Needing help with finding a good light!

[bradydavis67]

Somewhat new to reef tanks. I’ve had FOWLR tanks before but I’ve never had any coral so with that being said, can I get some help with finding a light? It’s a 75gal tank. Plan on starting with softies and leathers, but later on down the road I would like to keep lps and sps. to be quite honest trying to find the right light is a little overwhelming. I’m on a budget so cheaper is better, but I also want to make sure that I buy a light that will be powerful enough to be able to grow any coral i decide to put in. Suggestions? Bonus point if you attach a link! Thanks!

 

[bradydavis67]

Would prefer to have shimmer and something that will turn on/off gradually for a more natural morning and night cycle

 

[bubbgee]

Shimmer? Definitely kessils. You might need a few if it's a long tank. Then supplement with T5 or Reefbrite strips.

 

[bradydavis67]

Shimmer? Definitely kessils. You might need a few if it's a long tank. Then supplement with T5 or Reefbrite strips.how many would you suggest? It’s 48 long

 

[oreo54]

So 48 x 18 x 20?
Since Kessils broadcast as basically a circle one might look at the narrow- est dimension for determining efficient geometric placement.
I.e 24x24 ect
So you have 18x24 areas when dividing the tank in 2. So begin w 2 and adjust height to basically cover a compromise of say 22".
So some front back spill outside the tank and slightly darkened ends..Ends can be helped by pushing the lights slightly farther apart in the middle than if you just divided the tank in 2. Like instead of 16/16/16 center to edge and center to center 14/20/14..
2 = 180 watts
I'm not going to say it can grow everything, that's for others.
I will add that adding bars will increase the likelihood and is a common addition to Kessils especially considering their tight beams and harsh shadows ( side effects of the intense shimmer :) )

Above applies for any symmetrical puck style lights.

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

These lights rock. they are built exactly like the Radion G5 Pro lights even all the radion lense kits and mounting hardware work with these lights. The app is the only downfall and if you spend a couple of hours figuring it out then you will be good to go. I like them so much I ended up buying 10 of them. 5 for my all sps display and 5 for my farm. Will end up getting more.

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I recommend the max version not the blue version

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

Also sorry I didn't see that you wanted shimmer. that would be more in the line of Kessil, but light coming from a single point which makes the shimmer In my opinion is not the best for corals. I'm a firm believer in trying to make a blanket of light vs single small source. With these A8SE you will be able to grow any corals you want. for your size of tank I would get 2 of them

 

[Hooz]

This might be the perfect application for the new Hydra Edge 44HD. Two of those would do a good job covering the tank, and you get a good balance of even coverage and shimmer.

You could also do it with a pair of Nicrew 150 Gen 2, original Hydras (26HD or 32HD), the Radion knock-off A8, etc, etc, etc. Some will provide more of a blanket of light, others more shimmer. It's a balancing act, really.

Kessil is the king of shimmer, but you sacrifice some other things (coverage/shadowing) if you go that route.

 

[WvAquatics]

3 pack quanta bars

 

[56longroof]

Halides with T5 filler. No LED will get the same shimmer or growth. Just my opinion.