New IM 200EXT build - lighting

[Aquanaut_Explorer]

Im struggling with how to best light my new tank. I've not started the cycle yet as I'm building the reef room behind the tank at the moment.
I want to initially keep fish and LPS. Lights are, arguably, the most costly single element. I want to visually end up with a natural look (maybe slightly more blue to the eyes). I understand light spectrum and PAR. I'm interested in how to achieve the correct balance of white/blue spectrum without inducing algae issues in my DT.

Tank dimensions= 71 long x 30 wide x 21 deep.

I'm fine to step into the end result but don't want to buy and try all sorts of hardware.
Anyone have pics of their rig with hardware specs along with youre desired goal?

 

[smitten with ocean life]

im happy with my kessils but i know @VintageReefer has lights that he really likes

 

[X-37B]

Im struggling with how to best light my new tank. I've not started the cycle yet as I'm building the reef room behind the tank at the moment.
I want to initially keep fish and LPS. Lights are, arguably, the most costly single element. I want to visually end up with a natural look (maybe slightly more blue to the eyes). I understand light spectrum and PAR. I'm interested in how to achieve the correct balance of white/blue spectrum without inducing algae issues in my DT.

Tank dimensions= 71 long x 30 wide x 21 deep.

I'm fine to step into the end result but don't want to buy and try all sorts of hardware.
Anyone have pics of their rig with hardware specs along with youre desired goal?

My system is 60×30×21.
I run 2 reef breeder 50's and 3 Orphek uv/v bars.
A good option would be the new Meridians.

 

[Aquanaut_Explorer]

Im struggling with how to best light my new tank. I've not started the cycle yet as I'm building the reef room behind the tank at the moment.
I want to initially keep fish and LPS. Lights are, arguably, the most costly single element. I want to visually end up with a natural look (maybe slightly more blue to the eyes). I understand light spectrum and PAR. I'm interested in how to achieve the correct balance of white/blue spectrum without inducing algae issues in my DT.

Tank dimensions= 71 long x 30 wide x 21 deep.

I'm fine to step into the end result but don't want to buy and try all sorts of hardware.
Anyone have pics of their rig with hardware specs along with youre desired goal?

My system is 60×30×21.
I run 2 reef breeder 50's and 3 Orphek uv/v bars.
A good option would be the new Meridians.

Thanks for the info. Those meridians are, dare I say, salty. Good looking gear but.. 2k per is like a sharp stick right in the chocolate starfish!!!

 

[X-37B]

Thanks for the info. Those meridians are, dare I say, salty. Good looking gear but.. 2k per is like a sharp stick right in the chocolate starfish!!!

One and done and you can spare the starfish, lol.
You only need 1 63" which is actually not that much considering you would need say 4+ xr 30's.
Also you would never need to upgrade and the 63 will grow anything.

 

[Aquanaut_Explorer]

Thanks for the info. Those meridians are, dare I say, salty. Good looking gear but.. 2k per is like a sharp stick right in the chocolate starfish!!!

One and done and you can spare the starfish, lol.
You only need 1 63" which is actually not that much considering you would need say 4+ xr 30's.
Also you would never need to upgrade and the 63 will grow anything.

Good points

 

[minus9]

3 or 4 bar combo of Quanta Helix may work. Simple dimming control and excellent spectrum(s) to choose from.

 

[carpetride]

Maybe I missed it but what did you ultimately go with for lighting? I have this same tank inbound. Planning a mixed reef but always enjoyed sps.

The Meridian with edge bar looks like the ticket.

 

[Aquanaut_Explorer]

I ended up buying the newest GHL Mitras LX8 8206. https://www.aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/mitras-lx8x06/
Ive been researching GHL for some time and their hardware seems solid so Im going all in with GHL products.
I know the software is not the most user friendly but thats not a problem for me. My main focus is quality, reliability and performance.
More to come but these lights wont even start shipping till Oct 2026. that gives me time to complete the build of the room behind my tank (the wet room) , tank setup and cycling.