Need some lighting advice

[wazupjames]

I am returning from a long break from the hobby due to moving and such. Starting to plan my next aquarium and I would like to get some thoughts from all of you. I have the NUVO Fusion 20g (24x15x13 high - Display is 24x12x13 high), have not set anything up yet as I am slowly acquiring all the equipment. Next on my list is a light - all my previous tanks were MH or T5 as I did not trust LED's at the time. I would like to go the LED route this time.

I have an unused 24 inch aquaticlife 24 Watt that was discontinued - I don't think it will be strong enough for this Nuvo 20.?.? http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticL...xtures-AquaticLife-AK01263-FILTFILDLK-vi.html

Planning on keeping - Zoas, Acans, Montis, Few SPS.

Possible Light Options:

Aquaticlife 24 - It's free because I already own it but I am not sure it will be enough light.

AI Prime HD - Cost is great for this light and it has awesome features but I have been reading that it might not be enough light for the IM20 and I don't want to buy 2.

Hydra 26 - Again great light but don't want to spend $350 if I don't have too.

Ocean Revive T247b - I am skeptical of this light but it seems to get great reviews, price is very tempting.

SB Reef Lights 16" xtreme - Another light I am skeptical about but the price is great and it gets some good reviews.

Kessel A160 - Decent price but again I am reading that 1 might not do the job.

I would go ahead and spend the $350 for the Hydra since it is a great light but I can see myself upgrading to a larger aquarium in about a year and will need to change lights again.

So, I am looking for some opinions / experiences / thoughts with these lights as I have never used LED's. Thanks!!

 

[Ron Reefman]

On a 13" deep tank and for the corals you are wanting to keep, any of these will work just fine.

The question is, what features do YOU want since these will all grow healthy coral just fine? Timers built-in, sunrise/sunset/moonlights, more than 2 channel color control, WiFi, online setting help??? None of this stuff really helps the coral, but they sure add to the bottom line cost.

I like having sunrise/sunset because I see the tank all day and it's nice to see it change. I also have 6 channel color control because I like to pretend I know what color the tank should be to help them grow (it's just a fantasy I indulge). Neither really affect the coral. But I don't like to pay the BIG bucks for name brands or fancy programming. It just adds too much to the cost. At least take a look at the 24" Reef Breeders Photon V2 at $350.

BTW, I use an OceanRevive T247 over my frag tank and it grows everything. My sps frags encrust frag plugs just like they did when I had MH.

 

[wazupjames]

Thank you for your feedback Ron Reefman.