55g shallow reef lighting suggestion

[TJ Merrells]

I'm in the process of cycling my new tank
It's a 55g shallow reef tank
Dimensions are 36x24x15. Water depth 13.5
Planning on it being a mixed reef.

Lost my job at the end of 2020 due to covid so trying to keep it budget.

Someone offered my 2 Kessil a160we but am concerned they'll be under powered. Would these be adequate?

Also considering noopsyche lights, ai primes etc.

Any suggestions help. Thx

 

[Montiman]

I am a big kessil fan but I think the 160s would only be good for lowlights stuff like softies and LPS. I would probably get them and throw them in an aquaticlife hybrid. That would be a great combo. If you can't afford the t5s now you can always add them later.

 

[TJ Merrells]

I am a big kessil fan but I think the 160s would only be good for lowlights stuff like softies and LPS. I would probably get them and throw them in an aquaticlife hybrid. That would be a great combo. If you can't afford the t5s now you can always add them later.

Ya I considered going hybrid but not sure I want the heat and evap

 

[piranhaman00]

t5 all day, get a fixture on amazon .

 

[PigDaddyF15E]

Personal Opinion Here. I just don't like the bars from most fixtures that stretch across the tank from left to right. I like the idea of the clip onto the back single bar. To me...it's a nice look. I'm also not a fan of wires from the ceiling either although it's preferable to the brackets across the tank.