Newb lighting question

[Tvarr]

It seems from all the reading I've done there are even more opinions than the vast array of choices on lighting! Please take a look and let me know if I'm daft or totally off base. I'm setting up a 75g 20"deep w/ 20g sump. It will have live rock/sand, about 6 smaller fish and possibly some colorful zoa's in the future. The canopy has 47 1/2" and 5 1/2" space under it.

I'm thinking of getting a Current USA 48" LED or possibly Aqueon LED with Blue and Colormax to fill it out.

Is one of these choices enough for my tank? Would two work better, a combination, or should I go another route totally. I'm thinking $350 is about the max I can go with lighting but I will save up for a more expensive system if it is the better long term solution.

Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[IowaReefer]

I could be wrong, but I am not sure either of those fixtures will support a reef. I would look for a used t5 or MH+t5 fixture and save for a true reef LED setup if that is your long-term goal.

 

[Miz40B]

Check out www.reefradiance.com definitely LED's for the budget reefer, without compromising performance. I'm running the LumenTek Pro 180 and couldn't be happier!
Drop Rick an email, tell him what your looking for and the amount your wanting/needing to spend.

 

[vpaul79]

If you want to go with the LED route, ReefBreeders is another option that sells value LED fixtures that CAN support a reef system. Check this one out example: http://reefbreeders.com/shop/reef-breeders-value-led-fixtures/

I avoid big box brands like Aqueon, Marineland and Corallife at all possible costs.

 

[melvinakshay]

I've had good growth with cheap Chinese brands as well. DIY is the best way but honestly zoas are not very demanding so you might be okay. At a $350 budget I would get used radions from this site. I see them dime a dozen

 

[Tvarr]

Thanks for the quick responses guy. I have sent the email to reefradiance and am looking at the reefbreeders as well. I'm going slow and will do the research. Any and all opinions here are welcome.