Lights!?

[Stege_saurus]

I was wondering if anyone has ever used these LED lights? Im on a budget and would like to upgrade, but I don't know if they work very well. I've read the reviews on Amazon, but you can't always trust those...


Also, recommendations for good LEDs on a budget is appreciated.

Tank Dimensions: 72"L x 24"H x 18"W

 

[piranhaman00]

Typical chinese black box light, although it is white Should work fine, would need a few for spread, 3 might work?

 

[Stege_saurus]

Typical chinese black box light, although it is white Should work fine, would need a few for spread, 3 might work?

Do you think it would be good enough to support Anemones and LPSs?

 

[piranhaman00]

Do you think it would be good enough to support Anemones and LPSs?

Absolutely

 

[cvrle1]

I would not use those on a reef tank for few reasons:

- Seeing how they have 338 LEDs and only produce 300W, they are using 0.5W LEDs which are only good for really shallow tanks and low light corals. They even state that they are using 0.5 W LEDs in their specs. You want fixtures that use 3W LEDs.
- Their spectrum is not that great. Way more whites, and not enough blues. Some would argue too many greens and reds as well.

 

[Stege_saurus]

I would not use those on a reef tank for few reasons:

- Seeing how they have 338 LEDs and only produce 300W, they are using 0.5W LEDs which are only good for really shallow tanks and low light corals. They even state that they are using 0.5 W LEDs in their specs. You want fixtures that use 3W LEDs.
- Their spectrum is not that great. Way more whites, and not enough blues. Some would argue too many greens and reds as well.

What would be something you would recommend? Im just shopping around at this point. No hurry to buy anything.

 

[cvrle1]

What would be something you would recommend? Im just shopping around at this point. No hurry to buy anything.

it really depends on what you are looking for in terms of options. Do you need 6 channels or are 2 going to do, do you want WiFi control, Dawn/Dusk/Moonlight, Apex compatibility and so on. Keep in mind that all these options cost extra and are not going to grow corals better. For some pople they are a must and they will pay top $ for them, while others are good with basic black boxes.

Look into these units:

Marsaqua
Viparspectra/Bloomspect
SB Reef lights
Noopsyche
Reefbreeders Photon V2/V2+
Reef Fi

I tired to put them from lowest to highest $, but could be off a bit. You could also look into LED/T5 combos as well. I have no idea what your budget is, so I left out all the big LED names that have high cost, however you may be able to find some used ones for good price as well.

 

[Jon Fishman]

What would be something you would recommend? Im just shopping around at this point. No hurry to buy anything.

I would check Ebay, they are decent deals if you buy 2 or 3 light packages.

I use Mars Aqua 300W but you could get more of the 165W ones or whatever to get the proper coverage for your tank.

I use 3x 300W end to end but my tank is narrow front-to-back

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

I second the marsaqua brand. Cheap but very effective.

 

[Stege_saurus]

it really depends on what you are looking for in terms of options. Do you need 6 channels or are 2 going to do, do you want WiFi control, Dawn/Dusk/Moonlight, Apex compatibility and so on. Keep in mind that all these options cost extra and are not going to grow corals better. For some pople they are a must and they will pay top $ for them, while others are good with basic black boxes.

Look into these units:

Marsaqua
Viparspectra/Bloomspect
SB Reef lights
Noopsyche
Reefbreeders Photon V2/V2+
Reef Fi

I tired to put them from lowest to highest $, but could be off a bit. You could also look into LED/T5 combos as well. I have no idea what your budget is, so I left out all the big LED names that have high cost, however you may be able to find some used ones for good price as well.

I'll have to check these out. My budget would be about $100-$125 per light (up to 3 lights if needed). I would like to do an LED/T5 combo if its possible within the budget. Im in no hurry to buy them right now, so its possible for me to save up money if needed. Bluetooth/wifi connectivity would be nice, but isn't needed. I would like to have the daylight cycle, which is a higher priority. Apex compatibility isn't necessary since I don't own a controller and don't know if or when I will. And im not sure what you mean by the 6 or 2 channel? Maybe explanation on that?

My main concerns are:
-Able to grow any kind of coral
-Able to grow any kind of Anemone
-Daylight cycle for aesthetics
-Not too bulky
-Good coverage over the aquarium

Thanks for the input though!

 

[cvrle1]

I'll have to check these out. My budget would be about $100-$125 per light (up to 3 lights if needed). I would like to do an LED/T5 combo if its possible within the budget. Im in no hurry to buy them right now, so its possible for me to save up money if needed. Bluetooth/wifi connectivity would be nice, but isn't needed. I would like to have the daylight cycle, which is a higher priority. Apex compatibility isn't necessary since I don't own a controller and don't know if or when I will. And im not sure what you mean by the 6 or 2 channel? Maybe explanation on that?

