Another lighting suggestions thread

[AnomMatty]

I'm in the planning/gathering stage of my first reef tank. The only major hurdle I've encountered in this stage is lighting, so here goes.

Tank: Aqueon 40gal Breeder
Concern: Inability to place lights more than 6-8" (to top of fixture) above the tank.
What I've been considering:
Reefbreeders Photon 24 (possibly 32)
VS
AI Prime 16s (2-3)

Due to space and other concerns this is where the tank is going. Open to any/all suggestions and ideas (and hopefully reasoning). Mostly hoping to gain insight that helps me make a choice I won't hugely regret.

Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: Will run FOWLR initially, moving into Softies and LPS. I'd love to get into SPS at some point but not sold on doing it in my setup yet. Confidence and experience is likely to change that

 

[TX_REEF]

congrats on the new system!

of those 2 options I'd go with the photon, you get everything you need in one package and can certainly grow whatever you want down the line.

Kessil AP9x is also an option (though slightly more expensive): https://amzn.to/3Tz604W

Reefi fixtures are also phenomenal from what I've read: https://www.reefi-lab.com/product-category/lighting/

Also if you want to save a few bucks, don't overlook the NooPsyche K7: https://noopsychereeflight.com/products/k7-pro-iii-full-set-aquarium-led-coral-light

 

[AnomMatty]

congrats on the new system!

of those 2 options I'd go with the photon, you get everything you need in one package and can certainly grow whatever you want down the line.

Kessil AP9x is also an option (though slightly more expensive): https://amzn.to/3Tz604W

Reefi fixtures are also phenomenal from what I've read: https://www.reefi-lab.com/product-category/lighting/

Also if you want to save a few bucks, don't overlook the NooPsyche K7: https://noopsychereeflight.com/products/k7-pro-iii-full-set-aquarium-led-coral-light

Do you think I'd run into coverage issues running the 24" photon? That's probably my primary concern as it will likely be mounted on the lower end of its range.

 

[piranhaman00]

With height constraints and being a new reefer, 36” sunpower is the right choice 6 bulb

 

[TX_REEF]

if you're doing wall-to-wall SPS in the future, I'd go with the 32, but if you're gonna have more of a mixed reef, I'd think the 24 should be fine.

 

[AnomMatty]

With height constraints and being a new reefer, 36” sunpower is the right choice 6 bulb

I'm rather adverse to going T5. Probably a sheer preference thing, but having kiddos and animals makes LEDs way more appealing from an ease of mind perspective.

 

[Jekyl]

I'm rather adverse to going T5. Probably a sheer preference thing, but having kiddos and animals makes LEDs way more appealing from an ease of mind perspective.

T5 is waaaayyyyy easier to manage than LED.

 

[AnomMatty]

T5 is waaaayyyyy easier to manage than LED.

How so?

 

[Jekyl]

How so?

Diffused lighting is much easier on corals than LED along with having better shading if you plan on SPS down the road. You won't find anyone on this forum complaining about or asking for T5 lighting schedules.

 

[Sdot]

As a person with an LED lit tank.. I have to agree: IE why panel style LED's are kinda the thing now. I use "spotlights" as the sun... and the panel LED's as the sky

 

[Jim Gomoll]

​

Noo-Psyche K7 Pro III is a decent budget light that is on par with the big brand name lights without breaking the bank. Putting 3 on a 120g and have a mini on a desk tank.

GIVEAWAY - PRIZE CLAIMED - Noo-Psyche's Stay Lucky Giveaway! Win a K7 Pro III or a K7 Mini!!!

Who's feeling lucky? We want to create even more chances for you to improve your luck by offering you a shot at bringing home the incredible K7 Pro III reef light or K7 mini! Many thanks to @noopsyche for bringing us another awesome giveaway! Here's your chance to let your luck shine with the...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[AnomMatty]

​

Noo-Psyche K7 Pro III is a decent budget light that is on par with the big brand name lights without breaking the bank. Putting 3 on a 120g and have a mini on a desk tank.

GIVEAWAY - PRIZE CLAIMED - Noo-Psyche's Stay Lucky Giveaway! Win a K7 Pro III or a K7 Mini!!!

Who's feeling lucky? We want to create even more chances for you to improve your luck by offering you a shot at bringing home the incredible K7 Pro III reef light or K7 mini! Many thanks to @noopsyche for bringing us another awesome giveaway! Here's your chance to let your luck shine with the...

www.reef2reef.com

Gonna look into these some. Don't see any major retailers offering them, any recommendations?

 

[TX_REEF]

Gonna look into these some. Don't see any major retailers offering them, any recommendations?

best to order direct: https://noopsychereeflight.com/products/k7-pro-iii-full-set-aquarium-led-coral-light

 

[Fish Styx]

Gonna look into these some. Don't see any major retailers offering them, any recommendations?

Speak with @Zach B he is the North American distributor.

I also highly reccomend them. I run an SPS tank and do hybrid lighting comprised of T5/LED and love these lights.