Looking for help on picking a new light

[Jrdn0508]

Hello Everyone,

Getting back into the hobby with a 65 gallon tank. The tank has a depth of 25 inches so I’m unsure which direction to go for lighting.

I’ve narrowed it down to two - the Current USA Orbit IC Pro 36-48 inch. This would give me two light strips and I like the options this light provides. My only concern is the wattage of the led. I plan to have some anemones and soft coral. Unsure about any SPS at this time.

The other light I’m looking at is the Reef Breeders Photon V2 32. I know this light will give me more power but I don’t know if it’s worth the extra $200 plus for it.

In your opinion, would I be fine with the Orbits or am I going to have issues due to my tank depth? Also, my tank has a center brace so not sure if that will impact my lighting much.

Thank you for your input!

 

[flooddc]

I'd pass on the Orbit. 0.5W per Led is not sufficient for reef.

 

[PghReef]

Welcome back to the hobby!

Agree with above. If you want anemones they are even more demanding than many sps and a .5watt LED fixture will struggle to grow much more than regular algae.
I recently purchased 2 kessil 360x and love them. They are pricey when you add in the controller, mounts, and connecting wire but I had been waiting 6 years to jump to LED so finally got what I wanted.

I know the photon can grow anything you want just be careful and look at other peoples lighting schedules. These lights pack so much power and offer so much control over the spectrum that you can easily fry any coral or end up with a completely wonky spectrum that doesn't support coral heath and can lead to algae issues. A par and spectrum meter would be best but following schedules other people have used successfully would be the next best option.

Whatever you choose enjoy! As always buy right and buy once!

 

[MaiReef]

What is your max budget?

 

[OutsideBrian]

Cheaper option would be the ocean revive t247

 

[Jrdn0508]

Thanks for the quick responses. My max budget is $600. I’ll check out the Ocean Revive but let me know if there are any other lights I should check out. I want one that is a tank mount and also has simple programming for day/night cycle.

 

[Demonic]

Noopsyche lighting. They are a sponsor here. Great light

 

[seaplane]

I have the Orbit and am not crazy about the color, much too white even with the whites turned way down. As to whether or not it will support anemones or sps , I have none, but lps and softies are doing fine. Tank is only 4 months up, so long term IDK.

 

[MaiReef]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BUY-2-Arct...h=item2132e82d86:g:IUoAAOSw-zxWoC8h:rk:6:pf:0


Looks like the best deal to me. I have 2 Aquatic Life XS-UV 14" fixtures (Very good build quality) over my tank and I like them as well.

I love the Current Loop system for the wavemakers, but the lights have no par ratings. The SB Reef light would be my choice of the two you mentioned.

 

[Scurvy]

Have a look at SB Reeflights. I havent seen their newer Ultra series fixture in person but loved their older basic units.

https://sbreeflights.com/

@MaiReef beet me to it

 

[Jrdn0508]

The SB Ultra looks like a good setup. Seems To be much easier to program than the Photon. Would the SB ultra 34 work with a 48 inch tank if I ever upgraded my tank in the future? Says max tank for the 34 is a 42 inch.

 

[Scurvy]

The SB Ultra looks like a good setup. Seems To be much easier to program than the Photon. Would the SB ultra 34 work with a 48 inch tank if I ever upgraded my tank in the future? Says max tank for the 34 is a 42 inch.

You'd have little to no par on the outer edges if using the 34 on a 48" tank. Two of the 22's might make more sense and givce you more options on usage.

 

[fishybizzness]

I've been running ocean revives for 1 1/2 years now and couldn't be happier! The price was great and they seem to grow coral pretty well.

 

[MaiReef]

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/razor-x-r5-200w-led-fixture-open-box.html

Is a great open box item

 

[jtl]

I have been using the Reefbreeders Photon v2+ for over a year and I am pleased with the performance. I have the 48" over a 48" tank. It programs very easily, has nice incremental ramp up and down features and uses quality led emitters of sufficient wattage to make it grow any coral you throw at it. Very good warranty and top of the line customer service.

 

[Jrdn0508]

I narrowed it down to the Maxspect razor x 200 and the SB Ultra. I like the weather effects options on the SB Ultra but it sounds like the Maxspect might be better with color blending sine it uses reflectors instead of lenses. What are your thoughts between these two? Thanks for your help! Didn’t think it’d be this tough to make a decision on a light.

 

[MaiReef]

The Maxspect because of the reviews and the SB for scalability imo.

 

[JDtimk]

6 bulb T-5 would be nice. just saying...

 

[FishyDP]

Current USA provides some nice features, but I agree that the PAR will be insufficient for many corals, especially in a deeper tank. Have you considered t5s?

 

[joec]

I have been using the Reefbreeders Photon v2+ for over a year and I am pleased with the performance. I have the 48" over a 48" tank. It programs very easily, has nice incremental ramp up and down features and uses quality led emitters of sufficient wattage to make it grow any coral you throw at it. Very good warranty and top of the line customer service.

Is the center brace shadow annoying, assuming you have one?

I'm considering Reefbreeders V2+, but the center brace issue has me hesitating