3 or 4 Mars Aqua 165W LED lights?

JCOLE · Mar 19, 2019

Hello everyone,

I just picked up a 150 gallon and I am in the process of building the set up. I have a 72" canopy built and ready for lights. I purchased (3) Mars Aqua 165w LED Black Boxes and now I wondering if I should install a fourth one for even distribution.

What does everyone think? Will three be enough or should I get a fourth?

Also, I have (2) Neptune Apex VDM modules on their way to hook them up for dimming as well.

Scorchx1245 · Mar 19, 2019

Need the dimensions. But a 4th wouldnt hurt and raise them high. I had one, I sold it. Just didnt like the spectrum. But it covered my 40 breeder decent 36 wide tank. I would of went with 2 165watts mounted with the skinny side facing the width.

JCOLE · Mar 19, 2019

Scorchx1245 said:
Need the dimensions. But a 4th wouldnt hurt and raise them high. I had one, I sold it. Just didnt like the spectrum. But it covered my 40 breeder decent 36 wide tank. I would of went with 2 165watts mounted with the skinny side facing the width.

It is a 150 gallon at 72.5x18.5x26.5.

JCOLE · Mar 19, 2019

If I go with a 4th then do you think it has a possibility of burning or bleaching the corals easily?

Mudder · Mar 19, 2019

Alot will depend on the corals you plan on keeping..If you plan on mainly sps then I would go with 4 on a 6 foot tank..if you are planing on mixed or lps and softies then 3 would work but 4 never hurt..burning or bleaching of corals will depend more on how the power setting you have them running on

JCOLE · Mar 20, 2019

Mudder said:
Alot will depend on the corals you plan on keeping..If you plan on mainly sps then I would go with 4 on a 6 foot tank..if you are planing on mixed or lps and softies then 3 would work but 4 never hurt..burning or bleaching of corals will depend more on how the power setting you have them running on

I went ahead and ordered a fourth light. I am going to wire all four of them to an Apex VDM module to control dimming, etc. Hopefully, the spread and par is good with four of them.

JCOLE · Mar 27, 2019

I have 4 mounted. Thinking this might be a little too much light? What do you all think?

FREAKINRICAN69 · Mar 27, 2019

h2oh2o said:
I have 4 mounted. Thinking this might be a little too much light? What do you all think?

I'm in the same dilema of choosing which way to go with lighting. i want to run a mixed coral tank and i'm not sure if to go the extra mile and just go for either AI prime HD, Kessil 360x or MARS? There's so many choices and i'm honestly so confused with which is the best way to go without breaking the bank nor neglecting the coral of there needs as well.

;Wideyed

alton · Mar 27, 2019

I have three on my 180 and to get a PAR level of 200 at 12" below the water line. I have them at 50% W & B on two of them, the third is a year older and it is at 100% to keep up with the newer ones. Without a PAR meter your are guessing at long term usage.

jda · Mar 27, 2019

Buy a 4th. If you need it, then install it. If you don't then you have a backup that matches.

While it seems that black boxes will always be available, they are always changing and sometimes it is hard to find the exact ones that you currently have as the models change.