Lighting Questions for a new reef build

[blue.flyzz]

About 3 years ago, after a 20 year absence from the hobby, I started a 75 gallon FOWLR. It's run well and last year I bought a Marineland Double Bright LED at a great price...I tried a few mushrooms and polyps and was instantly hooked....I plan on getting a 125 gallon and want to do a full reef. The lighting choices are driving me insane, I'm looking at getting two Evergrow IT2060s, don't see many reviews but the ones I saw were all positive....would appreciate some expert help on making a decision....thanks

 

[Reefing Madness]

Good call on the lights, not much those can't do for ya.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

I have a 125 with a vertex illumina light fixture. It really works well for me. I agree with you there are so many choices it is hard to pick one.

 

[blue.flyzz]

thanks guys, and two will be enough at 24" each to cover whether I chose a 125g which is 5' or 6' in length?

 

[Wildman926]

I use 3 BuildMyLED.com strips. I only use half of their tank mounts, no shadows (I have a custom tank with two braces), no wires, no brackets, no cords dangling, Just a very clean seup. You can create your own spectrum or purchase their preconfigured units. I purchase one Custom Reef Spectrim (12000k), one 14000k (more blue look) and one Super Reef Actinic.
Here is a thread on their forum that shows the level of service and expertise they offer their customers. You won't see that from other vendors. They have a 3 year warranty, and can be controlled by a reef controller. http://forum.buildmyled.com/index.php?threads/new-374g-build-with-custom-leds.192/
Here are some pics.

 

[Reefing Madness]

No, 2 led unit will not cover a normal 6' 125g tank, your going to need 3 of them.

 

[Ron Reefman]

No, 2 led unit will not cover a normal 6' 125g tank, your going to need 3 of them.

Whoa there! Let's not be so hasty. Maybe you want to reconsider? Now I'll agree that 2 IT2060's on a 6' tank is fairly light weight when it comes to having enough light for a good mixed reef. It's fine for a FOWLR with a few easy corals. You'd be better off with 3 IT2040 (basicly 50% more leds and better coverage) which could grow most anything, but 2 IT2080's will cost less and give you even more light (100% more leds than 2 IT2060's) at 30-40% more cost. And I'd be even more inclined to wait a month to see just how good the new OceanRevive (R2R sponsor) next fixture works. I've talked with them and I'm considering changing out my IT2080 for their new system when it comes out!

I have two EverGrow IT2080's over my 6' long 180g DT and it's way more than enough light. Heck, I run them at 905 power for the blue channel and 50% for the white channel and have 200-225PAR at the sand and sps & lps corals growing down there!

 

[Reefing Madness]

Your IT2080 is 32" long
The IT2060 is only 23.5" long

 

[Ron Reefman]

Your IT2080 is 32" long
The IT2060 is only 23.5" long

No kidding!

I said he'd need 3 IT2060's or better 3 IT2040's or 2 IT2080's. I know the lengths. I was just making it clear he could do just 2 fixtires AND save money!

 

[blue.flyzz]

Thanks guys I appreciate the advice and awesome pictures you posted, I can't wait to get my build underway. Ron I am so jealous of that set up you have it is absolutely beautiful!!!!!

 

[Reefing Madness]

No kidding!

I said he'd need 3 IT2060's or better 3 IT2040's or 2 IT2080's. I know the lengths. I was just making it clear he could do just 2 fixtires AND save money!

And you think that 2 units on a 6' tank would cover it aye? When most using Halides with a better spread would use 3?
Interesting indeed.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Thanks guys I appreciate the advice and awesome pictures you posted, I can't wait to get my build underway. Ron I am so jealous of that set up you have it is absolutely beautiful!!!!!

Thanks blue.flyzz, it just takes time and a little TLC.

And you think that 2 units on a 6' tank would cover it aye? When most using Halides with a better spread would use 3?
Interesting indeed.

Two IT2080's that are 32" long is way more than enough. Why buy 3 IT2060's (roughly 150 leds) for $990 when 2 IT2080 (roughly 200 leds) fixtures only cost $900 and they can both cover a 6" tank? Nobody is asking about MH coverage here. But since you asked, I had 4 250W MH on the same tank and before that I had 3 250W and 2 150W MH (all in one 6' fixture). And 2 IT2080's work just as well for light and better for everything else (heat, elecrtical use, bulb replacement, brightness control...).