I'm looking for recommendations for a 150 gallon tank, 60x24x24. Mostly LPS but would like the capability to do some easy SPS even if I have to put them middle up. Not looking to cheap out but not looking to break the bank either. Something reasonable with some timing features. TIA
LED Recommendation
- Thread starter rdnyva
- Start date
Ron Reefman
Active member
+1 for what mcgyver said.
Here is what my 2 look like. The DT is 60'x24"x20", so almost exactly like yours:
Here is what my 2 look like. The DT is 60'x24"x20", so almost exactly like yours:
BryanS4
New member
I need help all the time, but this has been covered 1000 times in 6 months.
You only have so many middle of the road options, pick which one you personally like and run with it.
Asking othes what you should do will only get opinions on what leds they have on their tanks.
Ron is objective, go back and read his multiple responses on this same topic.
A couple of things.
Altnough covered 1000 times I still would like others opinions. It could lead to a personal conversation and answer some questions.
I do not think it is appropriate that you tell me to pick one and run with it. I will take my time, ask questions and ultimately choose the best one for me.
Go back and read my original post. I never asked what I should do, I asked for recommendations. And I welcome opinions on what others have on their tanks.
I'm not sure why you object to my post. If you didn't like it, just move on without the lecture or your condescending attitude. This forum is for asking questions, exchanging information and enjoying this hobby. I received 3 good answers to my question, if you have nothing constructive to add please don't respond to these types of posts.
Altnough covered 1000 times I still would like others opinions. It could lead to a personal conversation and answer some questions.
I do not think it is appropriate that you tell me to pick one and run with it. I will take my time, ask questions and ultimately choose the best one for me.
Go back and read my original post. I never asked what I should do, I asked for recommendations. And I welcome opinions on what others have on their tanks.
I'm not sure why you object to my post. If you didn't like it, just move on without the lecture or your condescending attitude. This forum is for asking questions, exchanging information and enjoying this hobby. I received 3 good answers to my question, if you have nothing constructive to add please don't respond to these types of posts.
Ron Reefman
Active member
rdnyva, Just let it go. I'm sure BryanS4 didn't mean to be rude.
IMHO you need to make some decisions to move the process forward.
1) Do you want 1 fixture, or are 2 or 3 fixtures OK?
2) Do you want them to hang or have legs? Do you have a canopy? If not, how important are looks? Is a Chinese black box design OK?
3) Is 2 channel with built-in timers enough?
4) Do you want 24 hour sunrise/midday/sunset/moonlight control?
5) Do you want more than 2 channel color control?
6) Do you care about WiFi or computer programs to help adjust your system or is a simple remote control enough?
Each of these enhancements will add to the cost of the fixture. Tell us which ones are important to you and we can offer options. I picked the Photon V2 because it was the best fit for me, not because it's the best fixture. And I can't say this strongly enough, there is NO BEST fixture that fits everybody's needs or budgets. In fact, there just isn't a best fixture, period! Anybody who claims their's is best is really just saying their's is the best choice for them. It really may be totally wrong for others.
IMHO you need to make some decisions to move the process forward.
1) Do you want 1 fixture, or are 2 or 3 fixtures OK?
2) Do you want them to hang or have legs? Do you have a canopy? If not, how important are looks? Is a Chinese black box design OK?
3) Is 2 channel with built-in timers enough?
4) Do you want 24 hour sunrise/midday/sunset/moonlight control?
5) Do you want more than 2 channel color control?
6) Do you care about WiFi or computer programs to help adjust your system or is a simple remote control enough?
Each of these enhancements will add to the cost of the fixture. Tell us which ones are important to you and we can offer options. I picked the Photon V2 because it was the best fit for me, not because it's the best fixture. And I can't say this strongly enough, there is NO BEST fixture that fits everybody's needs or budgets. In fact, there just isn't a best fixture, period! Anybody who claims their's is best is really just saying their's is the best choice for them. It really may be totally wrong for others.
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Thanks Ron. The way it came across just irritated me.
My answers to your questions are below
Thanks for taking the time to guide me along. I'm upgrading from 2 RB Value fixtures. The only controls they have is dimming and I use the apex for on/off, so this is all new to me.
My answers to your questions are below
Thanks for taking the time to guide me along. I'm upgrading from 2 RB Value fixtures. The only controls they have is dimming and I use the apex for on/off, so this is all new to me.
Ron Reefman
Active member
OK, sunrise/midday/sunset/moonlight control comes at a cost.
Euphotica has these in 3 sizes and 2 channels of color control, similar to what you have now RB Value fixture. The 32" is $400 and you'll need 2. The 16" is $270 and you'll want 3. I forgot to look if it has legs, but I don't think it does. Here is a link:
https://www.amazon.com/Programmable-LED-Aquarium-Light-Fixture/dp/B00ECHISKQ
The next step up is RB Photon V2. Same sunrise/sunset ability but 6 channels of color control and a MUCH better looking fixture. The 32" is $500 and the 16" is $340. Here is a link:
https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-32-v2/
With the big center brace you could use the legs on the 32" RB Photon V2. But you are paying $200 more for 6 channel color control (which you don't care about) and good looks. Oh, the RB Value fixtures you have now are the Chinese black box design and so is the Euphotica. The RB Photon V2 is MUCH slimmer and way better looking. But if it's in a canopy, who cares?
