75g Mixed Reef Lighting Recommendation

mrmoray · Feb 6, 2021

Hi all,
I want to upgrade my lighting and I’m feeling overwhelmed with reviews and videos and choices. I like the Radion XR15, figuring I’d need 2 of them. But I really don’t want to spend $1,000. Looking for recommendations for something solid, effective and not so pricey.

appreciate your thoughts,
mike

Spare time · Feb 6, 2021

How do you prefer to mount the light?

mrmoray · Feb 6, 2021

Hey there.... I’m open the mounting options. Maybe prefer tank mounts, but definitely open to other options.
thanks

01xp · Feb 6, 2021

Reefbreeder photon v2
That's what I use. Can grow ANYTHING and comes with a tank mount and hanging kit

Spare time · Feb 6, 2021

You could do reefbrites, 4 primes or two hydras, two xr15, two kessil a360x, and so on

If you wanbt to save money, you can do sb reef light, reefbreeders, etc.

uhgster1 · Feb 6, 2021

To be honest, if you have the means you should get the two Radions. If it’s a bang for your buck, a 48 inch ATI hybrid fixture and two AI Primes should do the trick. I’ve had a few reefs already and in my opinion any adjustable led available nowadays will work. Just remember you get what you paid for.

ReeferJay86 · Feb 6, 2021

uhgster1 said:
To be honest, if you have the means you should get the two Radions. If it’s a bang for your buck, a 48 inch ATI hybrid fixture and two AI Primes should do the trick. I’ve had a few reefs already and in my opinion any adjustable led available nowadays will work. Just remember you get what you paid for.

I agree with the ATI hybrid and 2 primes. Unless you just want to stick with LEDs you can’t go wrong with 4 primes. Here you go, @Bulk Reef Supply did a good video on the primes. This is why I chose it to be my go to. Not only for the price but when it’s time to upgrade to a bigger tank. Just add 2 more and have all the coverage needed for what you’re wanting.

mrmoray · Feb 7, 2021

Thanks everyone. Interesting options. I like the ATI Hybrid + 2 primes. Looks like that would be about $800 by the time i buy bulbs, hanging kit, etc. A little cheaper than the Radions with their mounting arms, but not a ton cheaper.
thanks again!

mrmoray · Feb 7, 2021

The Reefbreeder is an interesting option as well, about $100 less than the ATI Hybrid +primes

S.Pepper · Feb 7, 2021

In a 75g mixed reef, I would think 2 AI HD Primes would be more than sufficient coverage. It is for my 75G. I don't think there is another light out there with a better bang for the buck.

mrmoray · Feb 7, 2021

Thanks S.Pepper .... I need to watch the BRS video on that light. Sounds like you have the same tank? What are you growing with 2 of these lights?

S.Pepper · Feb 7, 2021

mrmoray said:
Thanks S.Pepper .... I need to watch the BRS video on that light. Sounds like you have the same tank? What are you growing with 2 of these lights?

zoas, palys, hammers, torches, florida ricordea, cyphastrea, rainbow stylo. These lights have more than enough power to handle SPS corals. Even if u thought 2 wouldn't give you the coverage u needed for SPS, adding a third one keeps you around $600. GL

Gernader · Feb 7, 2021

Check out Viparspectras 165W if you are on a budget. You will be fine with 2 of them for only $280. They can grow any corals, including SPS.

mrmoray · Feb 7, 2021

Thanks Gernader, I’ll take a look!

RedReefer · Feb 7, 2021

I would do a ATI t5 fixture with reef brites for moon lights. Look on the market place for a used ATI fixture.

Hasted · Feb 7, 2021

4' tank with JUST two (or three) primes may not get you the mixed reef lighting you're looking for.

I have a 65g 3' tank. I started to with two primes. Upgraded to a 3rd. Ran the BRS recommended settings at recommended height.

After my par readings with the 3 lights, I was a bit unsatisfied. GREAT levels for softies and LPS. Since you (and and I) want a mixed reef, that means SPS sprinkled in. With 3 lights, I barely had a few spots of 250 par. Here are some numbers I have written down from that time to show you some numbers:

(Numbers in (#) are my levels with 2 Primes)

Neon Spongodes Montipora -250 (205)
Spongodes Montipora - 220
ORA Birdnest - 250 (150)
Green Birdnest - 200 (110)
Rainbow Monti - 210 (150)
WWC Kryptonite Candy Cane (moved down) - 200 (110)
Red Monti Cap - 210 (180)

So, at $660 plus $78 for mounts, I was still unsatisfied. Took off lights. Put one on Nano and then gave the other two to my two buddies for their new nanos. AMAZING lights, just not for MY 3' tank.

Caveat, my rockscape only goes about 65% of the way up my tank. If yours is closer to water line, maybe?

01xp · Feb 7, 2021

Brs did a vid of the reefbreeder watch that imo best bang for your buck

Mywifeisgunnakillme · Feb 7, 2021

Get some T5's, better health, coverage, spectrum, and growth than LEDS for much less cost. Bulbs can be changed every two years.

Add a LED later for shimmer.

uhgster1 · Feb 7, 2021

Hasted said:
4' tank with JUST two (or three) primes may not get you the mixed reef lighting you're looking for.

I have a 65g 3' tank. I started to with two primes. Upgraded to a 3rd. Ran the BRS recommended settings at recommended height.

After my par readings with the 3 lights, I was a bit unsatisfied. GREAT levels for softies and LPS. Since you (and and I) want a mixed reef, that means SPS sprinkled in. With 3 lights, I barely had a few spots of 250 par. Here are some numbers I have written down from that time to show you some numbers:

(Numbers in (#) are my levels with 2 Primes)

Neon Spongodes Montipora -250 (205)
Spongodes Montipora - 220
ORA Birdnest - 250 (150)
Green Birdnest - 200 (110)
Rainbow Monti - 210 (150)
WWC Kryptonite Candy Cane (moved down) - 200 (110)
Red Monti Cap - 210 (180)

So, at $660 plus $78 for mounts, I was still unsatisfied. Took off lights. Put one on Nano and then gave the other two to my two buddies for their new nanos. AMAZING lights, just not for MY 3' tank.

Caveat, my rockscape only goes about 65% of the way up my tank. If yours is closer to water line, maybe?

Which lights are you using? The old AIs, the HDs, or the new 16s? I have 3 AI Primes and two coralife t5 fixtures using ATI blue+ and actinics over a 65 gallon. You can DEFINITELY get a mixed tank with those lights.

ReefStable · Feb 7, 2021

Personally, I would say XR15 or Orphek Atlantik Compact are both good options, but they will both be right around $1000. There are some other options though if you're not looking to grow SPS.

Here is a lighting guide to help you compare some options.