My main concerns are:
-Able to grow any kind of coral
-Able to grow any kind of Anemone
-Daylight cycle for aesthetics
-Not too bulky
-Good coverage over the aquarium

Thanks for the input though!

Channels simply states how many different groups of lights you have to play with and adjust, in basic terms. As an example, Viparspectra has 2 channels broken down like this:

Channel one: Violet(420nm), Royal Blue(450nm), Blue(470nm)
Channel two: Green(520nm), Red(660nm), Neutral White(6500K), Cool White(12000K)

Fixture with 8 channels for example may have something like this:

Channel 1 Cool White
Channel 2 Deep Blue
Channel 3 Blue
Channel 4 Green
Channel 5 Photo Red
Channel 6 UV
Channel 7 Violet
Channel 8 Warm White

So with 8 channels you have more adjustments and such, but in the end even with 2 channels you will grow corals all the same. In terms of your budget, it is on the low end, so you would be looking at something like Viparspectra 165W units. 3 should be good for 6 foot tank

Here is a long thread on them, so take some time and read through it: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/viparspectra-165watt-anyone-using-these.317612/

 

[Sinfullchef]

I'll have to check these out. My budget would be about $100-$125 per light (up to 3 lights if needed). I would like to do an LED/T5 combo if its possible within the budget. Im in no hurry to buy them right now, so its possible for me to save up money if needed. Bluetooth/wifi connectivity would be nice, but isn't needed. I would like to have the daylight cycle, which is a higher priority. Apex compatibility isn't necessary since I don't own a controller and don't know if or when I will. And im not sure what you mean by the 6 or 2 channel? Maybe explanation on that?

My main concerns are:
-Able to grow any kind of coral
-Able to grow any kind of Anemone
-Daylight cycle for aesthetics
-Not too bulky
-Good coverage over the aquarium

Thanks for the input though!

Where are you located? I live in socal and just took three mar aqua units off of my tank when I upgraded to hydra's.

 

[Stege_saurus]

Where are you located? I live in socal and just took three mar aqua units off of my tank when I upgraded to hydra's.

Gage County, Nebraska

Channels simply states how many different groups of lights you have to play with and adjust, in basic terms. As an example, Viparspectra has 2 channels broken down like this:

Channel one: Violet(420nm), Royal Blue(450nm), Blue(470nm)
Channel two: Green(520nm), Red(660nm), Neutral White(6500K), Cool White(12000K)

Fixture with 8 channels for example may have something like this:

Channel 1 Cool White
Channel 2 Deep Blue
Channel 3 Blue
Channel 4 Green
Channel 5 Photo Red
Channel 6 UV
Channel 7 Violet
Channel 8 Warm White

So with 8 channels you have more adjustments and such, but in the end even with 2 channels you will grow corals all the same. In terms of your budget, it is on the low end, so you would be looking at something like Viparspectra 165W units. 3 should be good for 6 foot tank

Here is a long thread on them, so take some time and read through it: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/viparspectra-165watt-anyone-using-these.317612/

Awesome! Thank you for that!

 

[Fishurama]

IMO a good budget light/system is the marine orbit light. I had the older gen, the new one can control pumps and I think has a brighter/better spectrum along with ramp down from day to night and ramp up from morning to day. Good for LPS,softies, and anemones. Comes with a PH and temp probe, with the ability to add more(i believe)

250 for the newer model, i think if you can find the older model they still sell for 150ish for a single and 300 for doubles.
Single light,ramp timer,etc.

Search results for: '' - Bulk Reef Supply

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.marinedepot.com

Duals are 430 on amazon(depending on size) I stuck with the same 48 inch to compare.
amazon link

older model duals are 300 for a smaller fixture

Orbit Marine DUAL PRO LED Fixture 24-36" (DISCONTINUED) - Current USA

Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[Stege_saurus]

IMO a good budget light/system is the marine orbit light. I had the older gen, the new one can control pumps and I think has a brighter/better spectrum along with ramp down from day to night and ramp up from morning to day. Good for LPS,softies, and anemones. Comes with a PH and temp probe, with the ability to add more(i believe)

250 for the newer model, i think if you can find the older model they still sell for 150ish for a single and 300 for doubles.
Single light,ramp timer,etc.

Search results for: '' - Bulk Reef Supply

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.marinedepot.com

Duals are 430 on amazon(depending on size) I stuck with the same 48 inch to compare.
amazon link

older model duals are 300 for a smaller fixture

Orbit Marine DUAL PRO LED Fixture 24-36" (DISCONTINUED) - Current USA

Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

This is the light I have currently. Im using 2x on my system.

 

[Sarah24!]

