Best lighting options

[Jrod381]

There’s a lot to be said about lighting I have read many threads and reviews and unfortunately I still cannot make up my mind on what I would like to do for my new large tank build. I currently have current orbit marine pro ic on my 75 gallon with mainly los and soft corals had no luck with sps even with them being at the top.

My next build is going to be a 300 or more gallon tank still haven’t decided if 6’ or 8’ and it will be 30” deep.


I am trying to decide what would be the best light for a tight budget. I know everyone is going to say radions but I truly can’t see myself spending that much money. I want my tank to be a mixed reef.

I saw Noopsyche, Orphek, AI 26hd, and photon V2 as my options. Not sure if there are any other brands that would produce good light that can be controlled as well.

My question is which lights work well and how many would I need? I plan to start my build at the end of this year

 

[Ron Reefman]

Two points:

1. Photon V2+ would be my choice
2. If it's a tight budget, why go so big. IMHO that's just asking for heartbreak when something expensive fails.

Good luck though.

 

[Jrod381]

Two points:

1. Photon V2+ would be my choice
2. If it's a tight budget, why go so big. IMHO that's just asking for heartbreak when something expensive fails.

Good luck though.

That’s what I was thinking as well possibly purchasing 2 photon v2 and then adding Orphek light bars one blue and one uv per each light so total of 2 photon v2, 2 Orphek blue plus, and 2 Orphek uv.

And let me correct myself not so much that’s it’s a tight budget but there is a certain dollar amount that I do not want to pass when it comes to lighting, I actually have a breakdown for all equipment to stay within my overall goal

 

[TheGreatWave]

Since the tank is big, I would sort it out by watts for dollars, then by which you like the color of the best. (Assuming quality is equal too or exceeds your expectations)

 

[pirate2876]

I just upgraded to a 7' tank and went with a 60" ATI powermodule with two AI 26's on each side to account for the sides. It's very controllable and amazing.