Need help picking lights

[Deiblerj]

If you have any hesitation on the dollar amount, IMO that's your gut talking. You should listen.

If there really is going to be a next tank, it'll happen and it may make more sense to "go whole hog" on lights when that happens.



Is it plain "Optibright" or "Optibright+"?

30 min ramp is ideal....no need for more as far as that feature goes. What more did you have in mind?

Keep in mind the corals are fine if the lights are just blue and white and just turn ON and OFF. The other features are a lot more for you than the tank.

As far as I can tell, that's a planted tank light, which isn't all bad. If it's got any kind of power, then all you're lacking is added blue to balance the colors closer to 20,000K.

Since your light is probably around 6500K in color, I'd add at least one CurrentUSA #3027 all-blue strip.

If you look on your light, or on the transformer itself, it should say what the max power draw for your light it – I'm still curious if you don' t mind checking it. You could need more, but it's very possible that adding a single $60 truelumen strip would be all you really need.

But even if you went with 4x TrueLumens (92 watts total) it would only run you $240.

You have PLENTY of options between where you are and $700 that are all worthy of consideration....get the one that fits your budget so you can afford all the other aspects of the tank without guilt.

I hope this helps!


P.S. I'm not sure, but it seems like some folks think that only a single LED strip can be used at once. Think of LED strips more like T5 tubes....2x, 4x and 6x (or more) ought to be common.

High-powered strips like the Current IC's can use almost 40% more power and get about a 30% bump from their stronger lenses, so they will do more than "ordinary strips" or a T5 tube, but it's still common to see 2x or more strips on a tank of any size.

For the record, some of the best results I've had since switching from a dual-150w Radium setup was from a set of four Ecoxotic strips – 1w LED's, no lenses, mounted about 1" from the water over a 36x12x17"H tank.

The strips burned up prematurely so I couldn't recommend those LED strips. (Which also aren't made anymore.)

But quality LED strips, used as intended, are a great lighting solution.

No less-so than LED spotlights, halides or T5's....or even power compacts, for that matter.

You can even grow corals with normal-output T12's – the magic is not in the light fixture.

WOW! Thanks for all that information. That was a lot to take in! Your post alone has made me realize I have a lot more to learn/understand before plunging into pulling the trigger on a new light setup. I’m at work at the moment but will post the optibright stats when I get home and can confirm them.

I did talk with my LFS and they said to look into black boxes...I’ve seen post on here referring to the “Chinese’s black boxes”. Not to sound offensive but are these cheap lights that work decent...or what’s the deal with these? Why would they be recommend over a high end light?

 

[mcarroll]

They can all be good if used well, IMO.

I do consider the company involved if I think I'll need support, so that weighs on DIY and "black box" solutions. Talk to the company you're interested in dealing with and get their specific recommendation, including things like mounting height. The nature of the answer you get may help in your final choice.

 

[Deiblerj]

If you have any hesitation on the dollar amount, IMO that's your gut talking. You should listen.

If there really is going to be a next tank, it'll happen and it may make more sense to "go whole hog" on lights when that happens.



Is it plain "Optibright" or "Optibright+"?

30 min ramp is ideal....no need for more as far as that feature goes. What more did you have in mind?

Keep in mind the corals are fine if the lights are just blue and white and just turn ON and OFF. The other features are a lot more for you than the tank.

As far as I can tell, that's a planted tank light, which isn't all bad. If it's got any kind of power, then all you're lacking is added blue to balance the colors closer to 20,000K.

Since your light is probably around 6500K in color, I'd add at least one CurrentUSA #3027 all-blue strip.

If you look on your light, or on the transformer itself, it should say what the max power draw for your light it – I'm still curious if you don' t mind checking it. You could need more, but it's very possible that adding a single $60 truelumen strip would be all you really need.

But even if you went with 4x TrueLumens (92 watts total) it would only run you $240.

You have PLENTY of options between where you are and $700 that are all worthy of consideration....get the one that fits your budget so you can afford all the other aspects of the tank without guilt.

I hope this helps!


P.S. I'm not sure, but it seems like some folks think that only a single LED strip can be used at once. Think of LED strips more like T5 tubes....2x, 4x and 6x (or more) ought to be common.

High-powered strips like the Current IC's can use almost 40% more power and get about a 30% bump from their stronger lenses, so they will do more than "ordinary strips" or a T5 tube, but it's still common to see 2x or more strips on a tank of any size.

For the record, some of the best results I've had since switching from a dual-150w Radium setup was from a set of four Ecoxotic strips – 1w LED's, no lenses, mounted about 1" from the water over a 36x12x17"H tank.

The strips burned up prematurely so I couldn't recommend those LED strips. (Which also aren't made anymore.)

But quality LED strips, used as intended, are a great lighting solution.

