Choosing equipment ?

[RJKain-777]

So currently in the process of my new build. All that’s left for me to get is the tank, and lights.

Does any one else end up getting anxiety from this? Or is it just me?
Can’t decide between a 96x30x30, or a 72x30x30... both big tanks.
As for lighting, I see how WWC lights there 500 gallon tank, thanks to BRS videos.
I’m leaning towards the new G5 xr30 pros (x4) but also considering the hydra 64hd (x5) ...

Why do these things have to be so difficult.

 

[Ron Reefman]

They aren't difficult at all. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Either tank is fine, either light is fine, and there are other tanks that are fine and other lights that are fine. Just get the one you want.

 

[RJKain-777]

They aren't difficult at all. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Either tank is fine, either light is fine, and there are other tanks that are fine and other lights that are fine. Just get the one you want.

Spending $10,000 between the 2 isn’t a small thing, I’m pretty positive on the 96 inch tank. But the lights I’m unsure about. 2 different lights with 2 different results. And at $1000+ a piece, it’s not a small purchase and want to make sure I do it right.

 

[Ron Reefman]

What do you see as the difference between the two fixtures?

 

[RJKain-777]

Led lay out, spectrum, spread, manufacturer.... tons different .

 

[Ron Reefman]

In the big picture, they are different for sure.

But to the corals in your tank, the differences are not even small, they are minuscule. You could use 3 or 4 Mars Aqua led fixtures that would cost about $400 and get pretty much the same result from your corals in terms of health and growth.

IMHO, you are over thinking this. Get the one you want and move on.

 

[RJKain-777]

I very well could be over thinking it, I definitely tend to do that. I just hate spending money twice. This is my dream tank, and after having many smaller ones, I want to do it right the first time

 

[Ron Reefman]

Good luck. I'd love to watch your build.

In my case, even if I get it right, I find myself wanting to change things anyway, just for the sake of change. And the industry keep evolving so in 3 to 5 years you may well be looking at something new and better... or at least fancier and with more human adjustments to play with. But even then, it's VERY unlikely your corals will care one way or the other. They will grow and be healthy.

 

[madweazl]

Led lay out, spectrum, spread, manufacturer.... tons different .

They look different to you but not the corals. You'll find tanks here with 100s of different lighting systems and they're all growing corals just fine. Many don't want to believe a $100 black box leads to the same results as a $900 Radion but if you grew corals out in the same water with those two lights above, you wouldn't be able to see the difference. Want to take all of the guess work out of the equation? Get T5s.

 

[RJKain-777]

Good luck. I'd love to watch your build.

In my case, even if I get it right, I find myself wanting to change things anyway, just for the sake of change. And the industry keep evolving so in 3 to 5 years you may well be looking at something new and better... or at least fancier and with more human adjustments to play with. But even then, it's VERY unlikely your corals will care one way or the other. They will grow and be healthy.

Totally makes sense.
I’ve got most the stuff for my dream tank, minus lights and tank. We’re just waiting in the closing of our house before I pull the trigger

 

[sfin52]

Agree with @Ron Reefman and @madweazl pick what you like. Led will grow coral and so will t5. The coral doesn't care about fancy equient along as the environment meets their needs.

Pick one and move on. It will be out dated next year. Its how companies make money try to convince one they need the greatest latest gadget.

 

[ryeguyy84]

Led lay out, spectrum, spread, manufacturer.... tons different .

Technically same manufacturer, AI is under the ecotech umbrella.

Two 48" ATI sunpower 8 bulb units over the tank should cover you. I just switched back to t5s from my radion gen 2s and I'm loving it. Plus I saved a stupid amount of money not buying the gen 5s like I planned on doing.