Considering lighting upgrade

[AwesomeDavid]

Hello all, :wave:
So, I currently have a current USA orbit marine led light. My RBTA has been moving higher and higher up my reef since I got him. I think I may have a lighting problem. Should I get another orbit marine, or go with black box leds? The reason why I may not upgrade is because I need to bring calcium and magnesium back to proper levels, and that could satisfy the anemone. Also, what is wrong with the orbit lights? (besides their low wattage)
Thanks!

 

[GimpyFin]

There's nothing inherently wrong with the orbit marines, besides their relatively low output. I have one on my small cube with a few fish and some mushrooms and it works just fine. Not a good light for a BTA, though, IMO. They need fairly strong light. I would replace it with something stronger that penetrates the water better. Adding a second will only give you broader coverage. Anyway, just my $.02.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Look into the Ocean Revive T247's

 

[AwesomeDavid]

Vinny Kreyling those are good lights, but I would need two of them and I don't want to spend that much. Gimpyfin so adding another orbit would be useless? If that is the case I will go with black box leds.

 

[GimpyFin]

Yes, the black boxes like Mars Aqua, etc. will be a better router to go, IMO. The LEDs on the Orbit marine are only rated around .25W each, whereas the black boxes I believe are rated around 3w each. Much more powerful.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Yes, the black boxes like Mars Aqua, etc. will be a better router to go, IMO. The LEDs on the Orbit marine are only rated around .25W each, whereas the black boxes I believe are rated around 3w each. Much more powerful.

The black boxes are rated at 3 watts, HOWEVER, must get run at 2.2 watts and the Mars Aqua get run at just over 1.8 watts... just to add a bit of detail.

The Current Orbit leds are fine if you have a 12" deep tank and marginal on an 18" deep tank. Deeper than that and you may keep stuff alive, but it's not likely to grow much if at all.