No less-so than LED spotlights, halides or T5's....or even power compacts, for that matter.

You can even grow corals with normal-output T12's – the magic is not in the light fixture.

So this is what’s on my light strip...

 

[mcarroll]

That would seem to indicate OptiBright+ and (15v • 1A =) 15 watts max.

Still good for sunrise/sunset, but not gonna make a big contribution to peak-light hours.

So adding a combination of three or four of the TrueLumens would be more ideal.

2¢

 

[Retro Reefer]

I would consider getting a 36” aquatic life t5 hybrid fixture ($350 with bulbs) and just use your aqeon LED strip down the middle of that fixture.. down the road you could upgrade to better LED’s for the t5 hybrid but unless your planting sps probably not completely necessary.

 

[Deiblerj]

So after some time researching and asking around I was about to pull the trigger on the a360s. I like the ability of being able to add another one or two compared to the whole unit of the ap700.

With that being said I popped into my LFS the other day and he had all new maxspect ethereals and had nothing but good things to say about them. There’s not a whole lot of reviews out there about these lights.

Anyone here use them, know anything about them, how they compare to kessil??

Thanks!

 

[mcarroll]

You saw them and I presume you've seen Kessils.

So you tell us – how do YOU think they compare???

 

[Weikel]

Just to throw another option out their check out nanobox. Great lights and controllability.

 

[hwntunda]

I’d suggest the reefbreeders photon V2, very controllable while not breaking the bank!

 

[Deiblerj]

Ah bit the bullet and got 2 Kessil a350s today off a guy selling some on here.

Love the shimmer and convince of the individual units. Will let you guys know how I like them once I get them!

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello

So as some say current orbit marine pros are garbage (maybe they are but) they sure do make my tank look just as beautiful as the radions and hydras etc). Now I run two current orbit marine pros, and my lights will stay right with any of the radions par wise and hydra and or kessill. My tank is 34 inches tall and the par is 200 consistently in the sand bed. Not to mention current has thee best customer service and you don’t have to buy extra stuff to make them work.

What is very sad to see is that nobody has mentioned that you have to find a light that’s beautiful and works for you. I tested lots of lights and have seen lots of lights. When most aquariums use the current orbit marine pros and the Chinese black boxes, what does that say? Obviously they are not garbage.

I had one issue with my current orbit marine pro, I bought a new one and they forgot the dual ramp timer, and power supply. As soon as current found out they overnighted me the parts. Not to mention my new 240 is maybe 8 months old and it looks amazing, well to me, and grows sps like crazy.

@mcarroll has had some extremely valid points and has been in this a long time. When it comes to Kessill @Crabs Mcjones definitely knows these lights. We all have lights we love but to call other lights garbage when there is no experience with them is premature.

R2R is known for two things lovely people and amazing advice. More than likely most of the ones who do not like them have not even tried the currents or Chinese black boxes. We want to give you lots of options, not confuse you and or put an idea down.

Another highly respected reefer @120reefkeeper also uses the current marine Ic lights (his are different than mine) and his tank is just stunning and beautiful. If these lights are garbage then I’m glad my garbage lights make my tank look just as beautiful as the 800 dollar Ecotechs do.

Remember, this is your tank, your money and you have to love this tank. Nobody else is going to buy lights for you or know really what your budget is like. Thinking outside the box maybe go to an aquarium and, find a tank you find beautiful to you, then ask them what lights they use. Then I would try maybe calling some of the major aquariums, ask them what they use?

To be fair all the lights here mentioned are really excellent lights and each one has something special. Kessill have an amazing shimmer that no other light can produce. Ecotech and hydra or aka aqua illumination are pretty much one in the same, and are the same company. They are mostly known for their features mainly.

Current usa is known mainly for their unique color and build style and the highest customer service. If you want a light that will set apart anything mentioned then research the new Mitras ghl 7200. I recently bought three to use on my new 425 gallon and those lights are simply stunning. They are also the same price range as the current marine pros and radions pros and Kessill ap700.

Here are some pics that are maybe a month old (it’s dark in my tank now but ) my tank runs only two current marine pros. For garbage lights well I’m pretty thrilled about them.

Sincerely
Sarah

 

[Deiblerj]

Hello

So as some say current orbit marine pros are garbage (maybe they are but) they sure do make my tank look just as beautiful as the radions and hydras etc). Now I run two current orbit marine pros, and my lights will stay right with any of the radions par wise and hydra and or kessill. My tank is 34 inches tall and the par is 200 consistently in the sand bed. Not to mention current has thee best customer service and you don’t have to buy extra stuff to make them work.

What is very sad to see is that nobody has mentioned that you have to find a light that’s beautiful and works for you. I tested lots of lights and have seen lots of lights. When most aquariums use the current orbit marine pros and the Chinese black boxes, what does that say? Obviously they are not garbage.

