Lighting upgrade

[Chris C]

Hi everyone,
I currently have a Orbit Marine LED and I'm thinking about adding probably 2 T5's. Which colour of T5 should I get? Cheers!
Chris

 

[hybridazn]

I really enjoyed the ATI blue plus bulbs I ran before switching to reefbrites.

 

[mcarroll]

Just curious:

• How big a tank? (What dimensions?)
• Which Orbit?
• What makes you want to add?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

a good blue and a 10-14k

 

[jaguars4263]

I like blue+ coral+ and one aquablue special

 

[Chris C]

@mcarroll my tank is 36"x24"x24". It's the current USA Orbit Marine LED. The coral doesn't have much growth and I can't see anything significantly wrong with the water.

 

[Chris C]

@mcarroll Any suggestions??

 

[mcarroll]

You need two Orbits like yours to covers a 24" tank. Is that what you have already? If not, adding a second unit will be a much better option than adding T5's.

Can you take a lux reading at the water surface and tell us the maximum reading you can get? (Free smartphone app; $15 for a handheld unit.)

 

[Chris C]

At the water surface, I got 23000 lux and max at 30000 lux.

 

[Bryce Peterson]

You need two Orbits like yours to covers a 24" tank. Is that what you have already? If not, adding a second unit will be a much better option than adding T5's.

Can you take a lux reading at the water surface and tell us the maximum reading you can get? (Free smartphone app; $15 for a handheld unit.)

I'd have to respectfully disagree. I have a current orbit on my standard 30. It's a great budget light, but it is just basic white and blue. The light is not very powerful imo. I am considering adding t5s to supplement the output, but also so that I can play with the color spectrum.

 

[Justiful]

I'd have to respectfully disagree. I have a current orbit on my standard 30. It's a great budget light, but it is just basic white and blue. The light is not very powerful imo. I am considering adding t5s to supplement the output, but also so that I can play with the color spectrum.

Fluval Marine and Reef 2.0 $130-190 depending on size. $50 for the wireless controller that gives full control of lighting cycle, and individual leds.
Or the Orbit Marine Pro.

I would keep your current light and add an additional either marine and reef 2.0 or a Orbit marine pro. Both lights have 6 different LED's. Both have UV spectrum. Both give similiar PAR values for the 120 degree versions. The difference comes down to price, OMP is much more expensive for what it is. I saw both of these lights on display tank before purchasing. Both are far Better than the basic orbit marine. The real difference comes down to cost. The Orbit marine pro comes with an advanced standalone controller unit. The Fluval requires an additional $50 purchase for a wireless unit that requires a IOS or Android device. But as far as lighting very similar. Considering a T5 has limited control I would say the base marine and reef 2.0 with no controller is a comparative and better option.

As far as wattage, 32 for the marine and reef 2.0 24-36 -- 36 watts for the orbit marine pro. Though some of that may be the controller. Fluval Marine and reef 2.0 uses more smaller LEDs orbit uses fewer larger LEDs

For $130 getting a 24-36in size marine and reef 2.0 you will be more than doubling your current par. Plus get UV. $50 for the wireless controller sold separately and requiring a smart device is the rub. But the light itself is great. However I think the old orbit and the Orbit marine pro can run off the same controller. Which may make it a better option for you. Just off pure light PAR output though marine and reef 2.0 is by far a better bang for buck.

I am growing dunca, acan, RBTA, Leather, setosa under the marine and reef 2.0 and a fluval aquasky combo.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Those are all great suggestions.

 

[Chris C]

Thanks for the info! What about the Mars aqua dimmable 165w LED? Would it be a cheaper alternative or something (Chinese LED) I should avoid?

 

[Justiful]

Thanks for the info! What about the Mars aqua dimmable 165w LED? Would it be a cheaper alternative or something (Chinese LED) I should avoid?

I have not used one. Lots of people like the chinese leds. They are a cheaper alternative. Depending on the dimensions of the tank they would probably work. But that is kinda of a waste of your current light. It may not be good by itself, but in conjunction with another light bar it will only enhance the two. Unless your tank can only fit one bar over it that is.

I would go back to your original idea of two T5's if you can find them for cheap to add to your current system. Rather then go with a different system if cost is an issue. Bought used, but with new bulbs your looking about $75. Ebay will have some for sure. Try and get it under 50 as you will need to get new bulbs. But I do think saving a little and waiting 2 months and getting a better light may be better long term. Considering your looking at $30-35 every 6 months with a t5 with bulbs and added power cost.

Mar's leds are ok imo from what I hear, but for most tanks it takes 2-3 to get good coverage over the entire tank. But then it really comes down to the dimensions of the tank. Might want to get a MARS users opinion on what dimensions they good for. If you can get away with using one and providing good coverage it might be a good option.

 

[Chris C]

I agree that T5's are cheaper option but having T5's and LED would probably end up being very similar long term running cost. According to some websites, the Chinese LED's are supposed to cover 28"x28". My tank is 36"x24" so it may do the trick as an addition to my current system. Any other thoughts?