Need advice on lighting for new Reef Tank

[Robinsonxc90]

Hi All,

VERY new to this and a first time reefer. I'm just setting up my first reef tank its around 560 ish litres and theres a 180 litre sump going with it.

The tank is around 5ft wide in length, my questions to you knowledgeable folk are what type of lighting are recommended for this sort of build? I'm going to host SPS coral, live rock and perhaps a couple of fish.

Any help appreciated, preferably lights that fix to the tank if they exist?

Anyway I've jabbered enough so thank you all in advance!

 

[mcarroll]

How much of that volume is dedicated to surface area - can we have the tank's dimensions?

So I can recommend something, I'll guess that it's about 150cm long x 45cm wide – correct me if I'm wrong as the recommendation might be very different.

Current USA makes the Orbit Marine Pro....one unit should light that tank very well at a reasonable cost.

Any interest in a DIY if it's a simple one? (No soldering.) That's the most inexpensive way to go, in case that's a goal.

Most people will probably recommend spotlight/shoebox type fixtures...the main complaints you see with them are the shadows they create....and with some of them, the expense. You'll want at least one of these fixtures per every 45cm of tank length (three or four units total) to minimize this effect, but more is better according to folks who've gone this route.

I hope this helps!

 

[bif24701]

The most ideal lighting systems I have seen for all types of tanks but especially SPS is a Kessil/T5 combo. Here you get the best of two worlds. Each are great for SPS but by combining the two you eliminate the draw backs. Kessils have shadowing because they are pin point lights fixtures. T5s reduce the shadows and blend color spectrum more softly. 3-4 Kessil 360s or two Kessil AP700s plus 2 ea T5 retro fit on either side 4' long. There will not be anything you could not accomplish with this set up.

 

[reeferfoxx]

For that type tank and a budget friendly option, you could look into multiple Ocean Revives or a Reef Breeders 48" Photon V2. If money isn't an issue, Imported Orphek Atalntik V3's or like @mcarroll warned, multiple Radions, Kessils or AI fixtures lol

If you want to spend $1000+/- go the Kessil with T5. It's a bulky setup but it works.

 

[Robinsonxc90]

Sorry for the lack of replies!

Thank you for all your feedback, in my price range I think i may go for a couple of ocean revives, thank you all again.