I hope that helps?
Euphotica has these in 3 sizes and 2 channels of color control, similar to what you have now RB Value fixture. The 32" is $400 and you'll need 2. The 16" is $270 and you'll want 3. I forgot to look if it has legs, but I don't think it does. Here is a link:
https://www.amazon.com/Programmable-LED-Aquarium-Light-Fixture/dp/B00ECHISKQ
The next step up is RB Photon V2. Same sunrise/sunset ability but 6 channels of color control and a MUCH better looking fixture. The 32" is $500 and the 16" is $340. Here is a link:
https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-32-v2/
With the big center brace you could use the legs on the 32" RB Photon V2. But you are paying $200 more for 6 channel color control (which you don't care about) and good looks. Oh, the RB Value fixtures you have now are the Chinese black box design and so is the Euphotica. The RB Photon V2 is MUCH slimmer and way better looking. But if it's in a canopy, who cares?
I hope that helps?
BryanS4
New member
I do apologize, things come across in writing different than the intention. I was only trying to point out that there is at least 5 threads just like this every week.
I'm personally not a huge led fan, but I do have a few fixtures on some of the tanks and for your 150 I'd go with a RB V2 as suggested below. Great fixture for the money and it looks really good. I have one over a 40b sofite tank.
I also have a few Ocean Revives over a frag tank, great light, but the ramping features aren't there and I see you're looking for those.
If going in a canopy, I'd add 4 T5 bulbs as well to help with the shading. My display is the exact same dims as yours and I went with an 8x54 Sunpower and a RB XHO and loving it so far. I personally think led plus t5 best of both worlds.
Good luck with your new lights.
I'm personally not a huge led fan, but I do have a few fixtures on some of the tanks and for your 150 I'd go with a RB V2 as suggested below. Great fixture for the money and it looks really good. I have one over a 40b sofite tank.
I also have a few Ocean Revives over a frag tank, great light, but the ramping features aren't there and I see you're looking for those.
If going in a canopy, I'd add 4 T5 bulbs as well to help with the shading. My display is the exact same dims as yours and I went with an 8x54 Sunpower and a RB XHO and loving it so far. I personally think led plus t5 best of both worlds.
Good luck with your new lights.
I have the same dimension 150 gallon as u & have been looking to upgrade my light on. I have read countless threads on lights in the process. I still haven't purchased them but I am going to be purchasing the 50" v2. I have a 4 bulb T5 I was going to keep on the tank also. I don't have the center brace on my tank but if it's glass it doesn't seem like it should give u a shading problem.
I have read nothing but good things about rb & the v2 in particular. They seem to be the best choice for me from the info I gathered for the money I can spend on lights. If money wasn't a option I would be thinking hard about getting 2 ap 700's. That's out of my price range though.
I have read nothing but good things about rb & the v2 in particular. They seem to be the best choice for me from the info I gathered for the money I can spend on lights. If money wasn't a option I would be thinking hard about getting 2 ap 700's. That's out of my price range though.
Ron, yes this helps enormously. Thank you.
Bryan - I understand. Thanks for your input
RB Photon V2 seems to be the one I like. The six channels are something I will learn about and appreciate down the line. I will have the option of putting it in my canopy or using the legs - I really like the open look and the way it looks on Ron's tank. The next decision is one 50 or two 32s. Since my center brace is made of starfire glass I get very little to no shadow, if I keep it clean. The 50 is more cost effective and would look better than two separate fixtures. But two 32s will probably give me better coverage. Will have to think this over.
Thanks for all your help and guidance. You've simplified things for me so that I can make an informed choice.
Bryan - I understand. Thanks for your input
RB Photon V2 seems to be the one I like. The six channels are something I will learn about and appreciate down the line. I will have the option of putting it in my canopy or using the legs - I really like the open look and the way it looks on Ron's tank. The next decision is one 50 or two 32s. Since my center brace is made of starfire glass I get very little to no shadow, if I keep it clean. The 50 is more cost effective and would look better than two separate fixtures. But two 32s will probably give me better coverage. Will have to think this over.
Thanks for all your help and guidance. You've simplified things for me so that I can make an informed choice.
Ron Reefman
Active member
It costs more, but I think you'll be much happier having spent the extra $225 for 2 of the 32" V2's. My 50" V2 is good for a 60" tank but I'm sure it would leave dim ends on a 72" tank.
I don't think u will be able to fit two 32". Ron had two on his old 180 so he may know the exact demintions but if they are actually 32" then it would be tough trying to fit them. If u wanted two so u don't have anything over your brace then u would probably have to go with two 24".
After reading Rons post again I think he though u had a 72" tank. I'm sure he will chime in again & I would take his advice over mine but I would probably go with the 50" & be done rather then two 24". I know that is what I plan on doing.
After reading Rons post again I think he though u had a 72" tank. I'm sure he will chime in again & I would take his advice over mine but I would probably go with the 50" & be done rather then two 24". I know that is what I plan on doing.
Ron Reefman
Active member
Sorry, I thought you had a 72" tank when I made that last post. For thr 60" tank the 50" V2 will work great. That's what mine is. And it saves you $200+.
Sorry for the confusion and thanks to Lsufan for catching it!
Sorry for the confusion and thanks to Lsufan for catching it!
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