Lighting Options for 75g lps dominant

[kalan850]

I'm in the planning stages of converting my 75g planted setup to a reef. Looking to get an idea of what would be the best lighting for my system. I would like to keep mostly lps, zoas, possibly a bird nest and a mille. I live in Florida and we have warm weather most of the year so cooler operation is ideal.
I'm interested in:
Kessil a160 and a360 but the a360 are out of my price range. Would 2 a160s pared with a dual bulb t5 work on my standard 75g for my coral choises? What kind of growth would I get out of them with my setup?

48" 6 bulb sun blaze from brs
I like the idea that this would be more inexpensive up front and that I know I have had success with t5s in the past.
I feel like I would have issues with heat this route.

sbreef lights because they are inexpensive and I've seen some success with them on youtube. I fear that they would be too loud though.

Which of these would be the best for my setup? What are some other options within $500?


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[Fishbulb2]

I have a 75 that is mostly Acans. Lots of Acans. I'm using a single AP700 from Kessil and it's nice. The edges are a little darker but I can still actually grow Acros there.

 

[kalan850]

I have a 75 that is mostly Acans. Lots of Acans. I'm using a single AP700 from Kessil and it's nice. The edges are a little darker but I can still actually grow Acros there.

Oh man acans are awesome. I used to have some crazy rainbows. Any of them change colors on you while using leds? Also the ap700 is out of my price range. How does it compare to the a160s?

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[Darryl Hey]

you would need 3 min A160WE for a 75 g mixed reef
4 if you want nems or clams or sps close to top
mine has 4 and i have just about the best growth with only 60% intensity

 

[Fishbulb2]

Oh man acans are awesome. I used to have some crazy rainbows. Any of them change colors on you while using leds? Also the ap700 is out of my price range. How does it compare to the a160s?

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I think my Acans were always under LEDs (previous owner), so I noticed no color changes. They are almost all rainbows and they really are beautiful. I get a lot of compliments on them. The AP700 is a bit expensive and the coverage is just adequate for a 75 LPS. The plus is that it's a nice sleek fixture and very easy to use. I get it though about the budget.

FB

 

[kalan850]

you would need 3 min A160WE for a 75 g mixed reef
4 if you want nems or clams or sps close to top
mine has 4 and i have just about the best growth with only 60% intensity

Well dang man[emoji30] ! I was crossing my fingers hoping I'd be good to go with 2 a160s. U sure 2 wouldn't work with an additional 2 bulb t5 on there as well?

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[greengeco82]

I know of a few people that have really good success with the ocean revive t247. 2 of those ir even ebay black box Leds would do you good. $200-$300 total.

 

[Arthur1]

Two of those Ocean Revive fixtures that were mentioned would prove quite useful, I was quite surprised by them. Kessils are my favorite LED but I'll always be a halide fan.

 

[kalan850]

I know of a few people that have really good success with the ocean revive t247. 2 of those ir even ebay black box Leds would do you good. $200-$300 total.

I've used the black boxes b4. I didn't like how loud they were and never achieved good color with them.

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[kalan850]

Anyone used the sunblaze t5 fixtures from brs? If so how well are they working out for you?

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[oseymour]

If it's a standard 4 foot 75 gallon I definitely think you can grow the corals you described with the 2 a160s and a 48" 2 bulb T5 fixture.

Here is a youtube channel I follow - The guy has a 3 foot Red Sea tank, the link is to his latest video and you can follow his progress over the last year growing corals with only 2 A160 units. I think one of his videos he gives the percentage that he runs his lights.

You'll probably have to place your SPS corals for maximum light exposure and to limit shadowing but the softies and LPS