What size Current Orbit Fixture for FOWLR

[edsbeaker]

Hi,
I will be getting a Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light for over a 36" long FOWLR tank. I am going to be using the optional mounting bracket, so I can mount the light up to 9" above the rim of the tank. Will the 24" fixture be long enough to evenly light up the entire tank, or should I get the 36"? The tank is 18" front to back. There is only a $20 difference between the two, but I'm concerned about spillover.

 

[mcgyvr]

In general you can easily use a 24" light on a 36" tank.. (I actually use a 24" T5 on a 48" tank)

and if you are concerned with spill over and will be mounting it higher then I would highly suggest doing just that..

 

[edsbeaker]

In general you can easily use a 24" light on a 36" tank.. (I actually use a 24" T5 on a 48" tank)

and if you are concerned with spill over and will be mounting it higher then I would highly suggest doing just that..

Thanks. I like the look of a smaller fixture over the tank, so I'm happy this will work.

 

[jmicky41]

I just got the Current LED for my 60" FOWLR tank. The light is 48" with legs that stretch it to 60". The ends of the tank are a little darker than the rest, but not too bad.

But overall, I am not really impressed with the light. Because on an 18" deep, 24" high tank, the tank just isn't very bright. IMO, 2 of these lights or some other supplement would be nicer.

My old lights were 2 VHOs - much, much brighter (and hotter and electricity hogs).

 

[edsbeaker]

Thanks for the info. i don't think I will mind if it isn't real bright, as long as coverage is good. The bracket, though holds up to 2 fixtures, so I can always add a second one, and really they are inexpensive enough that it won't brake the bank.

Is your coverage from front to back uneven, or the lighting in the entire tank dim?

I had radions on this tank when it was a Reef, but never had the intensity higher then 50%.

 

[redlazer]

I just ordered the Orbit IC 48-60in to go over my 4ft long FOWLR. Like what has been said you can get another one to run for not to much. Hey the 48-60in is on sale for on amazon for $150. I personally would get the 36in, but that is just me.

 

[jmicky41]

Front to back is fairly even, except the top of the back tank wall is really dim. I have mine sitting directly on the tank though, with a higher mount I would reckon it would spread out some more; but with some intensity lost.

 

[edsbeaker]

Front to back is fairly even, except the top of the back tank wall is really dim. I have mine sitting directly on the tank though, with a higher mount I would reckon it would spread out some more; but with some intensity lost.

Thanks. The 24" will be here tomorrow from Amazon, so only $9 to return it and get the longer one or possibly two depending on how this looks.

 

[jmicky41]

Great!

Report back with how you like it.

 

[redlazer]

Did your lights come in today? If so what you think? Mine will be here tomorrow.

 

[edsbeaker]

UPS delayed the delivery until tomorrow. So yours will come at the same time. But I will update then.

 

[redlazer]

UPS done that to me last Friday on a order from Cabela’s.

 

[edsbeaker]

They are probably having to deal with all the holiday packages. The funny thing is that the mounting bracket came today, but not the light.

 

[redlazer]

Now that sucks. I’m just going to run the normal legs for mounting. I plan on next Black Friday to buy another orbit ic 48-60 with the duel mounting bracket.

 

[Percula9]

I would add an additional actinic strip.

 

[redlazer]

You get your lights in? I got mine in and put them on. All I can say is so far I really like them. I need to play with it to completely know how to set it up for me.

 

[edsbeaker]

You get your lights in? I got mine in and put them on. All I can say is so far I really like them. I need to play with it to completely know how to set it up for me.

Just put it up. I think they look fine...the entire tank is uniformly lit. But right now it doesn't have water in it. I'm wondering if the tank will look dimmer once it is full. I'm going to fill it up before making a decision. I don't think I need the longer strip, I just may get a second one. The fixture, though is really nice and sleek looking. Glad you like yours.

 

[redlazer]

What are you running your RGBW %s at during full daylight?

 

[edsbeaker]

This fixture is only white and blue, no red or green. I think running those colors in a FOWLR might cause some needless algae problems.