Lighting Questions for IM Nuvo 30l

will25u · Mar 23, 2019

Howdy,

We have a IM Nuvo 30l. Tank has been up and running for ~4 years. Back in 2015 we bought a 36" BuildMyLED MC Series - 20000K Reef Spectrum. It has been a champ for the last few years.

Recently had someone recommend that for better coloration and for more PAR to upgrade to a 32" Reefbreeder Photon v2+.

Now two questions...

1. Would it be cost efficient to upgrade? $589... Would I see a big enough gain to justify that amount of money? Just seems expensive, and if it is a marginal difference...

2. On their website it say the 24" is for up to 36". Would a 24" be enough, or would I need the 32"? I am thinking the 32".

will25u · Mar 24, 2019

Any advice?

Rufus’ goofs · Mar 24, 2019

I have both those lengths of the Photon v2, and while I do think they are very nice and powerful fixtures, I agree that they are rather expensive, but most quality lighting is.

I think the more important question is do YOU think you need to upgrade your light?
If you are happy with your corals and don’t really want to invest in new lighting, why would you?
That being said there is almost always something of mine in perfect working order which I would rather replace, but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense for me.
Perhaps it would be more cost effective while still “upgrading” to replace some of the diodes in your DIY led? You could even try to match the layout of the photon if you were so inclined.

will25u · Mar 25, 2019

Rufus’ goofs said:
I have both those lengths of the Photon v2, and while I do think they are very nice and powerful fixtures, I agree that they are rather expensive, but most quality lighting is.

I think the more important question is do YOU think you need to upgrade your light?
If you are happy with your corals and don’t really want to invest in new lighting, why would you?
That being said there is almost always something of mine in perfect working order which I would rather replace, but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense for me.
Perhaps it would be more cost effective while still “upgrading” to replace some of the diodes in your DIY led? You could even try to match the layout of the photon if you were so inclined.

Hey. It’s not a DIY led fixture. The brand was called Build My LED. Now, they do hydroponic stuff. I bought this years ago. I just don’t know if it’s worth the money to upgrade since I’m doing SPS now. The ones I have are doing fine.