LED's for 30 gallon long Reef tank...

[ReefKC]

Hi guys/gals, I'm somewhat new to the hobby.
My wife used to own a pet store 15yrs ago (closed 1yr before we met), so a LOT of things have changed/evolved since then.
Especially lights!
From what I've gathered from all of the knowledgable forum members, LEDs are the way to go with our setup.
We're just not sure which model is best, or if a DIY setup is the way to go.
(The Maxspect Razor r420r 160watt have been recommended for the size of our tank, but very expensive).
We have a 30gal long reef tank.
36L x 12Wx 16H

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thx,
Jeremy

 

[twilliard]

Orbit marine led depending on what you stock your tank with

 

[NanaReefer]

http://reefradiance.com

 

[Reefing Madness]

I use em on my tank
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SunSpect-16...ll-Spectrum-/281553749262?hash=item418de9450e

 

[DaveMorris]

What kind of livestock do you plan to have in the tank long term? That can influence a lighting decision one way or the other. Are you looking for something ready to go, out of the box or do you feel like you could do a little DIY work? Check out sites like BuildmyLED.com, Stevesleds.com, etc. Your size tank with a footprint of 36"x12" is right in the middle of typical coverage patterns for a lot of the LED fixtures that are out there. A lot of them cover more of a square area so dealing with the rectangle you have can be tricky. Putting two off the shelf LED fixtures on it to get the coverage is going to result in a lot of overlap in the middle and be more expensive. Using one fixture mounted up high enough to hit the full 36" is going to cause a lot of wasted light. With a BuildmyLED fixture, they can build you something that is designed to cover a 36"x12" rectangle efficiently. I myself have not ordered from them, but I have heard good things about them. I have used Stevesleds before and they were great to deal with but that was for a fully DIY kit.

 

[Mil26]

I use the galaxyhydro reef and got to say rlly amazed I got mine on amazon

 

[LetItReef]

+1 on Current Marine LED- good for shallow tank

 

[ReefKC]

THANK YOU ALL for taking the time to reply & help me out!

As far as livestock...
What we have now is:
3 Bangai Cardinals
3 Camel Shrimp
2 Brittle Stars
1 Goniopera
1 Carpet Amemone
2 Crabs/4 Snails


We plan on getting:
Diamond Goby
Watchman Goby
Ruby Red Blenny/Dragonet
& Possibly...
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Sailfin Tang &/or Hippo Tang
Bubble Mushrooms
Frogspawn
LPS's


I've looked into the Orbit Marine LED 36"-48" (model 4102) and really like it.
But I don't know if I'll regret later not getting the Maxspect Razor r420 160watt LED.

I can get a new Orbit Marine for $145 shipped, or a Maxspect Razor that has been used for 2 months for $300.
What would you all recommend?

Thanks again for all your help & suggestions!

 

[twilliard]

That's a tough one.
I ran orbits on several tanks with no regrets.
BUT if you are willing to spend more than the Razor might be a better choice.

Research both and choose the most flexible one that suites you