ReeferRN
10/19/2015, 04:13 PM
I am experiencing the dreaded 36" tank lighting dilemma. The challenge of course is selecting adequate lighting while keeping the budget in check for this length of display tank. Were I to have a ~24" tank, my decision would be a whole lot simpler. Here is my criteria, I would appreciate any suggestions:
1) LED lighting
2) Streamlined form factor - No hood. Lighting will either be attached to the back of the tank or hung from the ceiling. Tank is in the living room and so visual appeal is highly regarded
3) Budget is ~$600.
4) Full spectrum
5) Can support SPS which I plan to attempt in the future
6) Programmable set points - Presently I don't have an Apex, perhaps in the future, but I can't rely on that requirement.
Options presently under consideration and rationale/concerns:
1) The new AI Hydra Fifty-Two HD: Rather enticing choice but I have concerns about it not covering the 36" span evenly with shadowing at the edges being a single unit. Also, is that much power overkill for a 16" deep tank? Dual Hydra 26 HD would be nice, but are over budget.
2) AI Prime x 2: Nice on the budget, though concerns over SPS capability. Probably not the way to go.
3) Maxxpect Razor R420r (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=25292)- Presently the 27" 10k 160W version is onsale for $407.99. Any issues on going 10K over the 16K (16K not on sale :sad2:)? Doesn't have quite the functionality as the AI, but highly considering this option
4) Reefbreeders - I currently have a 48" Photon on my 120g but would like something different for the 40B. Same goes for OceanRevive, etc.
5) Kessil - I like the idea of the kessils but for the price I feel it's lacking controllability and variation compared to other options. I admit I am not fully versed on Kessil, but I think I would go with 2 A160s, controller, goosenecks, but would also have to make a selection on spectrum (deep blue, ocean blue, etc.) that you're pretty much stuck with. The A360 looks amazing but would blow the budget. Same with with the new AP700.
6) Cheap chinese fixture - You get what you pay for, probably not going this route.
So this is my dilemma. Am I missing any options I should be considering? If I were to make my choice today, I would be leaning towards the Maxxspect Razor R420r 27" 160W 10k fixture as it's on sale and matches most of my criteria for the value. Thoughts?
1) LED lighting
2) Streamlined form factor - No hood. Lighting will either be attached to the back of the tank or hung from the ceiling. Tank is in the living room and so visual appeal is highly regarded
3) Budget is ~$600.
4) Full spectrum
5) Can support SPS which I plan to attempt in the future
6) Programmable set points - Presently I don't have an Apex, perhaps in the future, but I can't rely on that requirement.
Options presently under consideration and rationale/concerns:
1) The new AI Hydra Fifty-Two HD: Rather enticing choice but I have concerns about it not covering the 36" span evenly with shadowing at the edges being a single unit. Also, is that much power overkill for a 16" deep tank? Dual Hydra 26 HD would be nice, but are over budget.
2) AI Prime x 2: Nice on the budget, though concerns over SPS capability. Probably not the way to go.
3) Maxxpect Razor R420r (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=25292)- Presently the 27" 10k 160W version is onsale for $407.99. Any issues on going 10K over the 16K (16K not on sale :sad2:)? Doesn't have quite the functionality as the AI, but highly considering this option
4) Reefbreeders - I currently have a 48" Photon on my 120g but would like something different for the 40B. Same goes for OceanRevive, etc.
5) Kessil - I like the idea of the kessils but for the price I feel it's lacking controllability and variation compared to other options. I admit I am not fully versed on Kessil, but I think I would go with 2 A160s, controller, goosenecks, but would also have to make a selection on spectrum (deep blue, ocean blue, etc.) that you're pretty much stuck with. The A360 looks amazing but would blow the budget. Same with with the new AP700.
6) Cheap chinese fixture - You get what you pay for, probably not going this route.
So this is my dilemma. Am I missing any options I should be considering? If I were to make my choice today, I would be leaning towards the Maxxspect Razor R420r 27" 160W 10k fixture as it's on sale and matches most of my criteria for the value. Thoughts?