Lighting discussion

[VanDalsenReef]

I didn't read any responses. 36" water penetration, acropra dominant... you want halides, period.

Why I was looking at the orphek icon 960. Made for public aquariums or deep private reefs

 

[VanDalsenReef]

Now everyone may be asking why 36. Absolute nightmare. Yes, potentially. I also the potential of different behavior of fish given they can now move more freely up and down. Plus staghorns...I mean a 2 foot tall green slimer would be phenomenal with chromis darting in and out. Will I hate when things fall? Sure but that's what tongs are for.

 

[VanDalsenReef]

I do really appreciate everyone's help and opinion. Even the metal halide peeps. Haha. I do believe this will be something fantastic once it's completed. I will be documenting the entire process. So bare with me through it.

 

[JNalley]

I do really appreciate everyone's help and opinion. Even the metal halide peeps. Haha. I do believe this will be something fantastic once it's completed. I will be documenting the entire process. So bare with me through it.

How many 960's are you looking to get to gain the coverage?

I ask because you've said "3 x 400w MH's" in reference to the heat not being any fun, and watts are watts. The 960's are 360 Watts each... They're going to get nearly as hot... possibly hotter if you intend on doing 4 or more.

I'm not trying to drag you down the Halide route, as it's clear you don't wish to go there, I am just wondering if you've also considered that the Orpheks themselves will also be crazy hot.

 

[VanDalsenReef]

How many 960's are you looking to get to gain the coverage?

I ask because you've said "3 x 400w MH's" in reference to the heat not being any fun, and watts are watts. The 960's are 360 Watts each... They're going to get nearly as hot... possibly hotter if you intend on doing 4 or more.

I'm not trying to drag you down the Halide route, as it's clear you don't wish to go there, I am just wondering if you've also considered that the Orpheks themselves will also be crazy hot.

I've been told they run cooler but a watt is watt too. And apparently only 3 would be needed

 

[VanDalsenReef]

How many 960's are you looking to get to gain the coverage?

I ask because you've said "3 x 400w MH's" in reference to the heat not being any fun, and watts are watts. The 960's are 360 Watts each... They're going to get nearly as hot... possibly hotter if you intend on doing 4 or more.

I'm not trying to drag you down the Halide route, as it's clear you don't wish to go there, I am just wondering if you've also considered that the Orpheks themselves will also be crazy hot.

The heat thing is big but honestly not as big as the ability to continue to find parts and replacement etc. Unfortunately halides are just not the "thing anymore" and are either not being made for reefs or companies don't exist...which stinks because 400w ushio 14k was fantastic. Crisp white color and now the ability to add some fantastic supplement lights would be great. It's just not feasible in the long term.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I loved my orpheks. It's the 3 feet that worries me there won't be enough light to get all the way for acropora on the.sandbed

For me, I utilize the bars to cover that added area

 

[leepink23]

You could look at the Reefi Uno with 90 degrees lense. I liked my orphek but the led burnt out in less than 2 years, only have 1 year warranty. Reefi have 3 years. They do produce a lot of heat though, similar to halide, that’s the biggest downside.

 

[VanDalsenReef]

This was my set up when I had the 90. As you can see I have no problem going overboard and torching things

 

[VanDalsenReef]

You could look at the Reefi Uno with 90 degrees lense. I liked my orphek but the led burnt out in less than 2 years, only have 1 year warranty. Reefi have 3 years. They do produce a lot of heat though, similar to halide, that’s the biggest downside.

I will check those out. Thank you

 

[JNalley]

I will check those out. Thank you

Have you looked at the Maxspect Professional series, or the Kessil Public Aquarium series? I would bet the Kessils cost as much or more than the Orphek's, but I am willing to bet the Maxspects will come in cheaper. And if they're good enough for the Georgia Aquarium and the Florida Aquarium, they can't be that bad :-D

 

[VanDalsenReef]

The 3x 960 right now are under 3700. Hard to beat that

 

[Sdot]

Its 6 foot.

 

[peterboba]

I like 8 foot more than 6 if it is possible,
I mix both uno reefi pro 2 and radion G5, but I like reefi uno more, they provide pretty good par.
if money not a problem, you can order some T slot aluminum based on the size you like.