Newbie lighting question

[Ekion2023]

Good afternoon everyone


New to reefing here. Just got me a 125 gallon pre drilled reef tank.
I have been researching lighting like crazy and there are a million different kinds and everyone of them claim to be the best lol. However I'm not trying to spend 500 per light when I figure I'm going to need at least 3. Anyone got any suggestions on a good newbie light setup that won't kill my pockets? But will allow me to grow close to anything I want?

 

[Spare time]

Noopsyche, Quanta, or Reefbrite will work and are cheap.

 

[Ekion2023]

How many do you think I need?
I'm thinking at least 3 depending on the size of the light?
My tank is 72 x 18 x 22

 

[Mschmidt]

I have 3 used kessil 360s on a 60". for yours, 2 noopsych may leave some shadowing in the ends and middle 3 will grow whatever you want. 3-4 kessil 360s, reefbreeders makes a good bar but I think maxes out at 50".

Then there are t5 fixtures if you don't want to pay for leds.

 

[Ekion2023]

I have 3 used kessil 360s on a 60". for yours, 2 noopsych may leave some shadowing in the ends and middle 3 will grow whatever you want. 3-4 kessil 360s, reefbreeders makes a good bar but I think maxes out at 50".

Then there are t5 fixtures if you don't want to pay for leds.

The lights cost more then my tank and stand lol. I'm looking at about 800 bucks minimum anyway you cut it. If I want decent lighting to grow anything.

 

[Mschmidt]

The lights cost more then my tank and stand lol. I'm looking at about 800 bucks minimum anyway you cut it. If I want decent lighting to grow anything.

leds are expensive. I got my kessils for $200 each, used saves money, but you take the used risk. reefbreeders are good, but yeah, $$$. Noopsych new should run about $250 per. I don't know anything about reefbrite.

the AI blade is supposed to be legit and modeler so you can add as you grow.

Lights are criminally expensive.