So I dropped out of the hobby after a tank crashed due to heater failure about 4 years ago and obviously a LOT has changed since then. I have a 30g oceanic that am considering upgrading the light on, primarily to reduce heat and energy costs and to avoid having to constantly replace bulbs. I already have a workable 150w Halide + 2 t5 hood so I can use if the LED options aren't compelling.



That's not my actually tank but it's basically right. What would be an appropriate LED fixture for this that can handle a slow sunrise/sunset ramp up? I really have trouble seeing myself spending more than 300 on the lights with out some convincing. This hobby is far too good at convincing.

I've done a little research and found the Hydra 24 by Aqua Illuminations and the Kessil a160we and they seemed in the right range. It seems to me like the Hydra really should be sufficient but is the Kessil enough to cover a tank of this size? I am aware of the 360 but it seems a bit high to me at 400. I would like to keep photosynthetic gorgonians and possibly some LPS along with a whole lot of macroalgae.