Maxspect LED owners!!!

[Garage1217]

They have multiple options, you can choose cree at an increased price / better output / not so hot on color. Semi LED's are standard. I have had no issues with mine, some have lost an led or two "imo due to a lack of thermal paste" My tank is mixed, but have a ton of SPS & the standard semi leds are showing great results with no loss of color or growth over my halides after almost a month. Better to make that determination after two-three months however.

 

[2reefs]

Thanks.

 

[Garage1217]

Measured the power draw over my 10 hour photo period in my local energy efficiency post located here. The post is more of a journey than a destination & may be worth a read to some if they want to possibly cut electrical costs.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1809131

Last update regarding the maxspect fixtures:

Right now my light schedule is as follows:
- 11am blue leds on
- 11:30am blue + white leds on
- 12am blue + white + 30W white leds on

- 5pm 30W white leds shut down
- 8pm white leds shut down
- 9pm blue leds shut dowm

So far, 2 weeks with this schedule / no difference in coral color or my perception of growth. Will know more in another 2-4 weeks.

Each maxspect fixture draws the follows wattage per light group:
- 3W Blues draw 58W x 2 = 116W
- 3W whites draw 34W x 2 = 68W
- 30W whites draw 68W x 2 = 136W
This equals a total of 320W draw maximum per fixture "not to mention a 2W idle with everything off but the moon lights at night"

So if I average the draw over the total 10 hour light cycle I come up with 241.8W average at this time WOOT!! Far cry from the 500+W over my display previously! And with more measured light output at the current fixture height when all leds are on, producing drastically less heat & no bulb replacements "not to mention the 18 month warranty", drastically less evap AND the excellent savings in electricity = a WIN

 

[Rosscopeco]

Has anyone mixed some whites in with the blue circuit to soften up the ridiculous full blue mode? I wanted to try it on mine but it fried itself with a faulty fan on the first day. My order was made on the 23rd of dec and so far I have recieved two duds. The wait continues.

 

[Daniel Reef]

Is a G2 180w equivalent to a 400w MH? I am interested in getting some for my 90g. Also, does anyone use an Apex to control the lights?

 

[Garage1217]

Not really. I would more consider it around a 250-300W with excellent color. I have not tested to back that statement up, but that is my feeling on it.

 

[SimonSKL]

Is a G2 180w equivalent to a 400w MH? I am interested in getting some for my 90g. Also, does anyone use an Apex to control the lights?

I would agree with Garage. If G2 160w is comparable to 250W MH, it is not mathematically possible for the 180w to be equivalent to 400W MH. I have a G2 230W and I think it is brighter than the 250W + 150W HQI that I replaced.

 

[lanshark]

I was told the G2 180W was not currently available. Heat from the four 30w leds got the attention of MFG....

 

[amheck]

I would go with a 160W unit or a 110W. I have personally put one of my 160w units over a LFS Solana tank and it was amazing looking!

I'm thinking about something over a Solana too, but this is sort of a general question, not really related to the tank.

if one would get the 110w version, the color is pretty good right out of the box correct? But with the 160W version, I believe I've seen some people changing out some of the white LED's for more blues?

 

[Daniel Reef]

I was told the G2 180W was not currently available. Heat from the four 30w leds got the attention of MFG....

Doesn't a G2 230W also have 4 30w leds?

 

[Garage1217]

I was told the G2 180W was not currently available. Heat from the four 30w leds got the attention of MFG....

Fascinating, the g2 180 does not have 30W leds. I do not see how heat would be a concern, even with the 230 version that does have 30W leds since it uses less leds than my pair of 160's / less power overall and has the same two fans.

 

[Garage1217]

I'm thinking about something over a Solana too, but this is sort of a general question, not really related to the tank.

if one would get the 110w version, the color is pretty good right out of the box correct? But with the 160W version, I believe I've seen some people changing out some of the white LED's for more blues?

Out of the box, the 110 has excellent color IMO, can be a little blue for some, but not me.

 

[SimonSKL]

Doesn't a G2 230W also have 4 30w leds?

The G2 230W is twice as long as the G2 180W. I can see why packing 4 x 30W into such a small area can be a problem as far as heat is concerned.

 

[Garage1217]

well looks like you two are correct and I am wrong *LOL* I was thinking of the 170W vs the 230. My apologies

I can see heat being an issue.

The 4 30w white would draw 136W & the 18 leds on the blue channel "including stock violets" would draw 58W for a total draw of 194W unless they are knocking down voltages / wattage on the power supply to make the fixture draw 180W. 194W definitely could over power the stock fan assembly with the heatsink being only 16". Also the way they implemented the fan is not the most efficient. Excellent for looks, not so for airflow through the fixture.

 

[wec]

I'm thinking about getting the 230w maxspect for my 57g 36x18x24. Would this be to much. I would like to be able to keep a variety of corals. This would be my first real setup.
Or am I overdoing it with the 230w. I was just woried about the tank being so deep 24".
Thanks

 

[SimonSKL]

I'm thinking about getting the 230w maxspect for my 57g 36x18x24. Would this be to much. I would like to be able to keep a variety of corals. This would be my first real setup.
Or am I overdoing it with the 230w. I was just woried about the tank being so deep 24".
Thanks

I would suggest 230W for your 24" deep tank. If it is too bright, you can always set the last group of lights on for a shorter period of time.

 

[lanshark]

If so inclined, would someone reply or pm with how long your stuff was in Customs? I'm near LAX and my stuff arrived over the weekend and tracking says, inbound into customs... "The abyss"! Wondering if pretty quick or could turn into weeks USPS was used.
Thx!

 

[SimonSKL]

If so inclined, would someone reply or pm with how long your stuff was in Customs? I'm near LAX and my stuff arrived over the weekend and tracking says, inbound into customs... "The abyss"! Wondering if pretty quick or could turn into weeks USPS was used.
Thx!

Mine was in that status for 3 days but it showed up at my home on the 4th day.

 

[KMP]

^ same here

 

[NyReefNoob]

woo hoo just ordered my g2 170w.