Light recommendation for 120g Mixed Reef with Center Brace

[erm0715]

Tank is older blacked rimmed 120g with black center brace. Looking to light for a mixed reef capable of growing SPS eventually. Tank is in early stages so nothing is a rush. Any recommendations on lighting taking into account the center brace (would make odd number of lights, especially with arm mounts difficult)? I had floated the idea of a couple of AI Hydra 32HD, or Kessil 360X but am not really up to date on current good reef lighting options. Tank is 48x24x24. I'd prefer an arm or crossbar style mount rather than hanging pendant style.

Thanks!

 

[Spare time]

If you could answer these, it would help;

How much shimmer do you like?

What kind of color/spectrum do you prefer?

How do you want to mount the light (hang, arm, etc.)?

What features do you like?

Do you care at all about possible discoballing?

How hight can you mount the light (that is, if there is a limit?

What is your preferred price range?

 

[mike550]

@erm0715 sounds like your tank is similar to my 120. I went with a ReefBreeders 48 and it’s working well for me. The PAR does go down directly below the brace but it’s not noticeable (no shadow). I chose the RB at the time due to cost. If it were today, I’d be using two AI32s. They program so much better etc.

 

[erm0715]

If you could answer these, it would help;

How much shimmer do you like?

What kind of color/spectrum do you prefer?

How do you want to mount the light (hang, arm, etc.)?

What features do you like?

Do you care at all about possible discoballing?

How hight can you mount the light (that is, if there is a limit?

What is your preferred price range?

How much shimmer do you like? - I'm not sure I have a huge preference on this

What kind of color/spectrum do you prefer? purple/blue I'd guess, not a huge fan of tons of white

How do you want to mount the light (hang, arm, etc.)? preferably arm, or cross bar mount, no to pendant hanging style

What features do you like? ability to manipulate/customize spectra and programmable for time schedule

Do you care at all about possible discoballing? doesn't completely bother me, less would be better

How hight can you mount the light (that is, if there is a limit? Ceiling is ~3-4ft from tank top

What is your preferred price range? preferred is a grand or less but I'm not in a huge rush so if it's more than one unit i can spread out the cost over time

Hope that helps!

 

[erm0715]

Bump.

I'm thinking between Kessil 360x x2, Hydra 32HD x2 or XR30Pro x2
I really have a strong preference to app controllability.

Would 2 of either of the 3 choices be sufficient spread and PAR for a 4x2x2?

I'd likely look for used Gen 4 or 5 for the XR30 as Gen 6 is likely out of the budget.

Can anyone give me an idea of what would make one better than the other two based on performance and app usability?

Thanks

 

[leepink23]

Bump.

I'm thinking between Kessil 360x x2, Hydra 32HD x2 or XR30Pro x2
I really have a strong preference to app controllability.

Would 2 of either of the 3 choices be sufficient spread and PAR for a 4x2x2?

I'd likely look for used Gen 4 or 5 for the XR30 as Gen 6 is likely out of the budget.

Can anyone give me an idea of what would make one better than the other two based on performance and app usability?

Thanks

Also consider the reefi uno x2. But for price, shimmer, ease of app I would go hydra 32 from your list.

 

[zoomonster]

Your tank is 48" so Radion centered over left and one over right regardless of center brace. My 72" has two braces and is ultimately the same just one more 24" section. And BTW IME don't waste your money on Kessils. Ultimately, I had my original 5 fail over time. Should have just sprung for 3 Radions from the start. Each Radion will give you 24" of coverage.

 

[erm0715]

Thanks!

I had been recently leaning toward a 48" Aquatic Life T5 LED combo with 2 Reefi Uno 2.0 Pro though I'm not 100% on this and not sure how the center brace would effect the T5 coverage... IE if it would make any awkward gap or shadowing in regions.

 

[90's reefer]

I run 4 gen 5 blue 15's on an 80g.
If you like a more halide look go with 4 32's. I run the 16's on the 30g next to the 80.
Anyway this is the look with the radion mounts.

 

[90's reefer]

Thanks!

I had been recently leaning toward a 48" Aquatic Life T5 LED combo with 2 Reefi Uno 2.0 Pro though I'm not 100% on this and not sure how the center brace would effect the T5 coverage... IE if it would make any awkward gap or shadowing in regions.

No shadowing from the brace with T5's.

 

[leepink23]

I run 4 gen 5 blue 15's on an 80g.
If you like a more halide look go with 4 32's. I run the 16's on the 30g next to the 80.
Anyway this is the look with the radion mounts.
View attachment 3115027

I agree the 32s definitely have a halide look.