New and struggling with decision

[MD Aquatic]

Hey People! Totally new to the reef scene but I have been keeping predatory salt tanks for about 20 years so I am hoping some of that experience will help me in my future plans.
Im currently starting a setup in a JBJ 45 Rimless and at the bottom is what I have in it so far.
My struggle is in choosing lighting. Right now I'm running the Current USA Orbit Marine 23W. Ive been assured by the good folks at Foster and at Marine Depot that this light should be sufficient for me but I have to admit, I have my concerns. I've been seeing good and bad reviews about the light and as with anything else in the hobby its hard to get a straight answer. I understand that, I really do. But I would love to hear opinions about it backed up by some actual intelligence rather than the typical "not enough Light" or "thats light works great."
I would love to be able to house anything I want, not that I will because I don't have a planned stock list but I want the option and I want to do it now at the beginning rather than mess with stuff like changing lights later in the process. I understand that good stuff costs money but for the size of my tank some of the lights I've been recommended seem a little ridiculous. Im not spending over $600 for a lighting system on a tank thats only 26.5" x 21" x 19. I think just with the viewing area its a few shorter than 26.5.
Im on a sub 400 budget, preferably less as I have a ton of coin put in already and have plans in the next few days for an RO/DI with all the water changes Im going to have to do. Ive spared no expense thus far and correct me if Im wrong but I don't thing I'm being stingy for not wanting to spend more than 400. Oh and I want to hang it so that should be with a stand or gooseneck.
Thats my whole spiel in a nutshell so that you guys can help me form an opinion whilst having the facts. Thanks a ton!

Hydor Slim Skim Nano (Nano for Space)
Innovtive Marine Minimax AllinOne Reactor - Running Aqaumaxx BioMaxx Pellets
Standard Fluval Heater
Hydor Koralia Nano 425 Pump X2
Hydor Smart Wave Controller
Tunze Osmolator Nano ATO
Marineland C160 Canister for water changes and cleanings
Current USA Orbit Marine LED 23W
Media - Seachem Purigen and Matrix in both sides

Im currently cycling and have a medium deep live sand bed and 50lbs of scaped dry rock

 

[moondoggy4]

Kessil 160 WE 225 for the light 40 for the goose neck and 20 for the 90 degree adapter and if you want to control it instead of using the dials 100 bucks. I think this l should be fine. great light and great company w/CS.

PS love your avatar

 

[MD Aquatic]

Kessil 160 WE 225 for the light 40 for the goose neck and 20 for the 90 degree adapter and if you want to control it instead of using the dials 100 bucks. I think this l should be fine. great light and great company w/CS.

PS love your avatar

Thanks friend, You think the 160 is enough? I eventually may want to have SPS or anenomes

 

[Bpb]

What features are important to you? You could put two AI Primes over the tank and have full control over every color with ramping profiles and be at your $400 mark without hardware. I know you don't WANT to spend that much but it's I believe to be the best option for coverage and performance in your range. I don't personally care about ramping and special effects. On/off and dimmable intensity (manual) is fine for me. In that case I would recommend a single Ocean Revive T247 panel. Under $200 and will grow anything you want just without the tiny form factor of a kessil or prime, and without the automatic ramping

 

[MD Aquatic]

What features are important to you? You could put two AI Primes over the tank and have full control over every color with ramping profiles and be at your $400 mark without hardware. I know you don't WANT to spend that much but it's I believe to be the best option for coverage and performance in your range. I don't personally care about ramping and special effects. On/off and dimmable intensity (manual) is fine for me. In that case I would recommend a single Ocean Revive T247 panel. Under $200 and will grow anything you want just without the tiny form factor of a kessil or prime, and without the automatic ramping

Im very strongly considering an ocean revive. I don't like having to hang it from the ceiling but maybe I can build something. Anybody know a reliable source for these and not a sketchy website

 

[moondoggy4]

The Ocean Revive are good lights, Reef Breeders are good as well with a strong following and great C/S thanks to Logan.

Another option is Hamilton with the 150 MH Nano set

 

[moondoggy4]

http://www.saltysupply.com/Maxspect-Razor-R420R-120w-LED-Lighting-System-20-5-p/ms1155.htm Maxspect Razor led light It has legs to sit on top of the tank.

 

[Bpb]

OR can be bought straight from the company. Oceanrevivellc.com

I got my two OR S026 panels on their July 4th sale for $135 each.

 

[Bpb]

I'll also say, I like reef breeders as well. Real similar products from the same manufacturers overseas. Just different spectrums. Both work just fine. I do take issue that the reef breeders seem to cost about 20-30% more for otherwise identical hardware.

 

[MD Aquatic]

Thanks guys, this is all really helpful, I decided to go with the Ocean Revive T247 ordered company direct. Im still a little nervous because I usually don't order online unless the website is solid. This is probably just me being a little too careful, I had a bank account get wiped of like 10 grand from something like that and almost didn't get it back.

I did a little searching on the tube and found some videos from CJ aquatics who is running the same lighting setup on the same tank, looked great. In fact he had switched to the same light I have right now and attributed some problems to the change. Hopefully this setup will work out great. Thanks so much for everyone's input.