Reef Breeder Photons... Which size for a 90 gallon?

[Spork3245]

Hey guys,

So I figured this deserved a new thread as the thought process/subject matter is quite a bit different! I think I've more-or-less decided to NOT get an additional reefbrite LED strip (I currently have a single 48" 50/50 tech light), but to completely upgrade for a bit more money then I'd prefer to spend (but screw it!) to either a Reef Breeder Photon or the Lumentek Pro, I am leaning towards the Reef Breeders though.
I mainly plan on keeping Zoas, Palys, LPS (mostly brains and a duncan), a leather and maybe a Montipora (red candy cap most likely) and am currently converting from a FOWLR set-up.

So, here's the question; Should I be going with the 48" strip for my 48" 90 gallon tank? I've done some light reading/searching and it kind'of sounds like I could/should use the 32" model, is this true? With the Lumentek Pros, they are only sold as 36" which they claim is sized for "up to" 48" tanks.

Thoughts guys?

Also, I'm assuming from what I've read that I should go with the 90 degree optics opposed to the 120 or 60?

Thanks! This lighting situation has been a long and tiresome debate for me!

[myram]

I would say the 32" model should be fine, the 16" model is good for a 24x24 area so it makes sense that the 32" would be good for a 48x24 area.

Make sure to go with at least 90 degree optics, 120 will work too.........depending on how high off the tank you are planning on hanging it.

Steve

[mbingha]

I ordered the 48 for my 75 with 90° optics. The 32 could work, but you may have a noticeable shadow on both sides of the tank. For the $50 difference why not get the 48? That's only 10% more for peace of mind.

[Spork3245]

Thank you! I plan hanging about 6-8" above the tank

[myram]

6-8" above the water, you'll want to go with 120 optics. You'll get better spread and no dark spots, but you'll loose a little par at the sandbed.

I have a 16" over my 54 corner tank, 8" above the water, 120 optics, and there is full coverage over a 34" width at the front.

Steve

[rocsec1]

I have 2 24 in protons over my 75 gallon and it works well

[Aqua Joe]

You'll be just fine with the 32". It'll have plenty of power for that depth and those corals and you probably won't even need to run them anywhere near max power. If you're worried about shady areas on the ends you can always swap out the 90* optics to 120's on the outer few rows to get a wider spread or you can just play with the height a little. Check out meshwheel's thread, he has a lot of good info (and tested a lot himself). http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2342071