Thoughts on Mars Aqua LED

[Arthacker87]

Id say if your going for cheaper, I'd get the 165w and run it, hang it from ceiling and adjust it high enough to cover the tank (12-16 inches above tank) should still get decent par reading. I was getting over a hundred at sand and its12 inches above tank.

 

[Arthacker87]

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?

I think it will do better than you think. By the time you'll get to high end coral you'll have a better understanding of what is needed and how to care for your tank. Make sure to research fish before adding to make sure reef safe and corals to make sure what you have and what dedication you'll give to them. That being said (and I don't recommend this) that 65g pic I sent, I do water changes once a couple months and rarely dose anything. Just let it run lol.

 

[JosephM]

I think it will do better than you think. By the time you'll get to high end coral you'll have a better understanding of what is needed and how to care for your tank. Make sure to research fish before adding to make sure reef safe and corals to make sure what you have and what dedication you'll give to them. That being said (and I don't recommend this) that 65g pic I sent, I do water changes once a couple months and rarely dose anything. Just let it run lol.

Okay, thank you for all of the advice. It is much appreciated!

 

[Arthacker87]

This is blue channel only (half power) over my 65 frag

 

[DaAznGuy]

If you are on a budget. i’d go with the single 165w for now. If you can afford the 300w, that would take care of your full tank without any dead spots. Just know that it’s 32” so it will go past your tank slightly. It’s nicer having one dimmer to control lighting across the whole tank versus multiple and will also help with wire management.

 

[LeftyReefer]

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.

If you are on a budget. i’d go with the single 165w for now. If you can afford the 300w, that would take care of your full tank without any dead spots. Just know that it’s 32” so it will go past your tank slightly. It’s nicer having one dimmer to control lighting across the whole tank versus multiple and will also help with wire management.

Agree with these guys.
I have a single 300w viparspectra (32") centered over my 36" tank.
I have it hung 13" above water level and it easily covers my whole tank.

In BRS's black box testing, they determined 14" seems to be where you want these boxes to get good spread and color mixing.

 

[aquakj]

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.

I’m thinking of getting a black box the viparspectra how long did yours last?

 

[aquakj]

Do you think my 300wat Viparspectra would be okay about 3-4 inches above my 75 gallon ? Most likely set a lower intensity

Agree with these guys.
I have a single 300w viparspectra (32") centered over my 36" tank.
I have it hung 13" above water level and it easily covers my whole tank.

In BRS's black box testing, they determined 14" seems to be where you want these boxes to get good spread and color mixing.

 

[JosephM]

Just wanted to update everyone and say the Mars Aqua I tried to purchase was a scam and I never got it. I did get refunded thankfully (through eBay) I ended up getting a viparspectra and just got it installed today. It’s a little off center in the picture but I just fixed it just don’t have an updated photo.

 

[John08007]

I’m thinking of getting a black box the viparspectra how long did yours last?

I would say atleast 1-2 yrs, I then tried to swap out a burnt out led along with a few others to change the spectrum. After that I always had problems. They are a great light to start out with because they put off a lot of light for a low cost.

 

[ArtofReefing]

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 used the same black box when I first started. I took it apart and removed the lense cap on all the leds which worked for me and gave each led a 120° spread instead of the 60° spread it gives off with the caps. Its easy to do and works great if you have a wide tank