm having issues picking lights. I currently run a single Kessil AP9X on my 80 gallon 48" x 24" lagoon, but I know that likely won't cut it on a 30" wide tank. I currently run softies almost exclusively, but would like to hear options that support LPS as well. I don't have any interest in SPS at all.

What are some good options that will have an appropriate spread and par for a 48" x 30" peninsula mixed reef? Bonus points if they're affordable or often available secondhand!

Thanks!

gcarroll · 2026-09-24T13:52:32-0400

https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/m...XsXvTT69znbA6offoMH6ej-xxsOTwRAGH7EATNcAS4Oji would be my choice. Two of these will have more than sufficient light output for your needs. Right now it’s one of my favorite lights on the market today and at $550, it’s a good deal for 150w. I have recommended these several people and they have all been happy.

tyler502 · 2026-09-24T13:58:12-0400

gcarroll said:
https://www.aquariumspecialty.com/m...XsXvTT69znbA6offoMH6ej-xxsOTwRAGH7EATNcAS4Oji would be my choice. Two of these will have more than sufficient light output for your needs. Right now it’s one of my favorite lights on the market today and at $550, it’s a good deal for 150w. I have recommended these several people and they have all been happy.

I'll check them out, thanks!

VintageReefer · 2026-09-24T14:05:53-0400

Reefbreeders Meridian 32 with the encompass optics is rated for 48x30 and would do great

tyler502 · 2026-09-24T14:12:20-0400

VintageReefer said:
Reefbreeders Meridian 32 with the encompass optics is rated for 48x30 and would do great

Looks awesome and fits the needed specs perfectly. Now if I can just find one used and affordable lol!

exnisstech · 2026-09-24T14:18:28-0400

tyler502 said:
Looks awesome and fits the needed specs perfectly. Now if I can just find one used and affordable lol!

If not the previous reef breeder photon v2 pro is a very capable light and may be easier to find used since the meridian is fairly new. I have both and have no complaints.

MushroomMan101 · 2026-09-24T14:19:28-0400

From your post I am making the assumption you are upgrading your tank and not running two tanks. If you are happy with the AP9X why not keep it and add two bar light. It would save you money and probably give you better coverage than most single fixture lighting solutions. For bars you can look at AI blades, Quata Helix,…etc (I only have personal experience with AI blades and am happy with them).

VintageReefer · 2026-09-24T14:19:44-0400

exnisstech said:
If not the previous reef breeder photon v2 pro is a very capable light and may be easier to find used since the meridian is fairly new. I have both and have no complaints.

I’ve used both and they are both excellent lights. If finding a photon v2 you’d need the 48

tyler502 · 2026-09-24T14:23:54-0400

MushroomMan101 said:
From your post I am making the assumption you are upgrading your tank and not running two tanks. If you are happy with the AP9X why not keep it and add two bar light. It would save you money and probably give you better coverage than most single fixture lighting solutions. For bars you can look at AI blades, Quata Helix,…etc (I only have personal experience with AI blades and am happy with them).

I'm definitely not opposed, especially if it can save me money. I've just had a hard time finding hybrid fixtures for sale that are both compatible the AP9X and cover that 30" spread. I think the only option I found was the ReefBrite Quad Hybrid 48" and I haven't seen any for sale. I'm thinking the alternative is hanging/mounting them separately and I'm just not a fan of that idea. I'll still be looking for that 48" quad hybrid though.