75 gallon lighting?
- Thread starter John A!10
- Start date
- Tagged users None
CC13
Valuable Member
This might be the first ever "Which lighting unit should I buy" thread that didn't end in an all-out battle and argument by forum members LOL
CC13
Valuable Member
Its because its Christmas.... everyone is too relaxed and mellow after the food and drinks LOL
SinCityRee4r
Active Member
BTW I also run the sb reeflight on my 40B softie tank. I have a local service person if I ever need it for my photon. I actually spoke to a person when I called for some support too. Mike at SB makes a good light too but mine is one of the early generations and I do not know much about the new stuff. this is my current program on my photon if you go this way. it is 12” off the water
OP
OP
John A!10
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2018
- Messages
- 958
- Reaction score
- 313
BTW I also run the sb reeflight on my 40B softie tank. I have a local service person if I ever need it for my photon. I actually spoke to a person when I called for some support too. Mike at SB makes a good light too but mine is one of the early generations and I do not know much about the new stuff. this is my current program on my photon if you go this way. it is 12” off the water
O and how did you rig up your photon did you hang it?
SinCityRee4r
Active Member
Sailingeric
Valuable Member
I have the Maxspect Razor X 200w on my 75 gallon. Got it at BRS for $599. I have been very happy with it.
This is my own opinion and based on my personal experience. LOL.
I just bought a Reefbreeders Photon V2+2 48" light. Will be here Monday. Ive only heard good things about it and right now it is $649.0 shipped. It will grow anything and is very controllable. I did a lot of research before buying it. Looked at all the brands and types. I just couldn't see spending tons more money for another brand to get the same results and quality.
You will need a 48" setup as you need to make sure you have total coverage.
I've run MH/T5 setups in the past. I had 4/400 watt halides and 8 T5 actinics on my 180 and it made great light and looked great as well. But it also made for hot water so a chiller was needed, lots of evaporation and then you also have to replace the bulbs at certain intervals. So a $250.00 used MH/T5 setup for your tank will cost you another 2-400.00 in bulbs within the next year pretty easily depending on what bulbs you buy. It was 10 years ago for me and I had bulbs that were over $100.00 each for the MH. So I was spending $600.00 a year for bulbs. You wouldnt need 400w MHs though. So lower watts would be less expensive. And not every one running MH needs a chiller. Just fyi..
But the cost of running MH is a constant thing and never ending.
The LED setup will provide plenty of light if you get the right setup. Some are cheaper, but no all are good for corals. I have a Current controllable LED light now that came with the tank. Its growing softies and actually a birdsnest great. But for harder to grow coals like Acros would need better than my current light. Thats why I am buying the Reefbreeders now. For the price, the Reefbreeders is an awesome setup. And the LEDs will last nearly forever. So spend a little more now, to end up saving tons in the long run. Plus you wont need to worry about the heat the others create.
I just bought a Reefbreeders Photon V2+2 48" light. Will be here Monday. Ive only heard good things about it and right now it is $649.0 shipped. It will grow anything and is very controllable. I did a lot of research before buying it. Looked at all the brands and types. I just couldn't see spending tons more money for another brand to get the same results and quality.
You will need a 48" setup as you need to make sure you have total coverage.
I've run MH/T5 setups in the past. I had 4/400 watt halides and 8 T5 actinics on my 180 and it made great light and looked great as well. But it also made for hot water so a chiller was needed, lots of evaporation and then you also have to replace the bulbs at certain intervals. So a $250.00 used MH/T5 setup for your tank will cost you another 2-400.00 in bulbs within the next year pretty easily depending on what bulbs you buy. It was 10 years ago for me and I had bulbs that were over $100.00 each for the MH. So I was spending $600.00 a year for bulbs. You wouldnt need 400w MHs though. So lower watts would be less expensive. And not every one running MH needs a chiller. Just fyi..
But the cost of running MH is a constant thing and never ending. The LED setup will provide plenty of light if you get the right setup. Some are cheaper, but no all are good for corals. I have a Current controllable LED light now that came with the tank. Its growing softies and actually a birdsnest great. But for harder to grow coals like Acros would need better than my current light. Thats why I am buying the Reefbreeders now. For the price, the Reefbreeders is an awesome setup. And the LEDs will last nearly forever. So spend a little more now, to end up saving tons in the long run. Plus you wont need to worry about the heat the others create.
SinCityRee4r
Active Member
This is my own opinion and based on my personal experience. LOL.
I just bought a Reefbreeders Photon V2+2 48" light. Will be here Monday. Ive only heard good things about it and right now it is $649.0 shipped. It will grow anything and is very controllable. I did a lot of research before buying it. Looked at all the brands and types. I just couldn't see spending tons more money for another brand to get the same results and quality.
You will need a 48" setup as you need to make sure you have total coverage.
I've run MH/T5 setups in the past. I had 4/400 watt halides and 8 T5 actinics on my 180 and it made great light and looked great as well. But it also made for hot water so a chiller was needed, lots of evaporation and then you also have to replace the bulbs at certain intervals. So a $250.00 used MH/T5 setup for your tank will cost you another 2-400.00 in bulbs within the next year pretty easily depending on what bulbs you buy. It was 10 years ago for me and I had bulbs that were over $100.00 each for the MH. So I was spending $600.00 a year for bulbs. You wouldnt need 400w MHs though. So lower watts would be less expensive. And not every one running MH needs a chiller. Just fyi..
The LED setup will provide plenty of light if you get the right setup. Some are cheaper, but no all are good for corals. I have a Current controllable LED light now that came with the tank. Its growing softies and actually a birdsnest great. But for harder to grow coals like Acros would need better than my current light. Thats why I am buying the Reefbreeders now. For the price, the Reefbreeders is an awesome setup. And the LEDs will last nearly forever. So spend a little more now, to end up saving tons in the long run. Plus you wont need to worry about the heat the others create.
reefbreeders photon is awesome. growing all types of sps. my WD acro frag I just got loves it. great polyp extension.
here it is now.
WD Acro
vetteguy53081
Well known Member and monster tank lover
Partner Member 2024
Excellence Award
Reef Tank 365
RGB
Article Contributor
Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
West Palm Beach Reefer
Hospitality Award
Ocala Reef Club Member
305 Reef Club
Wisco Reefers
Midwest Reefer
Fish Medic
MAC of SW Florida
Rock Pool Reef Keepers
R2R Secret Santa 2023
My Tank Thread
My Aquarium Showcase
For that money-
A pair of SB Reef WiFi
A Pair of Ai Prime HD
A pair of Kessil A360we
48" Hybrid in which you can add LED as you can afford them
ReefBreeder Photon
Of all listed : the Ai Primes - THEY GROW EVERYTHING ON MY LG CUBE TANK AND MY DROP OFF TANK
A pair of SB Reef WiFi
A Pair of Ai Prime HD
A pair of Kessil A360we
48" Hybrid in which you can add LED as you can afford them
ReefBreeder Photon
Of all listed : the Ai Primes - THEY GROW EVERYTHING ON MY LG CUBE TANK AND MY DROP OFF TANK
Lousybreed
Well-Known Member
6 bulb sunblaze T-5 fixture. 2 blue plus, 2 actinics, One KZ coral light, and you last light can be another blue plus, actinic, or a purple bulb for color. It will be your cheapest option. Replace bulbs every 18 months. Buy your bulbs around thanksgiving to save 10-25%.
