LED suggestions for a 65g

[Greg Depo]

My head is spinning researching which led lighting I should consider for my new 65g flat back hex tank.

I actually already purchased the orbit marine led and after a week I’ve been very underwhelmed and it’s being returned. Many of my corals under that light really suffered. So for now it’s back to my OceanRevive.

So my issue at this point is a budget of 300 and looking for a sleek LED solution that keeps my corals happy.

All suggestions are welcome.

 

[BayouReefer]

Have you looked into the Red Sea REEFLED lights? I have been shopping for light for months and that’s what I decided to go with I just bought 4 of them should be in Friday can’t wait!

 

[Greg Depo]

Have you looked into the Red Sea REEFLED lights? I have been shopping for light for months and that’s what I decided to go with I just bought 4 of them should be in Friday can’t wait!

If I could afford it I’d totally jump in with you ha. I’d have to get at least 2 for a 65g. That blows my budget out of the water! Maybe I need to save up a bit more!

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Take a look at the Reef Breeders Photon V2+ The 24" is a tad more than your budget but it's more than powerful enough for that size tank.

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-24-v2/

I ran the 48" version on my 75 for over a year and got very good results from it.

 

[Greg Depo]

Take a look at the Reef Breeders Photon V2+ The 24" is a tad more than your budget but it's more than powerful enough for that size tank.

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-24-v2/

I ran the 48" version on my 75 for over a year and got very good results from it.

The ocean revive I have on the tank now has substantial shadowing in the corners. It too is roughly 24” wonder if the photon 24 would see a similar result?

Says back ordered too wonder if it would take awhile to get.

Thanks for the suggestion. Definitely considering it.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

The Ocean Revive is a much smaller fixture compared to the Photon. Also the Photon's LED's are spread out more and have 90 degree lenses on them, so if you mount it 10-12" above the water it should provide very nice coverage. You can try raising your Revive up to see if it will get any better coverage. Just remember that you will need to raise the power output to compensate for the increased height. On the photon I went from 8" to 12" and had to increase all the channels about 25% to maintain the same par levels. So you can expect to have to do the same on the Revive if you try raising it.

 

[Greg Depo]

The Ocean Revive is a much smaller fixture compared to the Photon. Also the Photon's LED's are spread out more and have 90 degree lenses on them, so if you mount it 10-12" above the water it should provide very nice coverage. You can try raising your Revive up to see if it will get any better coverage. Just remember that you will need to raise the power output to compensate for the increased height. On the photon I went from 8" to 12" and had to increase all the channels about 25% to maintain the same par levels. So you can expect to have to do the same on the Revive if you try raising it.

So the ocean revive is only a temporary solution since I sent back the current marine light I bought for this build. I’m definitely interested in the photon and I would probably take it a bit higher to get coverage. I appreciate the info on that too. Wouldn’t mind finding a used one on the forum that’s for sure!

 

[Phil D.]

We just got a Red Sea E-170 with the Reef LED and it's a really great light!! I had a couple corals that didn't like my Hydra 26 HDs and were bleaching out, put the into the 170 and they are coming back better than ever.