Need help deciding my lights

[SirKevinD]

Hello everyone! I am planning a 90G build and I need your advice. I am getting a standard sized 90G starfire from glass cages.com and I am wondering about how many lights to get. I want SPS on top and pallys/zoos throughout the rest of the tank. I am trying to decide between Ecotech Radion pros or Kessil LED pendants. The ecotechs are proven capable but how many would I need on a standard 90G, 2 or 3? And with the kessil pendants, does anyone have any experience with them? How many would you estimate I would need on the tank? Thanks ahead of time for the help.

 

[reefndude]

Are you dead set on leds?

 

[SirKevinD]

I'm not dead set on LEDs but I admire the sleek low profile look. I'm nervous to get MH's because I don't want to invest in a chiller. Open to T5s I guess though. What did you have in mind?

 

[rdevoe11]

assuming by standard 90g you mean 48" long I would think 2 radions would cover that. as for the kessil pendants Im not 100% sure, but maybe 3 of the a360? for about the same price as 1 radion pro you could do 2 20" 120W maxspect razors and that would definitely be enough. same goes for the AI hydras or the hydra 52's that came out recently. good luck with the decision! would love to see a build thread when you get it going!

 

[reefndude]

I have basically the same set up you want to do. Sps on top zoas and palys some lps. I use a 6 bulb t5 fixture. Everything is doing great. Great color and growth.
I do plan on adding some supplemental leds. Solely to try to achieve some shimmer.

 

[SirKevinD]

Thanks Rdevoe11. I appreciate the input and the extra suggestions of light fixtures. I will check out the fixtures you brought up and will be more than happy to make a thread when I put my money where my mouth is haha.

 

[SirKevinD]

Reefindude, thanks for the input. I have a quad T5 fixture as of now on my 46 bow and I'm just kind of tired of buying bulbs and the look of the T5. Nothing's off the table though.

 

[nmertz1]

Go with the kessils! I would go with 2 a350w or 2 a360w (depending on if you want to use a controller)

I have had great success with the 2 a150w's I run on my tank.

-Nick

 

[SirKevinD]

Nmwrtz1, thanks for the input. I'm getting an apex controller so controllability is important. Im getting a rimless tank and I think the kessils look slick with the bending mounts.

 

[nmertz1]

Nmwrtz1, thanks for the input. I'm getting an apex controller so controllability is important. Im getting a rimless tank and I think the kessils look slick with the bending mounts.

They definitely do. Here is a pic of my 38 rimless with 2 kessils.

 

[reefndude]

No problem. Love to see your build thread as well. Im about to start a 125 build. Probably after Christmas. Im going to do the t5 leds combo. Custom built hanging canopy

 

[SirKevinD]

Nmertz1, That tank is gorgeous! The lights look killer on it, thats how i can imagine mine looking. Is that a GIANT hammer on the right side?? Reefndude, Good luck with the build! I hope everything works great for you!

 

[nmertz1]

Nmertz1, That tank is gorgeous! The lights look killer on it, thats how i can imagine mine looking. Is that a GIANT hammer on the right side?? Reefndude, Good luck with the build! I hope everything works great for you!

Thanks! It's actually a 63 head frogspawn lol

 

[SirKevinD]

That's awesome!!

 

[nmertz1]

That's awesome!!

Thanks! It loves those kessils!

 

[reefndude]

They are pretty sweet

 

[JimCali75]

Another option for Kessils if you go that route..

Premium Line Kessil Mount and Tube Bracket Kit from LaRussoDesigns. I liked this set up better than hanging it from a goose neck.

 

[nmertz1]

Another option for Kessils if you go that route..

Premium Line Kessil Mount and Tube Bracket Kit from LaRussoDesigns. I liked this set up better than hanging it from a goose neck.

+1 that's a nice looking mount

 

[rdevoe11]

oh yeah, completely forgot about this...adding to my suggestion of the maxpsect razor...they just came out with a new 300W 43.5" unit! if having a single light fixture is something of importance

 

[christo203]

I have my 90 gallon with 2 AI Sol Blues on them. I would go with the Hydra or Hydra 52, but LOVE my Sol Blues also! They have great coverage over my 90 at 12 inches off the water. I actually have mostly an SPS tank, but have some zoas at the bottom, I fry them up top.