Lighting advice please.

[Dreamwolves]

Hi guys, I could use a little lighting help for my 40g breeder tank. I've been out of the aquarium scene for about 8 years and just set up a new tank about a month ago. I've got the aqua Ray 600 ultima 18,000k which has (4) 9K CREE ML-E Daylight & (4) ML-E Reef Blue emitters. What are your thoughts on this and can it manage corals other than zoas and softies?

 

[domination2580]

Hi guys, I could use a little lighting help for my 40g breeder tank. I've been out of the aquarium scene for about 8 years and just set up a new tank about a month ago. I've got the aqua Ray 600 ultima 18,000k which has (4) 9K CREE ML-E Daylight & (4) ML-E Reef Blue emitters. What are your thoughts on this and can it manage corals other than zoas and softies?

Sbreeflights all the way

 

[Dreamwolves]

I looked at SB and just not in my budget unfortunately. Here's a current picture of my tank. Base rock at the bottom and the live rock at the top.

 

[mcarroll]

How many watts is one of those and what lenses do they use?

I doubt one is going to be enough, but it depends a little what you want too.

 

[Dreamwolves]

These are the specs on the light fixture.

 

[domination2580]

Looking good sir!

 

[mcarroll]

400mm = 15.75" We'll get back to this...

At <2000 lux / 48 PAR...and only 12 watts soaking wet, you'd need at least 4....but 5 or 6 would be more ideal.

You basically need as many as will fit across the tank if you're looking to do a full on coral tank.

I've run lights similar to these successfully. In my case, four 12 watt/120º strips lit half of a 36x12" tank...would have liked five. But these were mounted right at the water line...they got splashed sometimes. (Made for it.) No 15" mounting height. You will have to do the same.

 

[Dreamwolves]

Thank you mcaroll, that is very much appreciated. I guess I need to figure out what lights I need to add since putting another 4-6 of these up is not really economical.

So, my other question would be: What do you recommend that will not cost an arm and a leg.

I really hate that I'm so far out of touch with the reef industry. So much has changed since I had my tanks. It was much easier for me with my MH! lol

 

[mcarroll]

I totally understand!

Get a lux meter so you can measure whatever lights you get.

1. A free lux meter app is fine to get you started. Especially if you haven't had a light meter before. E.g. "galaxy luxmeter" for iphone, but there are many
2. A $15 "lx-1010B" lux meter from any online reseller is much better, just have to wait for shipping.
3. These options will work well enough. Search the forum for "lux meter" or the lux meter's model number for more usage info.

A light meter is one tool that will take you a long ways toward demystifying your aquarium lighting. (Also use it to measure the lights where you buy your corals, etc) No more guessing!

As far as new lights:

1. What's your budget?
2. Are you willing to do an easier-than-usual DIY? If you can operate a twist-tie and screw in a light bulb, you can do this DIY.

 

[Dreamwolves]

I will definitely look into the lux meter. Thank you!

I have no problem with DIY stuff. I did my own frag grow out tanks out of 3 20 long tanks and drilled them and built the stands so I'm pretty handy for a girl.

As far as budget, probably a couple hundred at most.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Mcarrol and I both agree on the lux meter. I think it's worth testing like any other parameter.
Look into the used market for lights too. There are some great deals to be had.
If you don't mind craigslist Thera that and look for local reef clubs.

Coverage is quite important over a tank so you'll likely need two 16 in fixtures.

For cheap and new. In led 2 Mars Aqua on eBay are 90 each or one 300 w Mars on eBay. SBreeflights the no frills versions are good. The ocean revive t 247. Reef radiance are supposed to be pretty good and are pretty common in the used market. These are all what's called black boxes.
T5 are pretty inexpensive now a days too four of those will grow a lot and if your strip ramps up and down its a neat set up. Esp if you do a DIY floating canopy. I do like to always consider the "furniture" quality and looks of a tank not just function. I made one canopy from ikea curtain parts and fabric.

 

[PaReeferJ]

I ran 2 Mars black boxes on my 40 gal breeder. Just installed the SB reef lights retro fit kit on them.

 

[mcarroll]

Look into the used market for lights too.

+1

I meant to say this too!

 

[mcarroll]

I have no problem with DIY stuff.

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/267432-gu10-led-build-thread-chinese-ebay-lights/

You would have to modify the basic plan a little bit so check back here or p.m. me for further info if this seems interesting.

You should be able to build one of these for between 40 and 100 bucks. I think it's still the cheapest way I know to light a tank.