Best bang for the buck???

[ReelRednekReefer]

I started my 90g ~3 months ago. Had a severe algea outbreak a couple weeks back. It cleared up with gfo/carbon reactor and 3 day lights out. Also I turned off my 2- 165w Chinese Full Spectrum LEDs. For 2 weeks since lights back on I've only used a 39w Finnex Ray 2 10k/actinic as I figured I'd build my light bracket in the mean time. In short they are not done yet.

While I was researching hanging ideas for these Chinese LEDs which is cumbersome at best as I don't like the hanging from the ceiling look, I came across several threads that report the light themselves are the source of several algea outbreaks. Also read a lot of opinions regarding t5s being the best way to get corals to color up. I have never been 100% happy with color spread of the the Chinese leds I have, they make a "red" zone in the center of the tank and the whites are too warm for my taste. I prefer the cooler more blue spectrum.



All my reading got me thinking about the need to go HIGH END with my lights however with all the option pendants, t5, 1w-3w-10w LEDs, hybrids, razors, kessil, Metal halide etc etc etc. I've been looking at lights but I'm a visual person and I have no stores near me that have a selection of lights to compare and honestly I'm at a standstill and slightly confused.

So here's what Id like in a light setup. I would like some bells and whistles like ramp up/down and moon lights. Digital timer and remote would be cool. Sleek polished is a must even if I have to save up longer. My kids would like the storm effects. (I tried a current orbit marine but I returned it due to most reviews reporting it as under rated for deeper tanks.) I'd like them to be mounted to the tank, be it legs or brackets but I need to be able to hinge the lights out out of the way if they cover the tank. Hanging is would be a last resort. I would prefer LEDs as bulb changing isn't something I'd prefer due to cost but I'm open to the idea if it indeed is the only way to get the best out of my corals.

I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[dbrewsky]

The reef breeders seem to have a good reputation for being a value forward, high quality product. They offer several designs that encompass most features found on other high quality units.

 

[ReelRednekReefer]

Ok. I will look at them more. They initially looked like the cheap units with a timer and remote. Thanks

 

[Shep]

Ok. I will look at them more. They initially looked like the cheap units with a timer and remote. Thanks

Most small brand lights looks very similar but you have to remember its what's inside that matters. Reefbreeders, ocean revive and reef radiance are all really good small brand LEDs. As for T5s being the best....well that is a debate that will never truley be settled lol

 

[ReelRednekReefer]

Most small brand lights looks very similar but you have to remember its what's inside that matters. Reefbreeders, ocean revive and reef radiance are all really good small brand LEDs. As for T5s being the best....well that is a debate that will never truley be settled lol

I would have to take your word for it as I'm still new to this. What is inside that makes them a better option or value than a Maxspect razor or Kessil pendant. I imagine I can find all the bells and whistles with any style of light so what is important. I know the wattage is important, but some have 6 10w LEDs like the AI's when others have a ton of 3 watters. I want even lighting to cover a 90g (48x18). What should I be looking for in a light? At this point I think I want the best LED available however I could care less if its name brand.

 

[Shep]

Most of the time the name brand lights are not necessarily better for growing corals but just have more bells and whistles.

 

[TreyC2010]

I have max spect razors and they are very sleek and they have made significant coral growth in a short amount of time. I have a deep tank too and I still haven't turned them all the way up yet. (70%) They don't have the storm setting but they do have sunrise to sunset and then auto and preset modes. Any questions about them, just ask. Good luck!

 

[ReelRednekReefer]

Trey, how do mount? Hangers or legs? If legs do hey fold out of the way for tank chores?

 

[TreyC2010]

I use legs and I have it under a canopy. They give you Velcro to stick to the tank and to the leg brace but I just got it tight and it holds fine. I can push the light to one side or the other when doing tank duties.

 

[ReelRednekReefer]

Nice! Thanks. I can get reef breeders which aren't as sleek for $400 less. Does anyone have an opinion as to justify the additional price?

 

[ilovereefing <3]

I have also heard that the reed breeders and reef radiance are nice fixtures, and grow corals well. I personally have two Ecotech Radion Pros over mine and I love them. I have had them for 6 months. It has all of the bells and whistles that you spoke of, and look like a million bucks over the tank. They do carry a hefty price tag, though. My tank is 48x24x24, and the two fixtures light up the whole tank with no spotlight effect and I am only at 25% intensity. Mine are hung using the tank mount kits made for the Radions. You can't really move them out of the way without undoing the mounts, but it can be done relatively easily. I have never needed to remove them from my tank to do maintenance. There is no "remote" per se, but I spent the extra cash and bought the ReefLink which allows me to have wireless access to my Radions from any computer, smartphone, or whatever via EcoSmart Live from anywhere in the world. I adore these lights! I had metal halide in the past and they were great, but heated up the house far too much and used A LOT of electricity.

Keep in mind this is just my opinion...but I think you will have an issue with algae no matter what lights you use if conditions are right for it. I have heard that the red spectrum in some of these lights can contribute to algae blooms, but if there is no "fuel" in the water to support algae growth, it still shouldn't happen. I have seen numerous beautiful tanks that go high on their red spectrum, but maintain algae free tanks. Check out this tank: http://reef2reef.com/threads/chris-algae-farm-elos-160.109257/.

Hope you find what you are looking for! Good luck!