Lighting upgrqde for standard 150 gallon lps/softy reef

[JW3500]

I'm looking to upgrade my lighting on our 150 gallon LPS / softy reef. Standard measurements 72" long 18" front to back and 28" deep.

Current set up includes 2 mars aqua 300 watt lights and 2 sb reefbar actinic supplement reefbars for some added pop. All of these are currently on timers to turn on/off automatically.

I might keep the reefbars if needed for supplemental light. Future set up requirements are -
- budget 1k
- complete coverage (Consider tank bracing)
- ramping up/down functionality
- multiple channel control

Who has a standard 150 reef and what lights are you happy with? If your not happy with them, why?

 

[Ron Reefman]

With a 6' long tank, getting an led fixture(s) to cover it all AND have sunrise/sunset control; all for under $1000 is almost impossible IMHO.

I'd suggest two of the Reef Breeders 32" Photon V2+ fixtures. I've been using them over several tanks over the past 5 years and they've been very good. They are probably the least expensive option you have ($590. each).

 

[JW3500]

With a 6' long tank, getting an led fixture(s) to cover it all AND have sunrise/sunset control; all for under $1000 is almost impossible IMHO.

I'd suggest two of the Reef Breeders 32" Photon V2+ fixtures. I've been using them over several tanks over the past 5 years and they've been very good. They are probably the least expensive option you have ($590. each).

They were at the top of my list. If I buy everything new you are correct, ill probably end up spending up to $1500 depending on the fixtures. I also see they offered a kit with two 32" photon v2+ in the past.

The photons are similar to my current mars aqua set up, as they are 2 larger fixtures. Otherwise I will need to go with 3 or 4 smaller fixtures or a combination thereof because I dont want to waste light directly over the tank braces.

I am also considering radion blues, AI hydra HDs and wait for it....PopBloomRS90s.

My hesitation with the PopBloom is resale. Maybe I shouldn't base a decision on this however, I see it much easier to resell a used well known light rather than a much lesser known product. Not that I change lights often but circumstances change.

Most likely whatever I get I'll have for years to come.

 

[Ron Reefman]

The Photons have some 5 watt Cree leds and a wider array than your Mars Aqua fixtures. They also are about as good looking as any led fixture in the market... at least to my eyes.

Considering future resale of reef lighting hardware isn't worth the headache, IMHO. New stuff just keeps coming out and used stuff depreciates.

 

[BYU]

i had the ai hydra 52 hd with t5 over my 210 was very happy with them but now upgraded to the radion g5
my tank is 72x24x30 with two supports on top of the tank
each section was 22 inches wide
if u are local let me know if you are interested in buying my used lights
i’m in ny

 

[Bpb]

I second the reef breeders recommendation.

 

[Josh Will]

I'm looking to upgrade my lighting on our 150 gallon LPS / softy reef. Standard measurements 72" long 18" front to back and 28" deep.

Current set up includes 2 mars aqua 300 watt lights and 2 sb reefbar actinic supplement reefbars for some added pop. All of these are currently on timers to turn on/off automatically.

I might keep the reefbars if needed for supplemental light. Future set up requirements are -
- budget 1k
- complete coverage (Consider tank bracing)
- ramping up/down functionality
- multiple channel control

Who has a standard 150 reef and what lights are you happy with? If your not happy with them, why?

Hi, what light you choose finally? I have a 150cm reef tank, look for a ramping up/down functionality like you. Channels adjustable.

 

[JW3500]

Hi, what light you choose finally? I have a 150cm reef tank, look for a ramping up/down functionality like you. Channels adjustable.

Hey Josh - I ended up pre-ordering 3 reefi uno lights. Lots of channels and programming them looks to be very simple/functional.

 

[JW3500]

Hey Josh - I ended up pre-ordering 3 reefi uno lights. Lots of channels and programming them looks to be very simple/functional.

Here is a thread on these lights on R2R -

ReeFi LED Uno - Testing Soon

I received a ReeFi Uno LED luminaire for testing. Hope to get started late Tuesday or Wednesday. Photo taken at ISO 100, f/32 and 1/4000th second.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Josh Will]

Here is a thread on these lights on R2R -

ReeFi LED Uno - Testing Soon

I received a ReeFi Uno LED luminaire for testing. Hope to get started late Tuesday or Wednesday. Photo taken at ISO 100, f/32 and 1/4000th second.

www.reef2reef.com

Much thanks for your help