180 lighting

[USCGReefer]

I posted asking another question in a different thread but I just acquired a free 180 tank. 25" x 25" x 72". Came with two 48-60" Current Orbit LED's. These are the first gen versions I think not full spectrum but I haven't powered them on yet so there may be more than just blues and whites.
Just curious if these are actually enough to support this tank. I'd be doing mixed corals, mostly LPS but I would like to be able to keep some of the "easier" SPS.

Thanks for any input/advice.

 

[Dbichler]

If first generation most likely not strong enough

 

[Pntbll687]

They're ok for fish only, but definitely need better for coral.

I did have success using 2 x 24in current usa lights on a 20 long. So it can be done. Probably would need 10 lights to get enough for lps in a 180.

 

[USCGReefer]

Yeah, I need to confirm the version I have. I'll likely be breaking down my 120 which I have an SB Reef light on. Thinking maybe trading for a couple of blackboxes combined with the current's if that would be enough. Maybe 3-4. We will see.

 

[USCGReefer]

Looking at the lenses, It may be the Orbit Marine Pro. They look like this powered off. I'll power them on tomorrow.

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[Kryptonian]

Agreed not strong enough, have the Orbit Marine Pro Dual LEDs (newest model) on a 75 gallon upstairs. I tried many different corals under them and very, very few thrived. It's basically a FOWLR + some zoas at this point. (Not to mention I lost a number or corals hoping these lights would work). Acans lost color quickly, hammers weren't very happy after time, nems started searching for more light, chalices withered. But zoas, those things are exploding under the orbit pros. Had to move all the other corals downstairs in 180 gallon under some gen5 XR15s. The Zoas would get eaten in the better tank unfortunately.

The orbits look great, are VERY white imo (not the best for looking at your coral coloration), have a decent controller app, but just don't do enough to bring PAR to your corals.

I definitely considered pairing the orbits with a T5 (that I'd flip on for about 2-3 hours only in the heat of the day). This probably would've helped a lot but I didn't want a large T5 setup on that tank, nor did I want to pay for one.. If you really like the orbits, this is one option to help keep coral.

Also just noticed you said the lights are 48-60 on a 72" tank. Way way way not strong enough since that probably means the lights are 48" long with metal extensions to get to 60". You'd absolutely need additional lighting.

 

[joseserrano]

Tank is 72x24x24. They are not enough. You know they rnt. You could use the’ temp, but will be replacing them sooner than later.

 

[MikeyA]

I agree with everyone's assessment. They are too underpowered for corals. I would seriously consider pairing them up with t5's. But on a different note @USCGReefer, are you in the guard stationed in Mobile?

 

[USCGReefer]

I agree with everyone's assessment. They are too underpowered for corals. I would seriously consider pairing them up with t5's. But on a different note @USCGReefer, are you in the guard stationed in Mobile?

Yeah, I was in Mobile. Transferred out a little over 2 years ago.

 

[USCGReefer]

I think what I will do with the lights is either try to sell the Currents and my SB Reeflight (48") for a better combination, or I'll just sell/trade the SB Reeflight for a few smaller blackboxes to supplement the currents. I'll have to see the Currents in action to see what I want to do.

 

[MikeyA]

Funny, I transferred in 2 yrs ago. Where are you stationed now?

I can't say how well the orbit lights work. But from my experience leds really benefit from t5 supplementation due to the shadowing leds give off.

 

[USCGReefer]

Funny, I transferred in 2 yrs ago. Where are you stationed now?

I can't say how well the orbit lights work. But from my experience leds really benefit from t5 supplementation due to the shadowing leds give off.

In Norfolk now, Mobile was one of our favorite spots to be. Lived in Daphne. Stay safe with those storms coming in.