Best Lights for High-Light Corals (Large Tanks 100-350g)

[WanderingAlbatross]

Good evening all!

I've been pricing and comparing various pieces of tank equipment for my larger tanks. Lights seem to be my biggest kryptonite. And I've seen a few posts on here about lighting, but they either don't give tank size, or the size is too small.

Using these dimensions as a base L X W X H (60"X24"X24"), what lights would y'all recommend for a reef with high light corals?

Blessings

 

[rtparty]

3 Nicrew 200 Gen 2

 

[lbacha]

You should check out tank threads in the size you are looking. There are tons of potential lighting options you could go with. If you gave some requirements like budget, ability to dim, color preference, etc we may be able to help you narrow it down.

 

[WanderingAlbatross]

You should check out tank threads in the size you are looking. There are tons of potential lighting options you could go with. If you gave some requirements like budget, ability to dim, color preference, etc we may be able to help you narrow it down.

I'm looking for full spectrum, dawn/dusk cycle abilities and dimming. Used for corals requiring high PAR. I'd prefer something less expensive obviously, but I don't want to sacrifice functionality to save a couple bucks either. A dawn/dusk cycle is even debatable, I just need something that's geared for corals, and my local options are pretty limited, focusing mostly on freshwater and visually appealing lighting for fish viewing as opposed to grow lights.

Blessings

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

A8SE lights they are amazing!

 

[VintageReefer]

Just one of the new Reefbreeders meridian 45 can cover 60L x 24W x 32D
If down the line you need a little extra you can throw a matching edge bar on the front and back. Very sleek looking setup. And knowing RB these will be par monsters, with full coverage side to side and front to back. They were delayed, a few shipped out in December, and are expected to be fully released this month, and accepting preorders now.

Meridian Info

Meridian Meridian Key Features: Daisy Chaining: Multiple Meridians and Meridian Edge can be connected to a single power supply, supporting up to 600 watts of total power draw. Refer to the chart below for possible combinations. Three types of cables are available: • Solo Connector: Designed to...

reefbreeders.com

Quanta atlas lacks dimming and some controllability but would be the cheapest way to cover the tank and the spectrum is very pleasing

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

Have 3 Noopsyche K7 Pro III on my 72"x24"x32" mixed reef and have awesome results on all my coral. I run lights at a maximum of 80% blues and less for the rest. My pars are excellent throughout my entire tank.

 

[minus9]

Quanta Lights

 

[Tamberav]

Good evening all!

I've been pricing and comparing various pieces of tank equipment for my larger tanks. Lights seem to be my biggest kryptonite. And I've seen a few posts on here about lighting, but they either don't give tank size, or the size is too small.

Using these dimensions as a base L X W X H (60"X24"X24"), what lights would y'all recommend for a reef with high light corals?

Blessings

Reefi or quanta

 

[WanderingAlbatross]

Have 3 Noopsyche K7 Pro III on my 72"x24"x32" mixed reef and have awesome results on all my coral. I run lights at a maximum of 80% blues and less for the rest. My pars are excellent throughout my entire tank.

Nice! Do you think 2 would be enough for a 60x24x24, or go 3 just to be safe? I could situate the high-light corals directly under the core light output and use the slightly weaker edges for the more hardy. Price is good, settings look good. Would I need any kind of cone for better spread or do you run it as is?

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

Nice! Do you think 2 would be enough for a 60x24x24, or go 3 just to be safe? I could situate the high-light corals directly under the core light output and use the slightly weaker edges for the more hardy. Price is good, settings look good. Would I need any kind of cone for better spread or do you run it as is?

2 would work 3 would be best especially since they are so affordable. I just haven't bought a 4th because I have a single one on my 45 gallon and also don't want to make any changes if things are working out great.
I run them as is no cone and the light doesn't spill out with it 9-10" inches above water. Get the ones that come with the mounting arm.

 

[exnisstech]

I ran six noopsyche K7 pro III over my 72x24x24" 180g before I broke it down. They did well enough that I moved them over to my new 84x30x25" tank. I set my own light cycles and so I don't care about preset cycles or moonlighting and such.
Did I need six? Probably not but I was able to get 300 par on the bottom where I kept my clams.

I look at lighting and flow like money in the bank. You don't have to use it all (assuming stuff is able to be dialed down) but it is nice to have if you want or need it.

This no name acro on the back wall grew from a little frag under the noops

I also like my photons which I run on my acro tank and one other tank.

 

[WanderingAlbatross]

I ran six noopsyche K7 pro III over my 72x24x24" 180g before I broke it down. They did well enough that I moved them over to my new 84x30x25" tank. I set my own light cycles and so I don't care about preset cycles or moonlighting and such.
Did I need six? Probably not but I was able to get 300 par on the bottom where I kept my clams.

I look at lighting and flow like money in the bank. You don't have to use it all (assuming stuff is able to be dialed down) but it is nice to have if you want or need it.

This no name acro on the back wall grew from a little frag under the noops

I also like my photons which I run on my acro tank and one other tank.

Beautiful clams! I was hoping to keep a couple too. Nice to know these lights work for them.

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

Here is my tank in midday.

I ran six noopsyche K7 pro III over my 72x24x24" 180g before I broke it down. They did well enough that I moved them over to my new 84x30x25" tank. I set my own light cycles and so I don't care about preset cycles or moonlighting and such.
Did I need six? Probably not but I was able to get 300 par on the bottom where I kept my clams.

I look at lighting and flow like money in the bank. You don't have to use it all (assuming stuff is able to be dialed down) but it is nice to have if you want or need it.

This no name acro on the back wall grew from a little frag under the noops

I also like my photons which I run on my acro tank and one other tank.

Beautiful tank! Mind sharing your output from the light so I can test on my tank? Thanks!

 

[WanderingAlbatross]

I just considered another factor, what if the tank was euro braced? Would the arm bracket lights still mount properly? What about having a lid to prevent carpet surfing? Would I need to make cutouts where the lights will attach, or hang/bracket the lights over the tank with a bar?

Blessings

 

[ti_lavender]

I run 3 Reefi Uno Pros over my 60” x 30” x 24” reef. I max out at 60% and get 500 par mid level. Easily grow SPS.

 

[oreo54]

I just considered another factor, what if the tank was euro braced? Would the arm bracket lights still mount properly? What about having a lid to prevent carpet surfing? Would I need to make cutouts where the lights will attach, or hang/bracket the lights over the tank with a bar?

Blessings

Yes all that " stuff" matters.
Like any ecosystem it's all related.
The " issue" even supports a robust aftermarket....

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

I just considered another factor, what if the tank was euro braced? Would the arm bracket lights still mount properly? What about having a lid to prevent carpet surfing? Would I need to make cutouts where the lights will attach, or hang/bracket the lights over the tank with a bar?

Blessings

Yes mine is euro braced and it works fine. You put it in by loosening the screws all the way and then angle it towards you and it goes right over. Here is mine.

 

[bobnicaragua]

If your focus is going to be acropora, the best light is metal halide suplimented with T5 or LED bars.

I find keeping acros to be a little easier under halides.

I’m also a big fan of T5 LED hybrid.