Wave Maker & Lighting Recommendations for a 75-Gallon Reef Tank

Hoodb · Nov 14, 2024

I'm upgrading my 75-gallon reef tank and looking for wave maker and lighting recommendations. I'm building a new 75-gallon reef tank (focusing on soft corals) and starting over, so I am in the market to see if there has been better equipment released since I purchased my current set-up ~3 years ago. Quality is key for me, so I'm willing to invest in a good product.

Wave Makers:
I've been using Jebao SOW and they've been okay, but I've been curious about the wider models to create a more dynamic water flow. But, I've seen some mixed reviews, so I'm curious to know what you guys are using and loving.

Lights:
I'm currently using AI Prime lights, but I've been having some issues with lens warping and colour inconsistency. I've read that folks seem to be recommending Primes and Hyrdas so maybe I need to just replace my lights vs. find a different brand/model.

Any recommendations or personal experiences are greatly appreciated!

bradreef · Nov 14, 2024

I would say that the DMP models would be better with similar flow. The Nero copies are wider and could work for soft coral but, don't go as far in the tank. I run those on the back of my tank since it's only 30 inches to the front.

Lighting2 XR30's would the the gold standard.
A couple reefi uno2's would be solid as well and you would have to run them very low. You would just need to mess with the distance and 120 vs 90 lense. A couple noopsyche could be great but more of a budget option. The now discontinued reef breeder v2 pro's would be a great coverage option. Or the AI blades

Mr. Mojo Rising · Nov 14, 2024

How about a pair of gyres? I use a pair of icecap gyres in my 40 breeder, nothing moves water likes gyres.

For lights, get away from those AI Primes. XR30's or metal hallides or t5's

goosemans · Nov 14, 2024

I really like the Octo pulse pumps with the hydros wave engine. I currently have four primes over my tank but if I could go back in time, I’d probably get reefbreeders instead

minus9 · Nov 14, 2024

I think Radions would be my last choice and I wouldn't call them the gold standard. There are lots of great fixtures out there for half the cost of Radions, same with flow. Quanta, Reefi, Nicrew, etc

PharmrJohn · Nov 14, 2024

I'd consider the Photon V2 Pro. I'll be running 2 of those with my upcoming build. And you can get 'em pretty cheap these days. It's got a great spectrum and plenty of power.