Reef Light Question
- Thread starter Ships
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ReefEco
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Hey Ships - What are the dimensions of your tank? Lots of lights will meet the bill, though not sure too many have built in timers - but that is easy to solve with a cheap $5-10 light timer to plug it into. Depending on your budget, I would advise investing in a good light, that will grow with you in the hobby, and has enough punch to grow a wide range of corals - so if you start with lower light "easy" corals, then want to try some higher light SPS, you are ready to go and don't need to buy another light. If you are starting with a 38 gallon, you will likely upgrade to a larger tank as well, so think about a light that is modular - one that you can simply buy additional numbers of the same light and protect your initial investment. I'm a big fan of Kessils, look at the 360we, or the newer 360x. Next on the list might be the AI 25HD or AI prime. Radions of course would be great too, either the XR15 or XR30, depending on your tank dimensions. If you have a standard 38 gallon glass tank, you might need two fixtures for the 36" length - if you want really good coverage. So, if on a budget, two AI primes might work well.
It's a 38 gallon bow front made by Marineland. The tank is at home and I'm away from home for work so I can't get the exact measurements at this time other than its 24 inches deep. I was trying to keep around a budget of $150 because yes I do plan on getting a larger tank eventually, but plan on keeping the 38 gallon up as well. So I can buy a bigger/better light for the larger one once I know what I'm getting.
ReefEco
Well-Known Member
Ah, ok - it is 32" wide, so you'd need two pendant style lights most likely, or a wider single light. You could get one AI prime or Kessil 160 now, then add another later when budget allows. $150 is a little slim for a good light that will allow you to grow the full range of corals. If you DIY, you could also buy a 24" 2 bulb t5 kit now(~$100), then you can add a single LED light later - maybe an AI prime, Kessil 160 or 360. I have a 24" t5 kit and Kessil 360we on my coral quarantine system (29 gallon - about the same width tank as yours), and it is pretty sweet. I like the bowfront 38 - nice little tank!
What about this? Or what other black box would you reccomend? VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control 165W LED Aquarium Light Dimmable Full Spectrum for Coral Reef Grow Fish Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3Q37BbF385EEC
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This is in my price range and I like the AquaSky version of this light. Would the 32 watt 24-34 inch version be strong enough for soft corals? https://www.petco.com/webapp/wcs/st...-GG_FY17_SCShopping-Branded&utm_source=google
The Black boxes are good but may light the tank unevenly.
The current are actually ok , but look for the ones with lenses not the ones with square leds. Those are low output and almost useless.
The current are actually ok , but look for the ones with lenses not the ones with square leds. Those are low output and almost useless.
If you were going to get some, which would you get, the Curret Pro (the lenses one) or the Fluval 3.0 marine and reef? Both are similar to one another I think. Correction, if I am looking at the correct Current, the Fluval is nearly half. I see 2 different "pro" models, the ones with round LEDs are the ones you were referring to right?
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Yes , the round ones.
The orbit has more power than the Fluval and a few more program options I belive.
Yea the pro thing is misleading. Somtimes they are referring to the timer not the light.
Besides that the major difference is the color. I’ve seen good things with both lights
The orbit has more power than the Fluval and a few more program options I belive.
Yea the pro thing is misleading. Somtimes they are referring to the timer not the light.
Besides that the major difference is the color. I’ve seen good things with both lights
Full spectrum is a sales term.
A reef light has to be full spectrum, a light not full spectrum is a goofy color , red yellow etc. even a tungsten bulb is full spectrum even though it contains almost no blue.
Each light leans slightly toward different colors. The orbit leans toward royal blue , the fluval leans toward deep blue, kessil leans toward aqua blue.
If you have a center brace the kessil may not cut it. It’s like a flashlight.
My preference would be a light closer to the shape of the tank.
A maxspect razor would be a good call probably as it’s two flashlights.
The orbit and fluval are strips.
