Two Photon 16's or 1 48 for 90 Gal

[Shaummy]

Hi all,

I've pretty much decided that I want to buy a photon V2+ for my 90 gallon mixed reef. Right now I have two very old Maxpect G2 160W fixtures that the power supplies have now gone.

The question is...would it be better to have 2 16" fixtures or 1 large 48" fixture? I was originally looking at the 48", but I wondered if using the 2 x16" fixtures would give me a little flexibility to move them side to side based on the needs on each side of the tank. While the 48 would still give great coverage...it will really be in one position across the tank.

The 2x16's would be slightly more expensive, but not by too much.

Thoughts reefers?

 

[gcarroll]

Is there a reason why you are not considering new power supplies?

 

[Shaummy]

Is there a reason why you are not considering new power supplies?

These power supplies are integrated with the on/off timers and are no longer available. So I don't have an option to just replace them.

They look like this...
https://reefbuilders.com/2009/10/06/maxspect-led-lighting-system-china/

 

[Orion1885]

Hi,

I have the 48" long photon on my similar size tank (80 gallon visio; 48/18/23) and it gives me great coverage. I used to use the 24" version on a 40 breeder I had and it gave me dark areas. I think you will get shaded/dark areas if you go with the 2x16.

 

[Orion1885]

Hi,

I have the 48" long photon on my similar size tank (80 gallon visio; 48/18/23) and it gives me great coverage.

 

[Shaummy]

Hi,

I have the 48" long photon on my similar size tank (80 gallon visio; 48/18/23) and it gives me great coverage.

The only reason I was thinking about the 2x16 is that this is a mixed reef and I have some LPS and SPS so I've moved the LPS out towards the corners more with the SPS more towards the core areas. So in a way..I'm worried about too much coverage where I have those LPS sitting.

 

[Shaummy]

The only reason I was thinking about the 2x16 is that this is a mixed reef and I have some LPS and SPS so I've moved the LPS out towards the corners more with the SPS more towards the core areas. So in a way..I'm worried about too much coverage where I have those LPS sitting.

Here is the way the setup is today to see what I'm getting at in terms of moving the fixtures around..

 

[DLHDesign]

I have nothing to add about the lights, but GO CUBS! ;-)