Lighting opinions

Aparker2005

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Hey all, apologies for the few threads lately on lights. Just discovered only 7 of our blue lights are working on all of our Current USA R24 52w lights. Had them 4 years now, not sure if that's just the Current USA quality, or typical led life for aquarium lights.

Anyway, we also have 2 of the 95w R24 lights that all work. I am thinking of putting one of these on my wife's 20g for the time being, or get her a Nicrew 100w.

So for my lights. It's a standard 72x18 125 gallon. Black plastic rim with 2 center braces.

I am likely going with Nicrew Gen2 for replacement, but unsure if I should go with 3x 150w, or 2-3 of the 200w.

I mostly want softies, euphylia, bta, maybe some spreader sps.

We are on somewhat of a budget also, so I can't spend a ton on lights. We also love the ramp up and down feature of the Current and Nicrew both.

I may would go with 2x Vipaspectra 165w, but we have no way and don't want to hang lights. Is there ANY options of mounting these without hanging?

Seems like Nicrew is our best option, but thought I'd check here.

With that many blue leds out, I'm assuming we're losing a ton of par obviously. I've never been overly happy with these Current lights, but they were free and the tank is still lit.

Thoughts an opinions?

Tank is pictured for reference.

Thanks!

20250217_172717.jpg
 

MnFish1

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Nice tank - no comments on which light would be better. You can sometimes get good deals used - however, not always lol:)
 
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Aparker2005

Aparker2005

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Nicrew did mention that they thought 3x 150s would be better, as 2x 200ws would be a little dim on each side.

The 200s max coverage is 36 36 though..... 2 of those would cover the 72". We don't keep many corals in the sides of this tank. Mainly zoas and mushrooms. Maybe 2 of those could actually work?

That would solve the mounting and sunrise/sunset issue with their controller..... Hmmmm
 

Hooz

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I would do 3 lights, whichever you use. The braces are going to cause shadows with any point source lights, but having three would mitigate it to some extent. So I guess my vote would be three of the 150s.
 

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