Uptightjoker
Community Member
Hello Reefers,
I am working on a list of equipment for my first saltwater tank
. I have kept some smaller freshwater tanks in the past, and helped others with saltwater and freshwater tanks throughout my life, and it's always been a dream of mine since I was 7 or 8 to have my own reef tank. I have almost everything sorted out for equipment (I'll start a build thread when I actually have the $$ to start buying stuff in a couple months) but I'm planning a 75 gallon tank, and am wondering about lighting. My 3 picks right now based off reviews, recommendations, and research are:
Kessil A160WE
AI Prime HD
Current USA Orbit Marine
I believe with any of these options I'd need to buy 2 (except maybe the orbit Marine, I couldn't find any specs on actual coverage area but I know they come in varying lengths).
Although this is my first tank and I'd like to go cheap, I want to do it right, and spend whatever I have to in order to make sure my inhabitants are happy and I'm not having to replace faulty/failing equipment constantly (I know defects are a thing and are always a potential issue). Since I've been waiting 18+ years to make this come true, a few extra months of saving to get the right stuff is no big deal.. but I also don't want to waste extra money on a brand name or fluff features with no real value.
I'm just wondering based on longevity, cost, and overall quality of life for fishes and coral (and some time down the road maybe a nem or two) which of these options is going to be the best based on other's experiences? I originally was going to go with the Kessil, but that's a hefty price tag, is it worth it? is it worth to go to a better model and spend even more? Or am I better saving some money and getting something just as good for a lower price? Are there other high contenders that I didn't include that I should look into?
Any and all recommendations are appreciated.. I just want to make the best reef I can make without overspending on things that don't add any real value.
I am working on a list of equipment for my first saltwater tank
. I have kept some smaller freshwater tanks in the past, and helped others with saltwater and freshwater tanks throughout my life, and it's always been a dream of mine since I was 7 or 8 to have my own reef tank. I have almost everything sorted out for equipment (I'll start a build thread when I actually have the $$ to start buying stuff in a couple months) but I'm planning a 75 gallon tank, and am wondering about lighting. My 3 picks right now based off reviews, recommendations, and research are:Kessil A160WE
AI Prime HD
Current USA Orbit Marine
I believe with any of these options I'd need to buy 2 (except maybe the orbit Marine, I couldn't find any specs on actual coverage area but I know they come in varying lengths).
Although this is my first tank and I'd like to go cheap, I want to do it right, and spend whatever I have to in order to make sure my inhabitants are happy and I'm not having to replace faulty/failing equipment constantly (I know defects are a thing and are always a potential issue). Since I've been waiting 18+ years to make this come true, a few extra months of saving to get the right stuff is no big deal.. but I also don't want to waste extra money on a brand name or fluff features with no real value.
I'm just wondering based on longevity, cost, and overall quality of life for fishes and coral (and some time down the road maybe a nem or two) which of these options is going to be the best based on other's experiences? I originally was going to go with the Kessil, but that's a hefty price tag, is it worth it? is it worth to go to a better model and spend even more? Or am I better saving some money and getting something just as good for a lower price? Are there other high contenders that I didn't include that I should look into?
Any and all recommendations are appreciated.. I just want to make the best reef I can make without overspending on things that don't add any real value.
