Lighting question

[Lunchbox514]

I'm setting up a 40B. I have a 24" orbit marine LED that I used on a 20 gal high. I was happy with the light on the smaller tank. Can I use this light or pair it with a second Orbit Marine? Or should I start from scratch and get something better altogether? I want to do a mixed reef setup and not have lights hold me back from getting most corals. However I don't want to break the bank and spend $1k+ on lighting.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I'm setting up a 40B. I have a 24" orbit marine LED that I used on a 20 gal high. I was happy with the light on the smaller tank. Can I use this light or pair it with a second Orbit Marine? Or should I start from scratch and get something better altogether? I want to do a mixed reef setup and not have lights hold me back from getting most corals. However I don't want to break the bank and spend $1k+ on lighting.

The 24" orbit marine would probably be fine for softies and some LPS, but it will not cut it for some LPS and all SPS. Lighting a 40B does not need to break the bank. I was using a 165W black box on mine and it worked well, though I would get a 300W black box next time. I eventually upgraded to AI Hydra 26 HD's because I like the controllability of them. Keep an eye on the classifieds area, you can often find great deals on lighting in there. I got my Hydra's for $500 for the pair with mounting arms.

 

[NikonN8]

A couple inexpensive T5 fixtures would also be a good idea. At one point I had a 40B running some BML fixtures with a single 250W halide pendant between them - lemme tell ya, stuff grew under that!!!

 

[mcgyvr]

In general the Orbit Marine LED lights lack depth penetration and are only cable of 100+ PAR levels at less than 6" away from the light and quickly drop off from there..
This basically makes them ok for shallow tanks with lower light demanding corals at thats about it..

This will give you more than enough power and allow you to grow anything
https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-reef-lights/4-sbox-pro-32-timer.html
Even their 16" models have more than enough power for a 40b and ones like this have most of the fancy features present in the higher dollar units..
https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-reef-lights/3-sbox-elite-16-ramping.html

 

[Uncle99]

Visparspectra 165w I use for mixed reef + clams, $140 bucks new and delivered.

 

[Special K85]

Visparspectra 165w I use for mixed reef + clams, $140 bucks new and delivered.

I just picked up 2 of these for my 75gal. cant wait to get them set up. I thinking 12 inches above the tank should work. and slowly turn up the settigs

 

[Lunchbox514]

Thank you all for the input

 

[cvrle1]

Visparspectra 165w I use for mixed reef + clams, $140 bucks new and delivered.

Just as a heads up, they are cheaper on eBay now @ $114 each all in.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VIPARSPECT...ht-For-Coral-Reef-Grow-Fish-Tank/292593920226

Yesterday there was also 10% off coupon for eBay, so price was $102.60