Lights for a 90 gallon

[Tyler Bullock]

Tank is a standard 48 long, 24 high, 18 depth tank. I am wanting to make this a sps tank. I am trying to figure out what the best route would be for lighting. I know most of you will say I need to go with XR30's. I am not sure I want to drop that kind of money on lights. Do you all think I will be fine with 2 ai hydra 26's? or 2 rx15's? Let me know your thoughts!

 

[Geebs19]

I am doing 3 Hydra 26s for my tank that is similar dimensions. I dont think 2 will be powerful enough to cover 48inches.

 

[Tyler Bullock]

I am doing 3 Hydra 26s for my tank that is similar dimensions. I dont think 2 will be powerful enough to cover 48inches.

How high do you have the lights off the water? That does sound better. Are hydra26 about the same as xr15s?

 

[emeek12]

i have 2 kessil a160we tuna blue led's on my 90 gallon and they seem to be working good for me

 

[Corey Baker]

i have a similar tank but 22" deep. I use (2)XR30, check on online. You can pick some of these up lightly used and sometimes get smoking deals on them. I was in the same boat as you and regretted my first purchase and had to wait long until i made the right one the second time. GL

 

[dantimdad]

Think outside the box if you have a budget.

There are some new brands coming out of Europe that look a lot like the fan club brands but are about half the price and have good warranties.

I have actually communicated with a couple of them.

That being said, why not start with a couple or the Orphek bars and add on as demand calls for it? Not much control but a bunch of par and decent color rendering from the videos and pics I have seen.

Also, can you use a soldering iron? If so, try DIY. It's fun, educational and you can save big money if you are willing to give up stuff like lightening.

 

[jda]

Any of the ones that you listed (Hydras or Radions) usually end up in Aquatic Life Hybrid fixtures over SPS tanks due to coverage issues - not all, but a whole lot. Point-source fixtures are not a great light for SPS tanks, especially as stuff grows. If you have to use LEDs, then look at the panel type like ReefBreeders or Orphek Atlantik V4. If you want light that will grow and color the SPS easier, then look at a 6 bulb T5 or even some 150w MH.

 

[Tyler Bullock]

Im definitely not going mh, my room is relatively warm and due to my computer. I do like the interfaces of the ai and radions.