Planning out larger tank, looking for lighting opinions.

[corosato]

Starting to plan out a future tank upgrade, going to likely move to an 48 inch long 80 gallon shallow reef, about the largest tank I can feasibly have in my house. I'm trying to plan out budget and I was thinking of using AI Blades, would the 39" with the elevated arms be the way to go? Was thinking starting with 2 grows and adding a glow a bit down the line. Or would it just make more sense to go with 3 Primes? (About 16 and a smudge inches deep tank). I like the light spread better on a blade but not sure if it makes sense over the primes. This would be moving the corals over from my E170, mostly LPS with a couple basic SPS (Birdsnest/Stylo/Encrusters). Just looking for feedback as I plan.

 

[nereefpat]

If you are using a "bar" like a blade, why wouldn't you use the 4 foot version? 48" blades are 100 watts, so 2 of those sounds like a reasonable starting point to me.

Are you set on AI?

 

[corosato]

I didn't want to rest them directly on the tank, a little elevated was the hope. I am not set on AI I just was thinking that with the depth being only 16 inches these would be reasonable choices but I am definitely open to suggestions.

 

[Troylee]

Reef breeders.

 

[Chris Spaulding]

Reefbreeders have done me well. AI primes that I have all have melted the UV lenses. Also I am a fan of Ilumagic and my new tank are Sky. You can find some good deals on R2R market.

 

[corosato]

looking at their offerings a single 48 or 2 24s for reef breeders with the mounting arms?

 

[Cell]

Not a fan of the Meridian prices and paywall stuff from ReefBreeders. Absolutely love the Photon V2's though.

 

[Spare time]

If price isn't much of a concern, some kessils with the blades would look very nice. I think shallow tanks benefit visually from shimmer.