Viparspectra 165W Reef Lights (Newer Models)

[CallMeLloyd]

I have 2 of them 10-11" above my 55g breeder, maybe 12" above water surface. I also have glass lids on my tank so I know that will cut the PAR down. I keep my lights on for 13 hours a day, Blues from 9am-12pm then white/blues from 12pm-6pm then back to blues 6pm-10pm. I have the whites on 10% and the blues at 60%. Most of the threads I find on these lights are the older versions were you can change the lights by 1% and not 10%. Everyone says the older models are pretty strong. Does anyone have experience with the newer model lights? What settings do you keep them at? How is your coral growth?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

12 inches off the water, glass lids standard 75 gallon. New gen 165's 60-10 mid tank par 65 to 120. But I have the lenses removed. Using Parwise par meter.

 

[CallMeLloyd]

What does removing the lenses do? More even spread of lights?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

What does removing the lenses do? More even spread of lights?

No disco effect, wider even spread. But could hurt longevity. Lower par reading

 

[CallMeLloyd]

No disco effect, wider even spread. But could hurt longevity. Lower par reading

So I guess if the disco effect doesn't bother me I shouldn't remove lenses. I honestly don't think it's that bad. Then again my previous lights had a shimmer effect.

 

[Screwgunner]

Or raise the lights up to 18 inches and the disco affect goes away but you get some light spill on the edges of the tank. And you will have to turn your light up a bit.

 

[CallMeLloyd]

Or raise the lights up to 18 inches and the disco affect goes away but you get some light spill on the edges of the tank. And you will have to turn your light up a bit.

I feel like I already have a lot of light spill because of the 55g breeders dimensions.

 

[Screwgunner]

Watch brs on the black box lights they give par and spread on your light at different hights.

 

[Screwgunner]

I have 3 of them 18 inches above my 125 running them 70 20.

 

[Screwgunner]

 

[Hinchy2021]

Hey reefers,

I'm looking to use these initially as a budget light option on a new tank build for softies and some LPS, possibly some SPS at top of scape in upper half of tank down the track. The tank dimensions are 285cm x 70cm x 90cmHeight. I've spoken to some people running Viparspectra who think that these lights can penetrate deep into a tank. With the length, depth and width of my tank do you think 2 rows of 5 lights would be adequate or 1 row of 8 lights, how would you suggest to set them up? Thanks for your input.