IMO a good budget light/system is the marine orbit light. I had the older gen, the new one can control pumps and I think has a brighter/better spectrum along with ramp down from day to night and ramp up from morning to day. Good for LPS,softies, and anemones. Comes with a PH and temp probe, with the ability to add more(i believe)

250 for the newer model, i think if you can find the older model they still sell for 150ish for a single and 300 for doubles.
Single light,ramp timer,etc.

Search results for: '' - Bulk Reef Supply

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.marinedepot.com

Duals are 430 on amazon(depending on size) I stuck with the same 48 inch to compare.
amazon link

older model duals are 300 for a smaller fixture

Orbit Marine DUAL PRO LED Fixture 24-36" (DISCONTINUED) - Current USA

Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

Hello,

For your tank the marine pro ic dual will work very well with what your doing and will do sps it placed in the top 8 inches roughly. If your going and can find the orbit marine pro model 4117 like k have, then it’s insane over kill for your tank. My tank is a 240 and 34 inches tall 72 long 24 wide. Since the model 4117 have 60 degree lens they penetrate really deep. Using my ly-cor par meter those lights reach easy 100-150 par on the sand bed. Until I moved just last month I had a maximus clam for almost 2 years about 24 inches down and those are major light demanding. I have had no problem growing any kind of coral with these and they will hands down stay with any version of radions or hydras kessil etc. they are not a puck design so no worries about shading.
I would recommend two if you go that route since they are 60 degree lens, and then simply find the critical angel (with water in the tank and set them up). Current usa by far of companies mentioned have the best warranty and customer service that I have seen in the industry.

 

[Fishurama]

This is the light I have currently. Im using 2x on my system.

IMO that is probably the best you are going to get in that price range. Not many more offer probes, timer,controller,etc for the same price. Most will cost that if not more for those toys alone. Until you are willing to drop 600 plus on 14k-20k lighting then buy the controllers, probes,etc save your money as like I said IMO you have one of the best budget systems out right now already.

Hello,

For your tank the marine pro ic dual will work very well with what your doing and will do sps it placed in the top 8 inches roughly. If your going and can find the orbit marine pro model 4117 like k have, then it’s insane over kill for your tank. My tank is a 240 and 34 inches tall 72 long 24 wide. Since the model 4117 have 60 degree lens they penetrate really deep. Using my ly-cor par meter those lights reach easy 100-150 par on the sand bed. Until I moved just last month I had a maximus clam for almost 2 years about 24 inches down and those are major light demanding. I have had no problem growing any kind of coral with these and they will hands down stay with any version of radions or hydras kessil etc. they are not a puck design so no worries about shading.
I would recommend two if you go that route since they are 60 degree lens, and then simply find the critical angel (with water in the tank and set them up). Current usa by far of companies mentioned have the best warranty and customer service that I have seen in the industry.

His tank not mine haha, but I agree, I have the 2nd gen lights as well(not the first gen with the giant fins) and I did have an SPS alive for 4-6 months then crashed, but these honestly arent the best lights for them alone since the whites are 6500k and 8k.(2nd gen) but im glad you have had luck with your SPS(among others) and hope they continue to do well. I do agree keep them in the higher portion of the tank.

 

[cvrle1]

Forget all those toys when they use 0.25W LEDs. Yes 0.25W. Even their own PAR readings leave a lot to be desired. 5-20 PAR at 24 inch depth, forget that. No offense to @Sarah24! , but these cannot be compared to even Viparspectra units, let alone stay with Radions or Kessils. I cannot believe that you get anywhere close to 100 PAR at the bottom of your tank at 34". Even their own numbers dont support that at all.

 

[Stege_saurus]

Forget all those toys when they use 0.25W LEDs. Yes 0.25W. Even their own PAR readings leave a lot to be desired. 5-20 PAR at 24 inch depth, forget that. No offense to @Sarah24! , but these cannot be compared to even Viparspectra units, let alone stay with Radions or Kessils. I cannot believe that you get anywhere close to 100 PAR at the bottom of your tank at 34". Even their own numbers dont support that at all.

What if I added T5s? Would that help with PAR?

 

[Fishurama]

Forget all those toys when they use 0.25W LEDs. Yes 0.25W. Even their own PAR readings leave a lot to be desired. 5-20 PAR at 24 inch depth, forget that. No offense to @Sarah24! , but these cannot be compared to even Viparspectra units, let alone stay with Radions or Kessils. I cannot believe that you get anywhere close to 100 PAR at the bottom of your tank at 34". Even their own numbers dont support that at all.

You are basing your info off 1 model when there are technically 4. Albeit at 34 inches still wouldn't be 100, that I agree on, I also think they understate their Par values across the board since i have a goniopora growing on the bottom for a year or so, now the size of a soft ball.(was my first coral lol) If I was getting anywhere around 40 or less(I have the older discontinued pros) it would be dead. While like I stated its nothing like a 14k-20k light, its great as an all around system for LPS and softies.