Lighting Recommendation for new Reef Tank

[rennocneb]

I recently purchased a new tank for my wife. I have had saltwater tanks in the past but talking a long time back when halide was the light of choice. The tank i purchased is a Tideline Crystaline 66gal. It measures 36x20x21. I am looking for lighting recommendations. I don't want to burn stuff up but would like her to be able to raise any coral she wishes in the tank. She is very into plants so i could see her getting very interested in various Corals. The LFS sales both AI and EcoTech, i think some kessil, an neptune as well. The sales people push towards the AI stuff fairly heavily.

 

[shakacuz]

i only have experience with AI as i have two hydra 32hd's. if i could do it over again i would choose another pair of lights to light my 40B. the lights work, but the fact you're forced to buy new lens kits because they burn is ludicrous to me

reefi uno pro 2.0, reefbreeder photon are probably two i'd highly recommend. both lights i would buy in place of my current lights. to help supplement or reduce shading i would get 1-4 quanta pro led bars.

edit: also welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

 

[rennocneb]

they are recommending a pair of Hydra 32s on this tank does that seem adequate?

 

[TX_REEF]

Welcome and congrats on the new tank! Here are some options I'd recommend:

• Kessil AP9x. Superior shimmer and evidence of superior coral color development. Optics are designed to create a rectangular spread. Unlimited control over intensity, spectrum and scheduling. I use this on both my display and frag systems. https://amzn.to/4cwF1hJ
• Reefi Uno 2.0. Incredible value for money. 270 watts of power and unlimited controllability. https://www.reefi-lab.com/reefi-uno-2-0-pro/
• Noopsyche K7. Amazing option if you are on a budget. https://noopsychereeflight.com/products/k7-pro-iii-full-set-aquarium-led-coral-light

 

[rennocneb]

sadly as much as anything else asthetics of the solution will matter. The AI and EcoTech stuff can look pretty on their mounts with integrated cord management etc. Not looking to have to hang anything from the ceiling etc. if that helps narrow it.

 

[VintageReefer]

I second Reefbreeders. The photon 32 is perfect for your size tank, and the fixture is slim and silent. The matrix layout does better st preventing shading compared to puck style lights.

This is the 48” Photon to show the form factor. Spectrum is completely adjustable and programmable; these are evening photos / settings I use

 

[rennocneb]

I ended up doing the AI Hydra 32 HDs, on their HMS mount just so i can add a 3rd light if needed later. I like the look and control app. Do you think a pair of Hydra 32s should provide plenty of light for the tank? Some have suggested 3 which seems like a ton of light on a 36x20x21 to me

 

[rennocneb]

Just a note or question: Is anyone else running AI Hydras on HMS mounts? Mine's fan shroud touches the mount, making the fans click and give a fan error if left on. I certainly hope that's not an indicator of things to come. Having to run them guardless is not a big deal, but poor attention to detail.