Help with choosing lighting

[bltc]

My tank dimensions are 48L x 24W x 30H. I want to grow zoas, palys, mushrooms and yumas. Id also like to be able to keep a bta that can host clown fish.

I have four configurations in mind but am open to suggestions:

1) 3 kessil a360we
2) 1 ap700 and 2 48 inch fluorescents (I dont know what bulbs, but I dont think 1 kessil would be enough)
3) 2 Radion XR30w G4
4) 2 Mitras LX 7206

I really like the mitras from reading about them but haven't found nearly as much info about it as the kessils or radions.

 

[AZBigJohn]

The 30" depth is the struggle. I know the Kessils WE has a wide lens, and may not penetrate as much as you would like, although there is a narrower lens A360 that will.

I think the Radion would have the same issue. I don't know anything about the Mitras.

I love my A360WEs, but I only have a 27" depth.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

 

[SnoopyDaPimp]

One of my tanks is 32" deep and I have run Rapid Onyx LED w/ 60 degree lenses for about three years and have no complaints.

 

[Jayreefer]

4) 2 Mitras LX 7206

This, one of the best lights I have ready about.
The Radion would be my next choice.

I did a ton of reading this last 6 months on LED. Was going to change my lights, but decided to stick with what I have for now.

 

[ComforablyNumb]

People will tell you to buy the brand they bought.

 

[SnoopyDaPimp]

People will tell you to buy the brand they bought.

I absolutely will and have no problem admitting it. I have had great success with mine and am sure others have as well. They are compatible with apex or fishbit to control or be used manually with a timer and dimmer. My tank being nearly the same depth I felt it would be good information to pass on.

 

[coralreefjunkie]

Here's another thread on lighting. I stand by LEDZEAL, as I've been having excellent results with it. Also, my old tank was 32" deep; the light penetrates all the way to the bottom. Locally, Tony (Tanggingout) uses this type of light also.

 

[coralreefjunkie]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2338097

 

[aaronwitt]

I've been running AI's for the past year and I really like them. I know the AI Hydra 52's aren't on your initial list but I've been impressed with them and they may be worth looking in to!

 

[dream54ing]

Here would be my list..

1) 2 Radion XR30w G4: No experience, but heard many great things

2) 2-3 AI Hydra 52 or 52HD: I run both these in most of my tanks and they are great. Price slightly lower compared to the Radions, but still up there in price. My tank is 30" tall and these have no problem penetrating that depth for all my LPS on the sandbed. I personally would go with 3 if your keeping SPS to avoid shadowing.

3) 3 kessil a360we: Was considering these over AIs, but controllability and disco ball effect was a deal breaker. Still a great light!

4) 1 ap700: Cool fixture, but the fixed dimension gives no flexibility to add/take off additional lighting. might be a problem with shadowing.

Cant go wrong with any of these.

 

[bltc]

Thank you all for the replies.

I absolutely will and have no problem admitting it. I have had great success with mine and am sure others have as well. They are compatible with apex or fishbit to control or be used manually with a timer and dimmer. My tank being nearly the same depth I felt it would be good information to pass on.

I appreciate that and that why I wanted to ask I never would have heard of, or thought about a few different options in this thread. You always hear about a few names, like radion or kessil, but there has to be lots of other options out there that work for people. Sadly I dont have a controller and was really looking for controllability through an app.

4) 2 Mitras LX 7206

This, one of the best lights I have ready about.
The Radion would be my next choice.

I did a ton of reading this last 6 months on LED. Was going to change my lights, but decided to stick with what I have for now.

Part of me was wishing that someone would respond on here saying they bought those lights. They look so good but most of the reviews I've found are either in the manufactures sub forums or people who just set them up and say they look nice. Before I spend 1500 it would be nice to seem them in person.

I've been running AI's for the past year and I really like them. I know the AI Hydra 52's aren't on your initial list but I've been impressed with them and they may be worth looking in to!

Here would be my list..

1) 2 Radion XR30w G4: No experience, but heard many great things

2) 2-3 AI Hydra 52 or 52HD: I run both these in most of my tanks and they are great. Price slightly lower compared to the Radions, but still up there in price. My tank is 30" tall and these have no problem penetrating that depth for all my LPS on the sandbed. I personally would go with 3 if your keeping SPS to avoid shadowing.

3) 3 kessil a360we: Was considering these over AIs, but controllability and disco ball effect was a deal breaker. Still a great light!

4) 1 ap700: Cool fixture, but the fixed dimension gives no flexibility to add/take off additional lighting. might be a problem with shadowing.

Cant go wrong with any of these.

You guys both have me really think about AI 52 HDs now. No need for the reeflink box, making it even cheaper then the radions.

Do you have a build thread or some pictures you can share of your tank dream54ing? Since we have the same height id be interested in seeing. Actually after reading your sig I'd want to see the tank any ways. That is basically the dimensions of my dream tank.

 

[dream54ing]

Thank you all for the replies.
You guys both have me really think about AI 52 HDs now. No need for the reeflink box, making it even cheaper then the radions.

Do you have a build thread or some pictures you can share of your tank dream54ing? Since we have the same height id be interested in seeing. Actually after reading your sig I'd want to see the tank any ways. That is basically the dimensions of my dream tank.

Don't have any recent, but here are a few older ones. Had originally 8 units (4 HD and 4 non HD) Wasn't able to get anymore white non HD, so I'm slowly transitioning over to all HD. I personally like the non HD, IMO, the colors looks better. Also running 5 AI Sol for the refugium and frag tanks in the same system