Need lighting advice.

[Notathumpa]

I will be setting up a 120 (4'x24"x24
') reef and want to light with LED. Of course cost is a consideration. I have looked at Current USA Orbit fixtures and like what they offer for the money, but the regular Orbit does not have the PAR penetration and the PRO has a narrower band of light but does have adequate penetration. I want to have enough light for any corals that I choose throughout the tank. The 48" pro approaches $500 and buying the dual unit is cost prohibitive for me. I would like your experiences and advice if you wouldn't mind sharing. Also, if you have used equipment that would suit my needs, I'd love to hear from you. Thank you so much.
John

 

[sam.basye]

Hey John!

At one point I had the current orbit marine led (18"). It lit my 2.5 gal, then 5 gal, then briefly my 26 gal tank.

At only 18w, using .25w LEDs it was enough to keep things alive, but nothing grew like they could have.
I had a monti spongodes frag that lost all the green color under the orbit led. This was with the fixture 3" above the surface and 100%.

I wouldn't recommend it for anything but a nano tank, fuge, or as supplemental lighting for a more powerful unit.

As for the new pro model, it is basically the same thing in my opinion. The only real differences are that it uses .5w LED's and optics (which make it thicker than the first model)

The ramp timer has some great features, other than the thunderstorm feature which is cool, but useless.

For the price of the new orbit pro, I would buy multiple reefbreeders, evergrow, or mars aqua led lights.

I ended up buying a new evergrow it2040 on eBay and love it. It blows the orbit out of the water with intensity and my coral is thriving.

You could get two or three, depending on which light for your tank and it would be close to the same price as the orbit pro, but way more output and capability.

Let me know if you have any questing about either or pics.

Sam

 

[Notathumpa]

Thanks, Sam. Just the kind of feedback I'm looking for. There are so many options out there, a person doesn't know where to begin! I'll check out those you've suggested.
John

 

[Hokies83]

If try Chinese boxes 2 will cover that there like $85 each shipped on eBay

 

[Notathumpa]

I have not seen the $85 units. Have looked over the Evergrow and Marsaqua. I have to admit, though, that after years of paying extraordinarily high prices for decent reefkeeping equip., I am very shy about stuff that seems too good to be true. Most of the reviews I've read on the Chinese stuff is pretty good and rates most units as pretty equal quality, but I still have that price hang-up. I'll keep checking the reviews and probably end up overpaying for something. I really appreciate the suggestions. Keep them coming!

 

[dadyoj21]

I have heard good things about the reef breeders lights but have no personal experience, they seem a good value for full spectrum programmable lights.

see link

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-48/

another option is T5 ho with a cheaper less powerful LED for supplement

see links

http://www.marineandreef.com/AquaticLife_T5_HO_48_6_Lamp_Fixture_Six_Lamp_p/ral01192.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-M...&sr=8-1&keywords=Current+USA+Orbit+Marine+LED

 

[Notathumpa]

The reefbreeders def looks like a good buy for a 48" fixture.

 

[dadyoj21]

I think If you want LED lights that is the best option for a programmable fixture, you will probably need to run them at a pretty high output on a 120. I am not sure about how programmable they are but you can look into that and just google them to see what others have to say about them. IMO LED lights are great for about 95% of corals however some SPS corals just do not seem to get good color.

I have seen some T5 HO tanks that have looked amazing with the right bulb configurations as well and the one I linked above is a great deal with built in timers.

 

[Notathumpa]

Well. I've pulled the trigger and ordered the Reefbreeders Photon 48". From the reviews I've read and the dollar value for full coverage with a single fixture, I think I've made a good choice for my current needs. After some user comments on this quality led fixture, I am keeping my options open for additional t5's if need be.....or if I just want to try them.

 

[dadyoj21]

keep us posted, I for one am curious about these fixtures.

 

[sam.basye]

+1

Post some pics of the new light when it snows up!

 

[Notathumpa]

I will keep you updated on the reefbreeders light fixture. Keep in mind that my new set up will be a somewhat slow process as I am accumulating equipment after selling all my previous stuff when I moved from Ohio. I will certainly provide any info that I can for you.

 

[Notathumpa]

First thing I noticed was shipping weight of 28lbs! Is that normal for a 48" fixture? Can't wait till it gets here.

 

[sam.basye]

I believe it! I have the 16" model and it was way heavier than I was expecting. I think around 8lbs. I had to redesign my light mount plans after I got it.

 

[scubarich]

I'll be curious to hear what you have to say about the ReefBreeder lights. I put two Radion Pros on my 150 mixed reef and I only run them at 40% .... they are tremendously bright at 100%. Even at 40% I have to put some SPS corals in the bottom of the tank or they bleach. The Pros are excellent quality and I like them a lot...BUT...something like the ReefBreeder may have been a better choice.

 

[Notathumpa]

Well. My new light has been sitting at the Kingsport Fed Ex terminal since Wed morning. Hope to see it Monday.

 

[sam.basye]

Get it yet???

 

[Notathumpa]

Nope. UPS delivered to me today but Fed Ex is still a no show. Been at the Kingsport terminal for a week now. I'd be really ****ed if I needed it!

 

[Notathumpa]

Ha! I've been redacted!

 

[Notathumpa]

Finally rec'd the light but have only had time to unpack it and check for damage. Looks awesome! I can post any pics that might be helpful to anyone, but again, it will be some time before I have a tank set up.