opinions on led lighting

madweazl · May 9, 2017

I had a pair of SBReef 16" boxes on my 75g in the beginning and the coverage was acceptable. I had a matching canopy that I wanted to use to reduce the light creep but that wasn't possible with these (any lower than 10" the light just didnt mix or cover well) so I switched over to something else. They dont have a very good fit and finish but they do work well and for the money, were hard to beat.

Edit: better pic of the coverage.

saltyfilmfolks · May 9, 2017

madweazl said:
I had a pair of SBReef 16" boxes on my 75g in the beginning and the coverage was acceptable. I had a matching canopy that I wanted to use to reduce the light creep but that wasn't possible with these (any lower than 10" the light just didnt mix or cover well) so I switched over to something else. They dont have a very good fit and finish but they do work well and for the money, were hard to beat.

Edit: better pic of the coverage.

On my 48in tank I cut holes in the top and pulled most of the lenses. Plenty of power left.

madweazl · May 9, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
On my 48in tank I cut holes in the top and pulled most of the lenses. Plenty of power left.

I had removed all of the lenses as well. I was going to cut holes in the top but they would have been too close to the water to get the spread I was after.

saltyfilmfolks · May 9, 2017

madweazl said:
I had removed all of the lenses as well. I was going to cut holes in the top but they would have been too close to the water to get the spread I was after.

Got it. Yea My canopy is 9 inches.

Xclusive Reef · May 10, 2017

is 1 photon 48 v2 enough for sps ?

Tgrove · May 10, 2017

I have two of the Mars Aqua over my 90g. I have to I have them running at about 30% and its a lot of light, attached is a pic from january this year

Xclusive Reef · May 10, 2017

Tgrove said:
I have two of the Mars Aqua over my 90g. I have to I have them running at about 30% and its a lot of light, attached is a pic from january this year

how are you mounting them? is that enough light for sps?

Tgrove · May 10, 2017

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E9LU9OS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

that is how they are mounted. and its more than enough for sps.

RobertP · May 10, 2017

I have a 130 gallon 4ft tank with 2-16" SB Reef lights and I have been very happy with them. I definitely have them closer together so that I have coverage in the middle. This tank has a large glass center brace so I lose some light with it too. At some point I might turn the lights sideways and add another in the middle but for now they cover well and provide plenty of light.
Can't complain for $250 for 2 lights and Apex controlled with a little extra wiring.

saltyfilmfolks · May 10, 2017

nycluis718 said:
is 1 photon 48 v2 enough for sps ?

Yes

Xclusive Reef · May 11, 2017

So want to see what you guys think.. I been helping this guy put the tank together researching for him etc.. one day he loves the reef tank idea and the next he is unsure if he wants a tank.. He already ordered tank, rock, skimmer and pumps. I told him its slow now till he gets all his equipment but i am not sure what to do anymore.. have a feeling this guy is not going to have the patience to wait for the cycle to finish and screw up everything. he is a friend and dont want to say the wrong thing here.. what to do...

madweazl · May 11, 2017

Be honest with him; regardless of friendship, he will be caring for living critters.

Xclusive Reef · May 11, 2017

i have i said bro this is a big commitment.. you have to be ready or just dont do it. he said he was up for it.. then this morning he is like man i am not sure if i want all the maintenance and headaches .. i said sell me your tanks and everything and dont do it. then he comes over to my place and see my tank and gets excited again and say he wants to do it. so it sucks that i know he will probably fail and he is going to spend so much money and i will probably get all his equipment from him at some point.