36x30x18 lighting

[Cayc]

I need help again! I was nearly set on a Orphek Atlantic v4 or a couple hydra 52 HDs for a 30x30x18 tank, but I decided on going bigger, 36lx30wx18h. I now have so many options!!!
Options:
-2x hydra 52 HDs
-1x Orphek Atlantic V4
-2x Orphek Atlantic V4 compacts
-1x 24w 8bulb ati Powermodule hybrid
-1x Giesemann Spectra 1x250 with 4x24w t5
Feel free to add fixtures for me to think about...
...and stress about.
It must not exceed $1850. ($1450 USD)
This is going to be a Sps dominate tank with two rock islands.
I dont want to do a retro job as retro t5s are basically unavailable other than the giesemann, which cost an arm and a leg. Reefbrite strips are too expensive to import.
What would work best in your opinion.

 

[Finhead]

Curious where do you live that retro T5's are not available? IMO you'd be better going with a 36" 8 bulb dimmable ATI for a SPS doninant tank and cover your entire tank.

 

[Cayc]

I live in australia, even to get an ati unit I have to ship from another state. Unfortunately t5 are disappearing from the Australian market.
I already have a dimmable Matrix II on my larger display and want to try something different, hence all the led options.

 

[HolisticBear]

I own GHL Mitras, but I'm a bit of the Radion fan even thou I don't own them because you can generate almost 2x PAR. The new diffusers are also nice.

One appealing thing about AI are the nice mounting options if you aren't much of a DIY. You could use their rail any mount side-to-side rather than mount the the lights on the back. For $1450 USD you can almost get 2 Kessil AP700 with the hanging kits as well.

For a 60" wide tank, I was recently considering 3 Hydras or 2 AP700.

Lots of good choices, have fun.

 

[jda]

36" Cebu Sun - 2x250w and 4x54w. $869. Hamilton ships worldwide.

 

[Cayc]

36" Cebu Sun - 2x250w and 4x54w. $869. Hamilton ships worldwide.

I love the output by these, but I have to be honest, the bulky housing just doesn't appeal to me.

 

[Finhead]

I live in australia, even to get an ati unit I have to ship from another state. Unfortunately t5 are disappearing from the Australian market.
I already have a dimmable Matrix II on my larger display and want to try something different, hence all the led options.

I see well I would go with my vote on your poll then the 8 bulb ATI Hybrid, if your able to ship your bulb in?

 

[Cayc]

I see well I would go with my vote on your poll then the 8 bulb ATI Hybrid, if your able to ship your bulb in?

We still have access to bulbs.
Luckily...
There is only one place that supplies ati units in the whole country, other than that we have giesemann and your looking at nearly $900Aud for the non dim 4x24w.
Do you reckon the 24w ati hybrid could light the 36" length? I dont place my rocks near the glass.

 

[Water Dog]

At @ 36” in length, I’d go with the 36” 8x39 Powermodule hybrid. As far as the 24” unit, i think it’s asking too much for 21.5” bulbs to light 36”

 

[Finhead]

@Water Dog I think the cost will be out of her budget for the 36"

We still have access to bulbs.
Luckily...
There is only one place that supplies ati units in the whole country, other than that we have giesemann and your looking at nearly $900Aud for the non dim 4x24w.
Do you reckon the 24w ati hybrid could light the 36" length? I dont place my rocks near the glass.

I think you would have to place your SPS within the 24" length of the fixture and LPS,softies on the edges. Your only 6" on either side you'll still get light but not for Acros. I run a 36" T5/LED hybrid on a 42" tank and it works perfectly with LPS and montis on the outer edges.

 

[Cayc]

Thought this may help.
The reef scape would look similar to this.

Yes, the 39w hybrid exceeds my budget.

 

[Cayc]

Any other ideas, would the Orphek compacts have better coverage?

 

[Oldreefer44]

The advantage of the v4's is that you can grow whatever you want anywhere in the tank.

 

[Cayc]

Contemplating between the hybrid and the 2 compact V4s. My only fear is the hybrid will not cover the whole tank, would the situation be similar with the spectra?
Also, how well will the two compacts cover the tank?

 

[Finhead]

Contemplating between the hybrid and the 2 compact V4s. My only fear is the hybrid will not cover the whole tank, would the situation be similar with the spectra?
Also, how well will the two compacts cover the tank?

IMO the ATI would cover better than the Compact V4's, with the way your rock islands are spaced it looks like the ATI would cover that perfectly fine.

 

[Cayc]

IMO the ATI would cover better than the Compact V4's, with the way your rock islands are spaced it looks like the ATI would cover that perfectly fine.

Would the spectra have better coverage?
Also do you know of any stores that stock the Wi-Fi version of the hybrid that can also ship world wide? Its probably a waste of money, but I would be kicking myself knowing I could of bought the Wi-Fi one from the US for the same price of the original from an Australia supplier.

 

[Cayc]

Would the spectra have better coverage?
Also do you know of any stores that stock the Wi-Fi version of the hybrid that can also ship world wide? Its probably a waste of money, but I would be kicking myself knowing I could of bought the Wi-Fi one from the US for the same price of the original from an Australia supplier.

Anyone?