Thoughts on Mars Aqua LED

[JosephM]

So I’m looking into Lights to get for my 29 gal reef tank I’m building. I don’t really have the budget for those expensive and really nice lights but I was looking more at black box leds. I was about to pull the trigger on a 165w viparspectra until i saw the Mars Aqua and tons of good reviews on it. I found the 165w Mars Aqua on eBay for $40. What do you guys think about the Mars aqua or maybe other suggestions for me? How many would I need, 1?

 

[LeftyReefer]

I'd go for the viparspectra. Out of all the black box LEDs, they have the best spectrum for corals. BRS did a black box review of many of these lights. You may want to check it out.

 

[X-37B]

I ran the Mars on my nano and it grew coral just fine.
I ran 20% white 60% blue.
If you were in Norcal I would give you mine, lol.
18" cubed nano was running around 3 months in the pic.
Get the $40 one as they are a good starter light, imo.
I still have several of those corals in my 120. They are almost 5 years old now.

 

[JosephM]

I ran the Mars on my nano and it grew coral just fine.
I ran 20% white 60% blue.
If you were in Norcal I would give you mine, lol.
18" cubed nano was running around 3 months in the pic.
Get the $40 one as they are a good starter light, imo.
I still have several of those corals in my 120. They are almost 5 years old now.

I mean I can PayPal for shipping

 

[JosephM]

I'd go for the viparspectra. Out of all the black box LEDs, they have the best spectrum for corals. BRS did a black box review of many of these lights. You may want to check it out.

Okay I will check it out. My thing is price point and how long it’ll even be before I get close to demanding corals.

 

[Adolfo]

Check the Ocean Revive too

 

[LeftyReefer]

Don't take my reply the wrong way. I like the viparspectra, but they all will work and grow corals. If you can get one for $40, have at it!

 

[John08007]

I used black boxes for yrs, I picked up one for around 120-150 on Amazon that had a digital timer built in. I was able to have it ramp up and down. Recently retired them and went with a kessil.

 

[Casket_Case]

I’ve only ever used a MarsAqua 300W and I absolutely love it. All my corals do fine. It grows anemones and SPS

 

[DaAznGuy]

I have viparspectra and marsaqua. Both are good. i did have to replace some leds on the Mars aqua one just recently. The ultraviolet doesn't last, some melted. But that’s because I run my blues on 100%. Hope that helps.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I run dual 165 Mars aquas. I love them. My green and aussie star and rainbow BTA like it, and grows algae for my tangs. A little too well actually. Run whites about 70%

 

[JosephM]

I have viparspectra and marsaqua. Both are good. i did have to replace some leds on the Mars aqua one just recently. The ultraviolet doesn't last, some melted. But that’s because I run my blues on 100%. Hope that helps.

Which would you recommend for me? First ever saltwater tank. Low income since I’m still in school so the build is going fairly slow. Probably won’t have any corals close to difficult anytime soon...

 

[Arthacker87]

Mars aqua 36" 300 watt grew nems sps acro and a clam. I ran my 80 blue 10 white (had a reefbrite blue led bar as well) for years just recently switched and now its on my frag tank

 

[JosephM]

Mars aqua 36" 300 watt grew nems sps acro and a clam. I ran my 80 blue 10 white (had a reefbrite blue led bar as well) for years just recently switched and now its on my frag tank

How many 165w would I need for 29 gal? 30” long by 18” deep

 

[Casket_Case]

I’ve only ever used a MarsAqua 300W and I absolutely love it. All my corals do fine. It grows anemones and SPS

I also run mine on 50% Blue 40% Whites. Got them a year ago, doing well still. Just gotta clean salt creep off them.

 

[Adolfo]

I ran the Mars on my nano and it grew coral just fine.
I ran 20% white 60% blue.
If you were in Norcal I would give you mine, lol.
18" cubed nano was running around 3 months in the pic.
Get the $40 one as they are a good starter light, imo.
I still have several of those corals in my 120. They are almost 5 years old now.

Nice !

 

[Adolfo]

Mars aqua 36" 300 watt grew nems sps acro and a clam. I ran my 80 blue 10 white (had a reefbrite blue led bar as well) for years just recently switched and now its on my frag tank

Looks nice !

 

[Arthacker87]

They recommended 3 watts per gallon back in they day. 165 watt (24") over 30 inches might leave ya some gaps on the side but you can hang it a bit higher to try to cover it. Don't know if they have a 30" led set up or not.

 

[Arthacker87]

Looks nice !

Thanks its my thrown together tank really

 

[JosephM]

They recommended 3 watts per gallon back in they day. 165 watt (24") over 30 inches might leave ya some gaps on the side but you can hang it a bit higher to try to cover it. Don't know if they have a 30" led set up or not.

So what I’m hearing is it’ll do okay and i can add on another one once I get all the other necessities and wants for the tank?