opinions on led lighting

[Xclusive Reef]

I wanted to see what are people's thoughts on the following lights. for 48" tank

1- 48" Current usa led
2- MarsAqua Led
3- Ocean revive t247

I like that the Current USA lights look sleek low profile and programmable

Which one do you like and why..

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

48" Current usa led

good. Make sure its the pro model with the little lenses. easy to use and mount. the non pro non lens model is WAY underpowered.

2- MarsAqua Led

Hard to mount, or possibly ugly when mounted. more power than you'll ever need, not timers or ramp. SBreeflight has better spectrum for just a couple bucks more. also offers ramping timers etc

3- Ocean revive t247

About as much power as the Mars and SB but with ramping and timers, same possible Mounting considerations as any BB...

Also look at the Reefbreeders Photons same approximate power as the BB's.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

thanks Salty.. the photons are something i am looking into but a bit on the expensive side. I am liking the Current usa orbit pro lights.

 

[scriptmonkey]

I tried the 48" Current Orbit IC lights and returned it. It was not easily programmable and to get a second light to add you had to buy a whole new unit with controller.

 

[happyhourhero]

Mars>OR>Current IMO. SB Reef Lights > the other three

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I tried the 48" Current Orbit IC lights and returned it. It was not easily programmable and to get a second light to add you had to buy a whole new unit with controller.

what size tank did you have it on? you don't think 1 48" for a 75 gallon is enough light?

 

[scriptmonkey]

Mine is a 75 gallon as well and if you were doing a fish only tank barely. Even with 2 I do not think it would have been enough corals.

 

[Water Dog]

What corals do you plan on keeping in your tank? That will go a long way in helping with your lighting decision.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

What corals do you plan on keeping in your tank? That will go a long way in helping with your lighting decision.

its for a friend i am helping build. he is going to have softies to start and lps. then once tank is established after 6 months or so maybe a few (2-3) sps..

 

[scriptmonkey]

I do not think you will get the par values out of Current lights at 20" deep for SPS. I will be back with the Current lighting chart

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I do not think you will get the par values out of Current lights at 20" deep for SPS. I will be back with the Current lighting chart

from what we have seen the Par stats the manufacturer gives on the Orbit is pretty darned close to other users numbers. Just under 600 par at 12in from the light I believe.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I do not think you will get the par values out of Current lights at 20" deep for SPS. I will be back with the Current lighting chart

I think it would . here is the chart http://current-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Orbit-PAR-Measurements-1.pdf But I was also thinking putting a single or 2 t5 lights on the front or back. to he can use t5 and current pros together. Anyone know of a single t5 light 48" ?or a dual t5

 

[scriptmonkey]

Sorry. Not home and working off my phone.

 

[scriptmonkey]

It's saying that SPS is like 200-500 so unless you are in the very top 9-12" of tank then it might be hard.

If you are going to augment it with T5 then think you could be ok.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Sorry. Not home and working off my phone.

wow was I off.....

 

[scriptmonkey]

Telling you if I could go back about a month I think I would have skipped the Ethereals and went with a Reefbreeders photon v2 and called it a day. Fed up trying to get the one Ethereal mounted.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Telling you if I could go back about a month I think I would have skipped the Ethereals and went with a Reefbreeders photon v2 and called it a day. Fed up trying to get the one Ethereal mounted.

True but twice as much as current usa pro lights.

 

[scriptmonkey]

But I am pretty sure you will need 2 of the pro lights if you just go straight LED to have a chance of coverage front to back if you use the supplied bracket or purchase their additional brackets like I did. I could be wrong.

 

[scriptmonkey]

Do not get me wrong, I like Current USA..i am using the Eflux DC pump as we speak for my return pump. I just think their lights are a little weak to get the par needed on the tank floor.

 

[ricky5415]

Go with a used RB photon 48 and done.