Looking for a light

Patis55 · Apr 13, 2017

I have a 40B tank im just starting to buy equipment for and the light is top of the list.
To start with it will be a fowlr tank slowly progressing to a few corals over say 6 to 8 months.
I want LED as they are long lasting, dimmable and full spectrum.
Looking at this one it is 36in long and fits the tank length.
http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/us/saltwater/aquarium-lighting/series/marine-and-reef-2/
I know there are better ones out there but for the affordable price would it work for my needs?
Thanks

mcarroll · Apr 13, 2017

Should be fine.

As would anything similar.

mcarroll · Apr 13, 2017

May as well add that there's nothing wrong with adding a second unit (or third) later on if you want more intensity or better coverage. You'll tend to run them at a lower intensity that way too which should make the emitters last longer.

GoVols · Apr 13, 2017

mcarroll said:
May as well add that there's nothing wrong with adding a second unit (or third) later on if you want more intensity or better coverage. You'll tend to run them at a lower intensity that way too which should make the emitters last longer.

+1
Also, More units give a more even led light spread.
I'm sorry but I shoot for spread first and then, go from there.

Salty, Has the best way to find the led spread that I've ever heard of.

Patis55 · Apr 14, 2017

Got a light.
THANKS GUYS!

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 14, 2017

Patis55 said:
Got a light.
THANKS GUYS!

What did ya get? We wanna SEEEEEE>>>>>>>>

Patis55 · Apr 14, 2017

2 of these. I will not actually get them till next week but a member here sold them to me!
Im pretty sure they are over kill for a 40B but thats what teh dimmer knob is for.

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 14, 2017

Patis55 said:
2 of these. I will not actually get them till next week but a member here sold them to me!
Im pretty sure they are over kill for a 40B but thats what teh dimmer knob is for.

SB's Or RB's? And oh boy oh boy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Score!!!!

Not overkill at all. A dimmer and more better light!

Patis55 · Apr 14, 2017

A Reef Breeder Photon 16 V1 copy. Evolution ts100. From the research i could do/find it is pretty much the exact same light. They are older and used but told they work perfect.
Not what i was looking for exactly as i wanted to find something that could be mounted closer to the water and still light the tank from front to back. I think i will need to mount them at least 12in above the water so that is going to force me to make some type of canopy to block the direct view of the led's when sitting in a chair.

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 14, 2017

Patis55 said:
A Reef Breeder Photon 16 V1 copy. Evolution ts100. From the research i could do/find it is pretty much the exact same light. They are older and used but told they work perfect.
Not what i was looking for exactly as i wanted to find something that could be mounted closer to the water and still light the tank from front to back. I think i will need to mount them at least 12in above the water so that is going to force me to make some type of canopy to block the direct view of the led's when sitting in a chair.

You can get em higher, when you turn em, on just hold them over the tank and try to hit the edges.
And there's this...https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/radion-deshadow-template-oplnions-please.265057/

Patis55 · Apr 15, 2017

Thanks for that link.
Something like that was kinda what i had in mind.

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 15, 2017

Oh you can also put them lower and pull the lenses too.
When you get em play with them. Use em to light an area on the floor.

Patis55 · Apr 15, 2017

Plan is to raise them up until the light reaches from front to back at the top. Then lower them a inch or two so they are not bleeding over onto the stand/floor. I think that will work out ok but i also think to keep the woman happy i will probably need to shield the led's somehow so they can't be seen as the tank will be equally viewable from 3 sides.

saltyfilmfolks · Apr 15, 2017

Patis55 said:
Plan is to raise them up until the light reaches from front to back at the top. Then lower them a inch or two so they are not bleeding over onto the stand/floor. I think that will work out ok but i also think to keep the woman happy i will probably need to shield the led's somehow so they can't be seen as the tank will be equally viewable from 3 sides.

yup... I HATE seeing the lights.

Pmj · Apr 15, 2017

I have a similar light and the higher the better for the light imo. Mine is 12". They are very powerful and having it higher will help color blending.

Patis55 · Apr 15, 2017

Ill be finding out as soon as i get them.

Pmj · Apr 15, 2017

Just FYI I have two on a 48" 100G tank. At 70B/30W I was getting stuff bleached. I now run 50B/25W and more things are happy. Have RBTA way low in the tank and perfectly happy. Start slow with the intensity.