Ideal LEDS

[Nickh517]

I have a budget of +/- 1000 and would like to get a set of lights for a 125 gallon tank 6ft long. I am wanting something I can hook to apex controller. Do not want to be limited on the coral I can have. I have a canopy that I have to install in some how. Please let me know what to get and pics of your similar installation for ideas

 

[mcarroll]

What's lighting the tank now and how do you like it?

If you do not like it, can you characterize some of the reasons why?

It will be helpful to know what you do or don't like about lights in order to get a light that you will definitely like.

 

[Nickh517]

LEDs are but not branded. They are on / off with one 3 way switch white/off/blue. I am unsure on there capabilities for coral. I bought the tank from someone who used it for FOWLR so I am assuming lights are not reef capable

 

[mcarroll]

Might be fine to get started....are you itching for new lights or willing to rock what you have? (For only $1000 it's going to be pretty similar to what you have, maybe with some other semi-useful colors included....so I would have a little trouble getting too itchy. DIY is an exception.)

Are the current lights either all-white OR all-blue, or is one of the settings BOTH WHITE AND BLUE AT ONCE?

Can you post pics of the units on the tank now?

 

[Nickh517]

both blue and white and once or just blue. I have more money in the budget and am wanting to get a setup for long term just have no clue. Been looking at the zetlight

 

[mcarroll]

Yeah, you'll want to supplement or replace.

But before we leave the topic – is there some ventilation though the top of the canopy for those lights? They really need about 6" of air-space (all LED's generally speaking) to breath right. If not ventilate ASAP.

One easy upgrade option that I didn't think of right off the bat is this:
72 Inch Current USA Orbit Marine Pro LED Aquarium Light$557.95

or

72 Inch Current USA DUAL Orbit Marine Pro LED Aquarium Light$1,079.95

Either one or two gets you corals....opt for the dual if you think you'll want to do clams or just want even-better coverage.

 

[Nickh517]

The back of the tank is screened. I plan to install a fan on the back. what would be the best way to ventilate. I want to get new lights before I start making mods to the cabinet

 

[Emmagmrtz]

I would suggest finding use led for sale. Or if you want new. You can do sb reef light

 

[Flippers4pups]

Mars aquas back when I first put them up back in October. Since then everything has exploded in growth.

Wifi, look into sb lights:https://sbreeflights.com/

 

[mcarroll]

The back of the tank is screened. I plan to install a fan on the back. what would be the best way to ventilate. I want to get new lights before I start making mods to the cabinet

You need a way for heat to escape UP....cut some holes in the top to facilitate whatever you end up getting.

Use the fans in the side(s) to feed cool/dry room air into the canopy at the same time.

 

[Nickh517]

also considered Kessil but not sure how to mount them

 

[mcarroll]

Unless you're budget doubled or tripled since the opening post.....

The AP700 is the only one that's really canopy-capable....you'd need three of them.

 

[Nickh517]

so many choices.

 

[706Reef]

Marsaqua like stated before could be a option they run about 90$ each but Neptune will not control it

 

[brogers]

Get 3 AI hydra 26 HD's....no need for apex
To control, they have a decent controller on their own.

 

[Nickh517]

well I have narrowed it down to the sb reef lights wifi or the ai hydro 26 HD. Still reading before I can make myself pull the trigger. I've been impressed with everything I've read about the customer service of sb reef lights

 

[AquaBelle]

I've had great coloration and growth of both sps and lps with SB Reef Lights and the owner/designer is very helpful.

 

[rmiles54]

Get 3 AI hydra 26 HD's....no need for apex
To control, they have a decent controller on their own.

I agree, very capable of growing coral. I have 3 of the first gen hydra 26 ran on the director over a 6ft 180 gallon tank. Mine are mounted in an open top canopy about 16" above the water. With the director, controls and features are great. Very pleased.

 

[rmiles54]

I have a bunch of stuff on or near the bottom. Getting good growth. These are iPhone pics for reference .

 

[reeferfoxx]

I like Mars Aqua, or any other "Black Box". But then again it's pretty much a pre-made DIY box with interchangeable LEDs, Lenses, and additional modifications like switching out fans or making them Apex compatible. $15 soldering gun and some Youtube videos can help/save tons. Not to mention they grow everything. Otherwise I'm partial to Reef Breeders Photon V2 and Orphek LEDs if SPS coral were an interest.