Lighting Question

lwaterman · Sep 22, 2015

I am looking to get new led lighting for my 125 gallon aquarium. I was just wondering what the difference between Fluval Marine and Reef and the Current USA Orbit Marine. I see that the Fluval has 25000 k and the Current has the combination of 8,000K/12,000K white along with 445nm/460nm actinic blue. Which one would any of you recommend? They are in my price range. Thank you for any help provided.

abecker · Sep 22, 2015

I had the orbit on my 75" aquarium, it wasn't too bright but I did like the features as far as ramping up and down for dawn and dusk and some of the weather modes. If your 125 is 6 foot long I don't think the orbit will be long enough though. I have only seen them up to 60" and that is with the legs fully extended.

twilliard · Sep 22, 2015

What do you plan on keeping?
Also are you talking about the orbit pro?

BEN young · Jan 19, 2016

Fluval is putting out thier wifi controller for these in stores now. They can controll 2 fixtures and are programable sunrise sunset ect. I have 2 of the 48-60 in on my 125 and its as bright as the sun

reefwiser · Jan 19, 2016

Neither of these would work on a 125 gallon I would get T5 fixture if money is an issue you could get a fixture at Home depot and install t5 bulbs. I have had club members buy these fixtures and then invite me to bring the Par meter to help adjust the lights. They just don't do good on a 125 gallon tank. At depth we got 0 par .

BEN young · Jan 19, 2016

I am here to learn,so when i ask questions please dont take it the wrong way. The par you measured, was it on the 2.0 marine and reef fixtures? And was it on the largest model, and if 2 are setup on the tank will that make a diffrence? Also the lights are 200$ each, money is not an issue

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 19, 2016

I have the Current USA Orbit Marine for my 55 standard. The ramp up is great the blue is great has almost 0 intensity.
I bought it to supplement spectrum and ramp. (and yea the night blue is REALLY nice)

twilliard said:
What do you plan on keeping?

+1.

A couple Mars Aqua black boxes pull the lens(ive been looking at) for spread or used t5 fixture is a better bet for the buck.

Heres an ebay seller with inexpensive decent quality bulbs,
http://stores.ebay.com/topdogsellers?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 19, 2016

BEN young said:
, money is not an issue

Than get Maxspec.

edit: because the other 2 are a lower budget rip off.

reefwiser · Jan 19, 2016

The current usa model I would have to ask the club member. Phil, @Duke4Life .

what model was your light we tested.

BEN young · Jan 19, 2016

reefwiser said:
The current usa model I would have to ask the club member. Phil, @Duke4Life . what model was your light we tested.

Ah, i thought you said you tested the fluval. No worries

BEN young · Jan 19, 2016

reefwiser said:
The current usa model I would have to ask the club member. Phil, @Duke4Life . what model was your light we tested.

Ah, i thought you said you tested the fluval. No worries

Duke4Life · Jan 19, 2016

reefwiser said:
The current usa model I would have to ask the club member. Phil, @Duke4Life . what model was your light we tested.

Do not get the marine orbit pro if you have a 6ft 125 because we did not get a reading til about 8 inches from the bottom (blues and whites at 100%), this was with light sitting directly on top of tank. It looks good but I'd go t5s ( these measured real good) or better led.