Need a new light fixture

nerdwolf · Jan 28, 2013

I have a 36" AquaticLife T5/HID combo fixture, and my HID ballast just started acting up a few days ago. The HID is a spotlight in the middle which can be tilted left or right, but on my system it just highlights the large center overflow. I was planning to add stunner strips to get better light coverage on the sides, but at this point the cost of stunners and a new ballast has me looking at replacing the fixture altogether.

So anyway, I'm looking at the Maxspect Razor R420R fixtures. They come in a 120w version that's 20.5" long and a 160w version that's 27" long. My question is, would the 20.5" version provide enough coverage for a 36" tank, or would I end up with another spotlight on my overflow? The price difference between the two is only $100 or so, but I've spent plenty on upgrades to the system already, and I'd rather spend that $100 on the acros, stylos, and millis that I want to keep and grow if possible.

p woodard · Jan 28, 2013

What size tank do you have and a pic would help too

nerdwolf · Jan 28, 2013

it's a 57G rimless. Here's a pic I just took with the HID on - sometimes it works. Aquascape is a work in progress (only about half done), heaters will be in-sump, etc. but you get the idea.

p woodard · Jan 28, 2013

With your aquascape the Maxspect Razor R420R well be a good light for you for the spoltlighting on the overflow it is not going to be like the light you have now go with the 120w

gmoney243 · Jan 28, 2013

http://reefbreeders.com/bridgelux_value.html

This saves u money for more corals and would be plenty for your tank. $179 for full spectrum leds cant beat that. They also have controllable units.

http://reefbreeders.com/it2060.html

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nerdwolf · Jan 28, 2013

Thanks, good to know the 120w will cover it. I've heard of Reef Breeders, but I'm a little unsure about picking optics (though I guess I could buy two of those for the cost of a single r420r).

Dowtish · Jan 28, 2013

If you go with the reefbreeders, go with 90 degree optics

gmoney243 · Jan 28, 2013

30" tank 60Â° ... 24" tank 90Â° shallow under 20" 120Â° or no optics

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nerdwolf · Jan 28, 2013

gmoney243 said:
30" tank 60Â° ... 24" tank 90Â° shallow under 20" 120Â° or no optics

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Didn't realize it was that simple. Thanks.

hurley12 · Jan 29, 2013

I will put my vote in on the reefbreeders lights, I have the controllable one over my JBJ 30 gallon and it is more then enough (way more then enough).

AirAngel · Jan 29, 2013

+1 on Reefbreeders
Cant wait for mine to get here. Should ship this week

gmoney243 · Jan 29, 2013

nerdwolf said:
Didn't realize it was that simple. Thanks.

Its a good basic guideline for people who arent sure about optics. But if u really want to get into it theres different reasons to use different optics. Wider optics gives u more spread but less par and allows u to run yourr leds up higher intensity. But 60Â° optics u would use to cover a smaller area and just run them less power which saves on power consumtion. Or if u wanted to have your lights like 2'+ above the tank id go with 60Â° as well.

But for most people and tanks that guideline will work good. But. Wouldnt put leds any closer than 10-12" awol going by thise guidelines either.

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