So many lighting options!

[punkieg0]

I need some direction on lighting. I am getting a new tank and either would like to reuse what I have or supplement it if possible. However, if I did not choose right with the first light I want to correct that now and go a different direction.
It is looking like I will be getting a JBJ 45 AIO.
I purchased a Fluval Marine 3.0 for my first tank but couldn't keep anything alive at all. Not sure if that was due to my own lack of knowledge or the lighting but I have not seen very good posts on here with that light.
So..I would rather buy what I need- rather that a cheaper/budget option that bites me (again) later.

I was considering the AquaticLife T5 hybrid to start allowing me to begin with T5 and then add something like a Kessil down the road when I have coral that would require that kind of light.

I would appreciate your thoughts and experiences to help guide me on this decision.

 

[GoVols]

I was considering the AquaticLife T5 hybrid to start allowing me to begin with T5 and then add something like a Kessil down the road when I have coral that would require that kind of light.

I would appreciate your thoughts and experiences to help guide me on this decision.

That's is a great way, to hundreds of options, but I'd want the kessils down the middle from day one.

That JBL looks like it's 26.5" wide x 22" deep x 19" tall

If one Kessil AP700 were in your budget, it would fire that tank up, without the hybird fixture.

Just tossing it on the table.

 

[chk4tix]

I personally vote for a nice quality 6-8 bulb T5. If you are looking for a "hybrid" I would recommend getting the T5 then adding a ReefBrite or similar to the tank. Over the years I have used Halide, T5, and highend LED's. IMO T5s are the most constant in performance and coral growth, to copy the old infomercial "set it and forget it".

LEDs can grow coral, but again IMO LEDs have way to many options variations and getting the just right isnt easy. Then once you have them adjusted, you typically wouldn't be changing them so you are paying top dollar for all these features that you will use once or twice and then they just sit there.

 

[punkieg0]

I personally vote for a nice quality 6-8 bulb T5. If you are looking for a "hybrid" I would recommend getting the T5 then adding a ReefBrite or similar to the tank. Over the years I have used Halide, T5, and highend LED's. IMO T5s are the most constant in performance and coral growth, to copy the old infomercial "set it and forget it".

LEDs can grow coral, but again IMO LEDs have way to many options variations and getting the just right isnt easy. Then once you have them adjusted, you typically wouldn't be changing them so you are paying top dollar for all these features that you will use once or twice and then they just sit there.

That’s sort of where I am leaning. There is so much to leqrn I don’t need to add more gadgets too thank you. I am looking at the Aquatic Life hybrid