Planning out larger tank, looking for lighting opinions.

corosato

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Starting to plan out a future tank upgrade, going to likely move to an 48 inch long 80 gallon shallow reef, about the largest tank I can feasibly have in my house. I'm trying to plan out budget and I was thinking of using AI Blades, would the 39" with the elevated arms be the way to go? Was thinking starting with 2 grows and adding a glow a bit down the line. Or would it just make more sense to go with 3 Primes? (About 16 and a smudge inches deep tank). I like the light spread better on a blade but not sure if it makes sense over the primes. This would be moving the corals over from my E170, mostly LPS with a couple basic SPS (Birdsnest/Stylo/Encrusters). Just looking for feedback as I plan.
 

nereefpat

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If you are using a "bar" like a blade, why wouldn't you use the 4 foot version? 48" blades are 100 watts, so 2 of those sounds like a reasonable starting point to me.

Are you set on AI?
 
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corosato

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I didn't want to rest them directly on the tank, a little elevated was the hope. I am not set on AI I just was thinking that with the depth being only 16 inches these would be reasonable choices but I am definitely open to suggestions. :)
 

Chris Spaulding

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Reefbreeders have done me well. AI primes that I have all have melted the UV lenses. Also I am a fan of Ilumagic and my new tank are Sky. You can find some good deals on R2R market.
 

Cell

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Not a fan of the Meridian prices and paywall stuff from ReefBreeders. Absolutely love the Photon V2's though.
 

Spare time

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If price isn't much of a concern, some kessils with the blades would look very nice. I think shallow tanks benefit visually from shimmer.
 
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