New to Saltwater - Light Fixture Help

[bdongoron]

Hey Guys - I’m new to saltwater and currently working on my first setup. When I did freshwater/mbunas I ran a light bar, the Fluval plant 3.0.
I would ideally like to run a light bar again for the saltwater setup but am conflicted on what to purchase. I don’t hear great things about the fluval marine 3.0 for growing corals. I’ve looked at the NICREW 36w light bar on amazon and it seems to have fairly good reviews. I’ve also heard that reef bright xho and Quanta are good options, but have also seen mixed reviews on them.

I’m super ocd so hanging something from the ceiling is not an option. I also don’t want to mount a light to the back of the tank and have a cord running right down the middle. Here is a photo of my current setup. I need something that will sit or mount cleanly on rimless tank. My tank is 46”. I love the programmability that comes with fluvals app but at the end of the day I want a light that makes everything really pop and also the ability to grow corals. I’m in no rush, taking the build slow and trying to piece it all together one step at a time.

 

[SnazzyUrchin792]

I would either do an AI blade light bar or suck it up and do the ones mounted to the back of the tank.

 

[Jekyl]

Orphek makes nice light strips

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey Guys - I’m new to saltwater and currently working on my first setup. When I did freshwater/mbunas I ran a light bar, the Fluval plant 3.0.
I would ideally like to run a light bar again for the saltwater setup but am conflicted on what to purchase. I don’t hear great things about the fluval marine 3.0 for growing corals. I’ve looked at the NICREW 36w light bar on amazon and it seems to have fairly good reviews. I’ve also heard that reef bright xho and Quanta are good options, but have also seen mixed reviews on them.

I’m super ocd so hanging something from the ceiling is not an option. I also don’t want to mount a light to the back of the tank and have a cord running right down the middle. Here is a photo of my current setup. I need something that will sit or mount cleanly on rimless tank. My tank is 46”. I love the programmability that comes with fluvals app but at the end of the day I want a light that makes everything really pop and also the ability to grow corals. I’m in no rush, taking the build slow and trying to piece it all together one step at a time.

Look at Reefbrite XHO Or Orphek OR3 sky blue and blue plus.
Issue may be, they run either 36" or 48" in length. Current orbit lights have a bar on each end to adjust to tank but not a great light

 

[bdongoron]

I would either do an AI blade light bar or suck it up and do the ones mounted to the back of the tank.

Thanks man I’ll take a deeper look at those. Love the ascetic.

 

[Jekyl]

One ap9x would look great on and in that tank imo.

 

[bdongoron]

One ap9x would look great on and in that tank imo.

Thanks man looks like a heck of a light. Maybe treat myself to the ap9x down the road.

 

[bdongoron]

Look at Reefbrite XHO Or Orphek OR3 sky blue and blue plus.
Issue may be, they run either 36" or 48" in length. Current orbit lights have a bar on each end to adjust to tank but not a great light

Thanks so much man. The reef rite xho seems like a good starter light I may start there and upgrade down the road.

 

[Bruttall]

All the lights I have seen mentioned here are ok. But they are just ok, for 2 reasons, price and lack of wattage. NO matter what lights you invest in, you are going to have some type of hanging system that is not going to look as clean as no lights. I would strongly suggest small cables from hooks in the ceiling as being the cleanest look, but just about every light made has a kit to mount it on your tank. I am a big fan of the Reefi Uno 2.0 lights. This chart pretty much explains why but I will add these lights have a 3yr warranty, longest in the industy I do believe. If anyone else has a longer warranty I don't know of it, but I will wager they do not provide the level of customer service you get from the Reefi Lights. See for yourself if you have facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReeFiLove/

I run 4 of these lights on an 8ft tank, mixed reef 12inches above waterline with 90 degree relfectors. Running about half power I am over 100par on the sand in 27inches of water and do they grow coral, WOW!! Yes I am biased, I freely admit it. But it is hard not to love these lights when you see what they can for your tank/coral first hand.

 

[FernFish]

I would suggest the noo-psyche lights , they are the best bang for the buck reef light, they also have great shimmer