What would you suggest?

[kdc]

I don't know much about the Vega's or Neptune to help. I can say that at 12" deep, intensity is not going to be a problem.....but covering 24x24" is where your lighting plan will have to stretch a little.

I suspect you'll want up to four 80's. Your tank is kinda two 15-gallon tanks side-by-side, merged into one....and for a 15 gallon, Kessil recommends one or two 160's. (They don't specifically address 80's here: http://www.kessil.com/aquarium/getting.php so maybe use their contact info at the bottom of the page to see what they say. They are responsive in my experience!)

For strips I think you'll want at least two of any you'd want to consider....Current or otherwise.

The Orbit should work well, but I think I'd suggest planning for two, even if you don't add both at once. Technically I think one can work, but for coverage over that whole 24"^2 I think you'll want two.

Ultimately the number depends on the look you're after and which model lights you want to consider.

(Current, GHL, Reefbrite, Hamilton....who else is making good LED strips?)

Your right Kessil is very responsive! I sent them a message today and they actually answered me this evening.
They said that with my tank dimensions that I could use either one A160we or an one A360we depending on what corrals I want to keep.

 

[mcarroll]

Right on!

If for some reason your rocks are not amenable to a one light plan, I would suggest going with the lower power option and using two of them so your light has more spread/you have more placement options.