Lights for 73 Gallon Reef

[Aaron-A2]

I'm looking at setting up a Red Sea 350, but I'm unsure as to which lights to go with. My following specs:

Budget: $200-400 (for just the lights)
Tank Type: Reef
Coral: Mixed. I'm currently looking at coral such as Duncan, bubbles, zoanthids, anemone, etc.
Fish: Mixed. I'm currently looking at Wrasse's, Goby's, Flame Angel, Clowns, etc.

I have experience with a freshwater aquarium, not saltwater. I currently grow dwarf baby tears and other high light requirement plants with success. I'm not nearly as familiar with coral growht rates and requireements, so any help in this way would be great!

 

[Mandrew]

A tried and true way to grow corals is with t5. I've never personally used them but was very tempted to on my new build. You can DIY a fixture or buy a cheap fixture online. 4 bulbs should be fine for softies and lps but you probably want a 6 bulb fixture if you plan to keep SPS.

 

[Mandrew]

Then there is always the Chinese lack box LEDs which run $85-125 each and you'd probably want 2. They can grow anything you want but it's also easy to run them too powerful and cook your corals.

 

[Aaron-A2]

A tried and true way to grow corals is with t5. I've never personally used them but was very tempted to on my new build. You can DIY a fixture or buy a cheap fixture online. 4 bulbs should be fine for softies and lps but you probably want a 6 bulb fixture if you plan to keep SPS.

Thanks for the response!

What do you think about the Kessil a360w for my tanks dimensions? L 47 x H 21 x W 20.

 

[Mandrew]

I just bought 2 for my 75g build. If that tells you anything lol. 48x18x21

I might supplement with some t5s down the road though.

 

[Mandrew]

I'm by far not a lighting genius though

 

[Aaron-A2]

Bump

 

[Wayneb332]

I have three Arctic t247 on my 180 they are very nice programable lights for the money.

 

[jsker]

I have two Hydra 26 Hd's and have plenty of growth, yes the two would put you $300 over budget. I looked at the Kessels also but could not find much information at the time I was looking for lights. Since then I have read good response to the kessels. I also like the settings on the Hydra's and the lunar effect setting.

 

[Aaron-A2]

I have two Hydra 26 Hd's and have plenty of growth, yes the two would put you $300 over budget. I looked at the Kessels also but could not find much information at the time I was looking for lights. Since then I have read good response to the kessels. I also like the settings on the Hydra's and the lunar effect setting.

My budget was a bit misplaced. I should have stated (per light). The Hydra 26 HD's seem pretty solid -- what mounting option do you go with?

 

[jsker]

I went with two Kassel goosenecks and McGivered them. You can also use TV mounts.