Yep the prices in this hobby are ridiculous. Back in the 90’s I paid $300 for a large metal halide/compact Florencent fixture. And I could get an entire large colony of SPS for the same price you pay for a little nub now. I have no idea about those lights but there is someone out there that does.
. Brand name is not always the best bet, the technology in leds is all about the same. Mixing led with t5 has had some amazing outcomes, but still at a cost. . If it take me an extra year for my reef to get to a point that’s okay. Some use this to fund their hobby, which would make sense why they need growth etc. but whatever you choose to do and or how it will be neat to see what you come up with 
Thank you everyone, I have an odyssea t5 fixture with 4 bulbs, would that be worth it to just replace the bulbs? I was told it's an old fixture. I also dont know what bulbs to replace with for the right colors. It has 4 blue tiny led lights for night but a few dont work and I dont know where to get those from either. I already have the orbit marines, where would be the best place to sell them if I dont need them? I'd like to have the freedom with my lights to get anything I want if ever I come across say a sps or maybe a clam when I get more experience, if I need to purchase a new light what would be the best for around $500. Tank is 48x18x24.
Hello,
My honest suggestion would to visit a local aquarium and see their reef tanks. Find one that you find truly amazing in your own eyes, and then ask them what lights they use. Most aquariums do not use hydra or radions. They normally range from the Chinese black boxes to (which are similar to the viperspectra boxes, current usa, some still use t5 and mh others use other forms of leds. Most aquariums are non profit so they seem to make amazing reefs on a very small budget.
As we all can have respectful opinions about leds brands and so forth, we all don’t have the same budget. Yes there are leds out there that can probably make coffee, but that’s why we buy a coffee pot
Some reefers goals are to see how fast they can grow sps or their reef and that of course is by definition a hobby. Others which I include myself into, just want to have part of a reef or ocean in their home
If you have around 500 to spend i would do 2 prime hd lights the lights are 200 each and the mounts are 25 to 30 depending on the mount. So total 450 or 460. They are better quality and more controllable.Thank you everyone, I have an odyssea t5 fixture with 4 bulbs, would that be worth it to just replace the bulbs? I was told it's an old fixture. I also dont know what bulbs to replace with for the right colors. It has 4 blue tiny led lights for night but a few dont work and I dont know where to get those from either. I already have the orbit marines, where would be the best place to sell them if I dont need them? I'd like to have the freedom with my lights to get anything I want if ever I come across say a sps or maybe a clam when I get more experience, if I need to purchase a new light what would be the best for around $500. Tank is 48x18x24.
I am also not a fan i used to like current but i feel their customer support has gone down. They no long care about their dealers. I also have noticed that there quality has gone down hill i have had more lights with burned out leds in recent time. I have also noticed when they are new the first year or so they grow stuff and then it slows until it stops as they age.
Hello
My tank is 240 gallons 34 inches tall and 24 deep and 72 long and is just about a year old. I have the beast versions of
The marine orbit pros (60 degree lens), so for those who doubt them (which is their right) please tell me what’s wrong with my display tank. Not to mention I have a Maximus clam that is 24 inches down or 28 one of the two and does amazomg, and we know they are very light demanding.
Beautiful tank Sarah!Hello
My tank is 240 gallons 34 inches tall and 24 deep and 72 long and is just about a year old. I have the beast versions of
The marine orbit pros (60 degree lens), so for those who doubt them (which is their right) please tell me what’s wrong with my display tank. Not to mention I have a Maximus clam that is 24 inches down or 28 one of the two and does amazomg, and we know they are very light demanding.
My goal is to keep everything alive and enjoy watching everything grow doesn't have to happen fast I learned first thing was this hobby will teach you patience if nothing else because everything is done and has to be done slow. I just love the water world. Its fascinating and beautifulHello,
My honest suggestion would to visit a local aquarium and see their reef tanks. Find one that you find truly amazing in your own eyes, and then ask them what lights they use. Most aquariums do not use hydra or radions. They normally range from the Chinese black boxes to (which are similar to the viperspectra boxes, current usa, some still use t5 and mh others use other forms of leds. Most aquariums are non profit so they seem to make amazing reefs on a very small budget.
As we all can have respectful opinions about leds brands and so forth, we all don’t have the same budget. Yes there are leds out there that can probably make coffee, but that’s why we buy a coffee pot
Some reefers goals are to see how fast they can grow sps or their reef and that of course is by definition a hobby. Others which I include myself into, just want to have part of a reef or ocean in their home
