lights for new 90g tank

scabbedwings616 · Aug 28, 2016

I want to spend under $750 for lights. I have had all different kind of lights on smaller tanks from led(current marine orbit pro and fluval) t-5 aquatic life with ati bulbs(loved it) and currently I have a mh combo t-5 36 inch on my 90 gallon tank(yes i know its smaller than what is needed but i was going to do a 65g tank and i was in the process of upgrading and a deal came along for the 90g). I havent had enough experience on the metal halide yet as the tank is still partially cycling. I am wondering what lights are good as I will have seahorses, zoa, some sps corals(i have done it already with seahorses and they liked it), and some other corals as needed that are ok with seahorses(leathers). any help with this would be great.

Anthony Wood · Aug 28, 2016

If you like T5's go with a ATI or geissmann T5HO fixture. I can't remember the prices off the top of my head but you may be able to get the t5/led combo fixture. The biggest difference between these and your aquatic life is the reflectors (ballasts are much better also). I can't remember the exact percent but I know with the reflectors you get well over 50% more light being directed into the tank and not back into the bulb. You'll get more life out of the bulbs and a way closer spectrum to what the manufacturer advertises because of the ballasts being better along with the fixtures cooling. I have an ATI Sunpower with all ATI bulbs and swear by it. I mean my Odyssea fixture is good for over my 40g nem tank but it's not even in the same ballpark as my ATI Sunpower.

If you want LED your going to be hard pressed having a $750 budget. You have to go high end on the LED's because of the height of your tank and wanting to do SPS. Pick whichever top manufacturer you think will do the best. With LED's your going to get 100 different opinions. Do some research on them, and pick. They all have pro's and con's. Don't let anybody persuade you towards a specific fixture for that reason. Personally I'm a kessil fan, having had them in the past. So if it were me I would find a kessil ap700 on the forums for cheaper then retail and use that on the tank but that's me. Someone will come on here and tell you they suck and blah blah blah. The reason I tell you to do your own research if you decide to go LED. The biggest issue all LED fixtures out there have, is shading on SPS when the coral gets big enough.

Personally I'll never get a MH fixture. Too much heat, too much electric and its old (although proven) technology. BRS just did a super long video on every type of light out there and concluded that T5HO's are the new top dog of lighting. Thought I would throw it out there lol

Hope this helps in your decision. Tried not to throw any opinions in there and just state facts, but I maybe have 2 or 3 opinions that I make clear they are opinions.

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 28, 2016

you could do a row of sbreeflight 16" wifi and melt the top of the tank with the power of the light, ( 1000 par + at 12 in:eek:, gotta be) The Photon v2 would rock it on that tank too 2 kessesls and 2 150w mh pendants .
2 AI and 2 t5,
Your prob only looking at giving the top of that tank about 7oo par at the top, Id start at 400 par and ramp, prob end up in the 40,000 to 60,0000 lux (400 to 700 par) range at the waters surface. Id bet 40.
You also need to consider rockwork. You dont need 800 par on a tall rock IMO IME
Mainly think about the cost benefit of each system tube heat power and PIA factor;), and me LIke it ti look clean, good furniture factor Like my Bryopis.
theres a LOT you can do to get the power you need now cheap. Always look on the USED market, The New radions just came out, jus sayin used radion for sale........:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Once you decide that mainly, Im sure its easy for Us here to help to let you know what you like will work for you.

Get what you want its your tank. Ya got $$$ 750 to blow on the hobby, go for it. if ya feel better at 6 let us know too.

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 28, 2016

fwiw 2 radions mounted low w wide lenses would prob do ya.

scabbedwings616 · Aug 28, 2016

Anthony Wood said:
If you like T5's go with a ATI or geissmann T5HO fixture. I can't remember the prices off the top of my head but you may be able to get the t5/led combo fixture. The biggest difference between these and your aquatic life is the reflectors (ballasts are much better also). I can't remember the exact percent but I know with the reflectors you get well over 50% more light being directed into the tank and not back into the bulb. You'll get more life out of the bulbs and a way closer spectrum to what the manufacturer advertises because of the ballasts being better along with the fixtures cooling. I have an ATI Sunpower with all ATI bulbs and swear by it. I mean my Odyssea fixture is good for over my 40g nem tank but it's not even in the same ballpark as my ATI Sunpower.

If you want LED your going to be hard pressed having a $750 budget. You have to go high end on the LED's because of the height of your tank and wanting to do SPS. Pick whichever top manufacturer you think will do the best. With LED's your going to get 100 different opinions. Do some research on them, and pick. They all have pro's and con's. Don't let anybody persuade you towards a specific fixture for that reason. Personally I'm a kessil fan, having had them in the past. So if it were me I would find a kessil ap700 on the forums for cheaper then retail and use that on the tank but that's me. Someone will come on here and tell you they suck and blah blah blah. The reason I tell you to do your own research if you decide to go LED. The biggest issue all LED fixtures out there have, is shading on SPS when the coral gets big enough.

Personally I'll never get a MH fixture. Too much heat, too much electric and its old (although proven) technology. BRS just did a super long video on every type of light out there and concluded that T5HO's are the new top dog of lighting. Thought I would throw it out there lol

Hope this helps in your decision. Tried not to throw any opinions in there and just state facts, but I maybe have 2 or 3 opinions that I make clear they are opinions.

I have been doing research and think that t5 is proven just like my. The oddest a I changed out the Ballesteros and it runs on the lowest setting right now and I'll use that when putting in newer corals. Eventually I'll get the sun power and only 6. If I need more I think the reef brines will be added to it and that will be a separate discussion