New Tank Lighting-Help!

[derekjc]

Just ordered a IM INT 100 which should arrive in a few week. I planned on running two Dalua X4’s but have noticed a lot of bad reviews on here about them and saying they are overpriced and not worth it. Tank is 48x24x20. What is the BEST light for this tank, mixed reef with fish. After reading the bad reviews I started looking at Kessil or Orphek but again, some people on here claim these aren’t great either! I am more of a “buy once, cry once” person so price isn’t an issue if it’s for a solid long lasting light! Thanks for any recommendations!

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

Just ordered a IM INT 100 which should arrive in a few week. I planned on running two Dalua X4’s but have noticed a lot of bad reviews on here about them and saying they are overpriced and not worth it. Tank is 48x24x20. What is the BEST light for this tank, mixed reef with fish. After reading the bad reviews I started looking at Kessil or Orphek but again, some people on here claim these aren’t great either! I am more of a “buy once, cry once” person so price isn’t an issue if it’s for a solid long lasting light! Thanks for any recommendations!

I wanna give you the advice to first look up tanks on the internet & watch what kind of spectrum you like. Some people like very blue tanks & others like very clear white tanks.

Every light has its own spectrum so you should decide accordingly :)

 

[Rysam]

There’s no “one best” solution. All lights have pros and cons and everyone has an opinion. I’m old school. I like MH’s, they look and grow good but the tradeoff is a ton of heat.
do like R_A_S up above said, find some tanks you like and form a plan off of those that fit your likes and budget. Don’t get too hung up on making the wrong call, you’ll change it up eventually. We all do….

 

[Reef_at_Sea]

There’s no “one best” solution. All lights have pros and cons and everyone has an opinion. I’m old school. I like MH’s, they look and grow good but the tradeoff is a ton of heat.
do like R_A_S up above said, find some tanks you like and form a plan off of those that fit your likes and budget. Don’t get too hung up on making the wrong call, you’ll change it up eventually. We all do….

I changed lighting 3 times allready lol

 

[minus9]

Check out Quanta Helix bars, they don't have the bells and whistles they others do, but their spectrum is awesome. Reach out to Luca here and he'll help you pick out a spectrum combo.

 

[atoll]

Just ordered a IM INT 100 which should arrive in a few week. I planned on running two Dalua X4’s but have noticed a lot of bad reviews on here about them and saying they are overpriced and not worth it. Tank is 48x24x20. What is the BEST light for this tank, mixed reef with fish. After reading the bad reviews I started looking at Kessil or Orphek but again, some people on here claim these aren’t great either! I am more of a “buy once, cry once” person so price isn’t an issue if it’s for a solid long lasting light! Thanks for any recommendations!

2 Orphek Natura's would be my choice. I have 3 on my 5x2x2 I haven't read anything bad about them and mine are doing great so far.

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

Since the tank is brand new you have time before your purchase, some lights go on sale on Black Friday, but then again time might not be your friend with all the tariff issues.
You could buy used and buy the big name brand models like Eco Tech get a Gen 4 or 5
Happy reefing.