Is the difference worth it?

[Kevinsreefs]

So the orbit marine would do just fine with anemone, soft at lps?

I wouldn't recommend it especially with anemones but I will admit I've had some thrive under the orbit marine, until I upgraded my nano to the SB Reef Lights

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

anemone,

Never done it should be fine.

soft at lps?

yes I do belive so.
Look at the spec posted and compare to your depth AND aqua scape. You'd like 100 par on the sand and higher on a rock. Im somewhat sure a nem would like more than 100.

 

[Frop]

So the orbit marine would do just fine with anemone, soft at lps?

I think the orbit pro would be fine from the graph. They say anemones want more light so if he was on a rock 6" up he'd get it.

My only question is what the spread on the tank would look like since the lens on the pro is 60 degree and it would be sitting right on the top. Well I guess amazon always takes returns

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

My only question is what the spread on the tank would look like since the lens on the pro is 60 degree and it would be sitting right on the top.

yup. good point

 

[GoVols]

The Pro for sure.....should work well!

I've ran the Pro since last spring and have no complaints.

I did swap it out last week for some Kessil a80's in my T5/Led canopy but I just wanted the Kessil shimmer with the Kessil Pro logic.

Hard to beat the Pro with the ramp timer at the Pro price point

 

[GoVols]

I think the orbit pro would be fine from the graph. They say anemones want more light so if he was on a rock 6" up he'd get it.

My only question is what the spread on the tank would look like since the lens on the pro is 60 degree and it would be sitting right on the top. Well I guess amazon always takes returns

Frop,
My BTA did great at 12" under the Pro but every bta is different. Some are just moody boogers.

I'll say this if you have a wide tank then the Pro spread is a lot less and more focused then the regular orbit.
I guess that's why they offer the dual option for the Pro models

They may be low watt bars but they can still cook some corals

Regards, GoVols

 

[GoVols]

So the orbit marine would do just fine with anemone, soft at lps?

Yes, and the Pro does very well with SPS too.

 

[Frop]

Frop,
My BTA did great at 12" under the Pro but every bta is different. Some are just moody boogers.

I'll say this if you have a wide tank then the Pro spread is a lot less and more focused then the regular orbit.
I guess that's why they offer the dual option for the Pro models

They be low watt bars but they can still cook some corals

Regards, GoVols

I had a long tentacle anemone. He never ate anything. He didn't seem to like my water either because he didn't root in the sand anymore. Eventually it died. I never turned the lights up a bunch (though I'm at 1/3rd power) because I was worried about bleaching the neighboring softies. Probably get a different species next time.

 

[GoVols]

I'm really only experienced with BTA's so I can't speak for the needs of a long tentacle.
I run the lights for my mixed reef and the BTA's they find their happy spot

I never spot feed my bta's but I feed RS "Reef Energy" a few times a week.

lol, I'm sure my clowfish poo in them while the bta's host her so... I'll call that their spot feeding

 

[GoVols]

I'd like to wrap my thoughts about the orbits on this note.

I feel saltyfilmfolks has a great understanding about what the orbits can and can't do.

So if your describe your setup and state what your trying accomplish with any of the orbits, then by all means follow saltyfilmfolks incite.

He could show you to another brand that's up his sleeve that is a better fit for your reefs needs and what your trying to accomplish in the long haul.

Regards, GoVols

 

[Reefing newbie]

I am curious what the ops goals are long term. Do you plan on upgrading your tank soon or in the future? Would it be more up your way to get something that might be able to grow with your tank or keep something that will be just on this tank.

I only ask because the orbit marine has specific sizes that it works for. Not sure if you're able to take off the legs if yoh plan to upgrade but one of the benefits to the black boxes are they are cheaper and it can upgrade with your tank but you'll need to buy another one once you get above a 24 inch tank. That being said sbreef lights come with legs to hang onto your tank so they will not be needed to hang. The basic model is priced at 129 I believe and work very well with a nice color spectrum.

Now if you plan on keeping the tank you have for years to come and are happy with the looks of the orbit then I say go for the basic model for now.

This also depends on how long you've been in the hobby and if spending more money is worth it to you because I don't want to see you waste money or buy something that you won't use for very long. I know I've done it and I've moved through different lights and other equipment to try them out first hand.

Just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt

 

[R.moore80]

I did end up with the sb reef light Sbox 16 basic, I will go to lowes and get a timer for it and all shall be good in the hood!

My plans for future tanks are in the air considering I'm 19 and do not live with my parents I have a hand full of adult things to pay for and my budget is normally low unless I win a few hundred bucks here and there racing... that normally goes to my tanks!

When I move in June - July I will be taking my 10g nano we are taking about and I will either keep it for a while or tear it down and use what I can on a larger tank!
Either a 40 or a 75-150 haven't decided and probably won't for a while! But the sbox could always be hung over those other tanks too! Or in the sump I guess!

 

[Reefing newbie]

I did end up with the sb reef light Sbox 16 basic, I will go to lowes and get a timer for it and all shall be good in the hood!

My plans for future tanks are in the air considering I'm 19 and do not live with my parents I have a hand full of adult things to pay for and my budget is normally low unless I win a few hundred bucks here and there racing... that normally goes to my tanks!

When I move in June - July I will be taking my 10g nano we are taking about and I will either keep it for a while or tear it down and use what I can on a larger tank!
Either a 40 or a 75-150 haven't decided and probably won't for a while! But the sbox could always be hung over those other tanks too! Or in the sump I guess!

Honestly I think that was a good choice to go with that. Sounds like a good plan and like you have a lot to look forward to.

Exactly my thoughts on the sb box and why I suggested it as well as someone before me. If you choose the 40b one would be good for the most part but 2 is better. Near the edges of the tank the par would drop off but you're still able to grow low light corals and I had some hammer coral that was doing well on the sides as well. Anything above that though I recommend a minimum of 2 depending on what you want to grow.

Good luck and make a build thread whenever you choose to upgrade next. I would be interested in seeing it and I am interested in your 10g right now s well

 

[Frop]

I did end up with the sb reef light Sbox 16 basic, I will go to lowes and get a timer for it and all shall be good in the hood!

My plans for future tanks are in the air considering I'm 19 and do not live with my parents I have a hand full of adult things to pay for and my budget is normally low unless I win a few hundred bucks here and there racing... that normally goes to my tanks!

When I move in June - July I will be taking my 10g nano we are taking about and I will either keep it for a while or tear it down and use what I can on a larger tank!
Either a 40 or a 75-150 haven't decided and probably won't for a while! But the sbox could always be hung over those other tanks too! Or in the sump I guess!

I'm on a budget build for the most part which is why I also have a 10 gallon.

If you don't already check Craigslist I suggest you do. I got a 58gal with 20gal sump, plumbing, stand and skimmer for $150. I never intended to go past a 40gal breeder for my next tank but.. very helpful for budget friendly stuff.

 

[R.moore80]

I've definitely grown to Craigslist in the last few day I will be keeping a close i on it incase anything good pops up!