I had one issue with my current orbit marine pro, I bought a new one and they forgot the dual ramp timer, and power supply. As soon as current found out they overnighted me the parts. Not to mention my new 240 is maybe 8 months old and it looks amazing, well to me, and grows sps like crazy.

@mcarroll has had some extremely valid points and has been in this a long time. When it comes to Kessill @Crabs Mcjones definitely knows these lights. We all have lights we love but to call other lights garbage when there is no experience with them is premature.

R2R is known for two things lovely people and amazing advice. More than likely most of the ones who do not like them have not even tried the currents or Chinese black boxes. We want to give you lots of options, not confuse you and or put an idea down.

Another highly respected reefer @120reefkeeper also uses the current marine Ic lights (his are different than mine) and his tank is just stunning and beautiful. If these lights are garbage then I’m glad my garbage lights make my tank look just as beautiful as the 800 dollar Ecotechs do.

Remember, this is your tank, your money and you have to love this tank. Nobody else is going to buy lights for you or know really what your budget is like. Thinking outside the box maybe go to an aquarium and, find a tank you find beautiful to you, then ask them what lights they use. Then I would try maybe calling some of the major aquariums, ask them what they use?

To be fair all the lights here mentioned are really excellent lights and each one has something special. Kessill have an amazing shimmer that no other light can produce. Ecotech and hydra or aka aqua illumination are pretty much one in the same, and are the same company. They are mostly known for their features mainly.

Current usa is known mainly for their unique color and build style and the highest customer service. If you want a light that will set apart anything mentioned then research the new Mitras ghl 7200. I recently bought three to use on my new 425 gallon and those lights are simply stunning. They are also the same price range as the current marine pros and radions pros and Kessill ap700.

Here are some pics that are maybe a month old (it’s dark in my tank now but ) my tank runs only two current marine pros. For garbage lights well I’m pretty thrilled about them.

Sincerely
Sarah

Very very well said!!! I totally agree that lights and their quality are up to the reefer!

I was able to get my Kessil at a very good deal that I couldn’t pass up. I was going to get the Current orbits or maxspects but couldn’t turn down the Kessil deal I got.

 

[Sarah24!]

Very very well said!!! I totally agree that lights and their quality are up to the reefer!

I was able to get my Kessil at a very good deal that I couldn’t pass up. I was going to get the Current orbits or maxspects but couldn’t turn down the Kessil deal I got.

Hello,

Thank you kindly for the compliment I hope I was able
To shed some good light lol. What makes me happy is that you picked a light that you could see working. It gave you something that made your heart beat and your mind go that’s what I’m looking for.

The kessil lights are amazing lights in all honesty I hope they make you very happy. Remember they are very complex and powerful lights lol. I would highly suggest speaking with @Crabs Mcjones on how to set them up and or ideas on settings. (Of course if he is willing . I’m sure he will give you some of his finely made Koolaide. But also most of all congrats on your first high end light purchase.

So when do we get to see pics of your tank before and after of course.

 

[Crabs McJones]

So this is what’s on my light strip...

huh, made in wisconsin. Never knew that

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hello,

Thank you kindly for the compliment I hope I was able
To shed some good light lol. What makes me happy is that you picked a light that you could see working. It gave you something that made your heart beat and your mind go that’s what I’m looking for.

The kessil lights are amazing lights in all honesty I hope they make you very happy. Remember they are very complex and powerful lights lol. I would highly suggest speaking with @Crabs Mcjones on how to set them up and or ideas on settings. (Of course if he is willing . I’m sure he will give you some of his finely made Koolaide. But also most of all congrats on your first high end light purchase.

So when do we get to see pics of your tank before and after of course.

Always willing

 

[Deiblerj]

I’ll be sure to post some before and after pictures. @Crabs Mcjones any advice on the set up for the lights? I plan on getting the Kessil spectral controller for the lights as well.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I’ll be sure to post some before and after pictures. @Crabs Mcjones any advice on the set up for the lights? I plan on getting the Kessil spectral controller for the lights as well.

Just to recap, you got a pair of A360we, and they're going over a 40 breeder. What types of coral are, or will, you be keeping?

 

[ODwyerPW]

Do you have any of the reflectors that clipped on to the Ecoxotic Stunner strips? I'm looking for 3 of them.

 

[Johnnybananas]

Reefbreeders all day great quality light for a great price

 

[Deiblerj]

Just to recap, you got a pair of A360we, and they're going over a 40 breeder. What types of coral are, or will, you be keeping?

OMG! I just realized I never answered this!!

I’ve been keeping some LPS, SPS, and nems. Everything is doing well! Especially the BTAs. Went from 2 to 7 with all the splitting! Love my Kessils, highly recommend them. So easy to use (plug and play) and the shimmer is fantastic!