Lighting help

[nicks8201]

I have a 75g mixed reef tank with fish and started adding corals recently. I’m running a current USA IC light right now, I was looking into purchasing another but upgrading to the current Marine pro the newer light will this light with my other light help my corals?i really like the look the LEDs put out, In future I want to add some acros. I hear a lot of people like the T5s but I can’t hang anything from the ceiling my tank is in the living room and I want something neat. Any advice on lighting would help don’t really want to spend more than $700

 

[Kryptonian]

Just my 2 cents here, but I was running the Current USA Orbit Marine Pro Dual LED on a 75 reef. This was an upgrade from stock lights. Corals went in after the dual LEDs and were very clearly were having problems. I lost a lot of corals before transferring them to another tank with Gen5 XR15 Blues. I'd suggest looking into a Radion Pro XR30 especially if you're thinking acros on LED. There are tons of options that will work, that's just a suggestion.

 

[nicks8201]

I was looking at the xr30 but how many would I need for a 75g.

 

[Kryptonian]

BRStv has a video about par reading with the XR30. I would probably guess just 1, two would be way OP I think on just a 75 gallon. I have two, soon to be three XR15s on a 180. Might actually be better for your tank to look at two XR15s instead to spread out the par better. They really are fantastic lights.

 

[BrandonS]

In my experience the current USA lights just don't have enough par for many corals. You could go lots of ways in the way of lighting. I am a fan of black boxes (mars aqua, viparspectra, etc..) Ocean revives are also good. Most fixtures you would want 2 for a 75 gallon. Could also do 2 kessils, 3 prime 16 HD's or 2 radion xr15's. Lot's of ways to get the job done.

 

[nicks8201]

In my experience the current USA lights just don't have enough par for many corals. You could go lots of ways in the way of lighting. I am a fan of black boxes (mars aqua, viparspectra, etc..) Ocean revives are also good. Most fixtures you would want 2 for a 75 gallon. Could also do 2 kessils, 3 prime 16 HD's or 2 radion xr15's. Lot's of ways to get the job done.

I was looking at the black boxes but lot of people told me they die quick and there’s not enough PAR in them. Is that true

 

[Randallh99]

Can also do 2 hydra 32s which would come in at just about 700 bucks

 

[Heabel7]

I was looking at the black boxes but lot of people told me they die quick and there’s not enough PAR in them. Is that true

100% false. 2 WiFi black boxes will run you under $300 and can post par numbers off the charts. I would spend double and get a photo v2 from ReefBreeders if your going budget. But black boxes WILL get it done

 

[vetteguy53081]

Two Ai hydra 26hd or 32Hd

 

[nicks8201]

100% false. 2 WiFi black boxes will run you under $300 and can post par numbers off the charts. I would spend double and get a photo v2 from ReefBreeders if your going budget. But black boxes WILL get it done

Thanks That’s good to know I just want something that’s going to last and make the tank and coral look good

 

[BrandonS]

Thanks That’s good to know I just want something that’s going to last and make the tank and coral look good

as mentioned the par can be off the charts. I wouldn't go much above 35 percent blues and 10 whites for most of the 165 watt black boxes. I have had a viparspectra over my frag tank for 2 and a half years now with no issues.

 

[nicks8201]

Do you guys think I need 1 or 2 360we if I’m using it with a aquatic life t5 hybrid or should I get a different T5 hybrid

 

[BrandonS]

Do you guys think I need 1 or 2 360we if I’m using it with a aquatic life t5 hybrid or should I get a different T5 hybrid

for a 4 foot tank I would say yes on 2 kessils

 

[Lovefish77]

2 words: Reef Breeders will cover 75 perfectly. Orbit Marine dont have enough oomph to grow things, maybe softies. Reef Breeders is the way to go

 

[Deschutes541]

Another vote for Reefbreeders. Photon V2+ 48" is $700 on BRS. Includes legs and cables for mounting.