JBJ 45 Lighting Opinions

[reefofthenorth]

This is my first reef tank and it is finishing the cycle over the next few days. I originally was going to use an AI Prime (shown) but am unsatisfied with the shadowing with my rock-work and am afraid I will not see sufficient coral growth. I am considering upgrading my lighting before introducing any corals into the system. I am not looking to get into SPS with this tank and I am pretty firm about it. However, I am looking to keep Softies, Zoas, LPS, and potentially a BTA or a Rock nem in the future.

Here is what I am considering: (Display is 26.5 inches long by 19 inches deep by 16 inches wide)

Adding a 2nd AI Prime to reduce shadowing (cost effective and easy but I am concerned that even two primes won't meet my lighting needs)
Looking for a decent deal on two used Hydra 26's
Adding a single Hydra 32 (leaving the potential to add a second later)
Adding a single Radion XR15 (leaving the potential to add a second later)

Not looking into Hydra 64's or XR30's as the budget is to be no more than $400 but cheaper is better


Those of you who have JBJ 45's or similarly sized tanks, what does your lighting look like? What works best for you?

 

[Dalbery]

I put on 2 hipargero 78w lights on my jbj45 tank and love them so far. One would've worked fine, but like you I didn't want any shadowing. I only set my tank up a little over a month ago. I have them set at like 25% and have all the light I want. They're super easy to adjust and program. 2 of them would cost around $300 and you'll need to modify 2 brackets in order to link them together.

 

[Dalbery]

I'm terrible at pictures but his will give you an idea. This tank is bright and has tons of shimmer.