LED Lighting questions

[Dr. Suess210]

I'm about to set up my first big reeftank. I'm running a little ten gallon pretty successfully for over a year now.. my question is what lights do you guys recommend? I've been recommended radian g4's, kesss, or hydras. Can anybody recommend
A good set up for a 48 x 24 x 24 and whether or not a controller is needed.

Also opinions on return pumps? I was thinking if a vectra but I could get other pumps for cheaper.. I like what the vectra offers though.

[KorL]

All nice lights. If I had to choose and money wasn't a factor, I would go with radions. There's also less expensive leds like reefbreeders and oceanrevive that are pretty popular.

Would recommend a led with controller. Once you have it set up to your liking, you won't have to mess with it anymore

[crabbysd]

Its all about the budget.
You can light that with 2 16in Black boxes for 175, or look at the ramping bb models. The name brands and controllers are what begin to cost. The next two thing imo, is how much PAR do you want to deliver, and how does it look on the tank where it sits in the house.

[Dr. Suess210]

All nice lights. If I had to choose and money wasn't a factor, I would go with radions. There's also less expensive leds like reefbreeders and oceanrevive that are pretty popular.

Would recommend a led with controller. Once you have it set up to your liking, you won't have to mess with it anymore

Thanks for that info!

[Dr. Suess210]

Its all about the budget.
You can light that with 2 16in Black boxes for 175, or look at the ramping bb models. The name brands and controllers are what begin to cost. The next two thing imo, is how much PAR do you want to deliver, and how does it look on the tank where it sits in the house.

Price is a bit of a factor, but I also consider this an investment. I want to keep all varieties of corals lol

[DonJuan760]

Go with Radions! There's a reason you Rarely see the G3 and G4 ones for sale on here.

[crabbysd]

Price is a bit of a factor, but I also consider this an investment. I want to keep all varieties of corals lol

Thats why I gave you some lights with a LOT more power than you'll ever ever need.
SBreeflights. ramping and wifi, youll need two 16in , or wait till they come out with the 48in prob 500 600
There's a user Korl, selling a 48in photon v1 for $250 right now. That'll do it too. the Photon v2 is like 750

You want to be able to hit 100 to 200 par on the sand bed. you hit 6 to 700 at the top when you do it. (200 to 250 min for most all clams on the bottom) zoas about 100.

the radions are like 750 each and youll need two, I would go with three for better coverage.

I have 3 used ai sols on my 48 wide 55g. those fixtures are 12in wide.

you could also go with 2 or three 3 Kessil 360's too. $350 each but wont have as much power as the BB's or Photon. Im not a puck fan because of coverage, but you'll have enough power to grow highlight stuff.

two non timer Mars aqua will do it but its no frills and like $75 each.