Lighting over mixed reef

[TJ Merrells]

Setting up a mixed reef tank.
Will be mostly softies and LPS with a light amount of Sps higher up.

Tank dimensions are 36x24x15 rimless.
Water depth is 13.5 inches.

My budget on lights is about 500$ and only looking to do LED.
No Kessils as I don't want the extra expense of the controller

Options are as follows:

2 ai prime hd

1 xr15 (add a 2nd later on)

1 gen3 xr30 pro (used)

Hydra 32hd (add a 2nd later on)


What would you do??
Any advice is appreciated. Thx

 

[nereefpat]

Perhaps you already know...you only need an extra controller for Kessils if you want them to ramp up and down throughout the day.

The two Primes would be, imo, the best choice out of your list, since you could spread them a foot apart and get good coverage.

A single xr15 will not light a 3 foot tank.

The two Hydra option would be great. A single Hydra won't cover quite as well as two Primes. Two Noopsyche K7s would be similar to two Hydras and be under budget.

Another option to look into would be a Reefbreeders V2, either the 24 or 32".

 

[TJ Merrells]

Yes I know the Kessils operate without a controller. But ai's for example having the controllable capability built into them already as compared to paying extra for it with kessil makes the decision easier.

As I also mentioned seeing my budget is about 500 if I went with a single hydra or radion it would just be temporary and I would add a 2nd later on.

I've heard alot about reefbreeders but unfortunately where I'm located I don't know of any lfs that carry them

Noops were actually my first choice but seeing I'm in Canada I've been having a very difficult time acquiring them.

 

[nereefpat]

I've heard alot about reefbreeders but unfortunately where I'm located I don't know of any lfs that carry them

According to their website, they ship anywhere in the world for a flat 50$ fee. You might check with them directly.

 

[Spare time]

The primes will give the best spread. Have them spaced slighty closerr to theeir respective sides of the tank rather than evenly spaced in the middle. Check out the brs video on them