Light recommendation for 90 reef?

[Keith Burns]

I'm setting up a new 90 gallon mixed reef/fish set up. Looking for good variety of coral with some SPS. Tank is 48x18x24 inches.
Would like to stay under $600 if possible. I have had three lights recommended to me by LFS.
1x reef builder photon v2 48 inch $600+
2x AI prims HD $400
2x Mars aquatic $240

Obviously the less expensive the better but don't mind spending extra if it's worth it.

Looking for input or other recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[Ron Reefman]

The Reef Breeders Photon V2+ doesn't really need to be the 48" version, the 32" will do just fine. The 48" will throw a lot of light out the sides of the tank which is just wasted light. The 32" can be a bit higher and cover the tank. I had two 24" Photons over a 60" tank and it was mostly high light sps corals.

I'm not sure where you got your prices. The 48" Photon is $699 and the 32" is $589.

The big question you need to ask yourself is, how much control of the light spectrum mix do I need or want? And do I really want sunrise/sunset control? Neither are needed by the coral and are 98% (IMHO) for the human who plays with the tank. And to me, that was an easy choice, I love the Photon V2+ fixtures.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Ocean Revive t-247 is also a good light.
You would need 2.

 

[hart24601]

Photon v2 are very nice lights. I like AI but I personally would go with the photon here.

 

[York1]

I have the 48" photon V2 over my 90g bow front. Love it, well worth the money

 

[Keith Burns]

I decided to go with the photon v2. I get it next week. Will be using it for new set up so it will be a while before I can do a fair review but will follow up with review soon.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I have 2 Photons V2's over 2 different tanks. I also have a PAR meter. If you want help with PAR levels, just send me a PM.

 

[jda]

I would get the 48" light. I had a 6 foot light on a 7 foot tank and it killed me to have the dimmer ends and I had to buy lights for the ends.

The primes are toys compared to the Photon V2 - they are just too underpowered to go at it alone on a tank that size. I would factor in 4 or 6 of them, or 2x Hydra 52s, which then puts you more than the Photon V2. You made the right choice, IMO. ...and this is not from a fanboy who uses the lights and could not care what anybody buys.

 

[Keith Burns]

I am going with the Photon v2. However, I have run into a problem with ordering my stand so I have not set it up yet. I will post an update once I get the tank set up pending my stand arrival.

Thanks for all the in-put.
Keith