Optic Recommendation for a 60g Cube

[MHG]

I have a 60 gallon cube with 48 (24w/24rb) XP-E LEDs. They are mounted about 4" above the water with a plaxi splash screen.

Does anyone have any recommendation on the degree of optics I should use? Bill at reefledlights.com recommended no optics but I think my tank is getting a washed out look. There is allot of light splashing on the glass and back. I look at the DT at the LFS and they have Acanlighting 104 systems with 75 degree optics and they seam nice and focused on the LR and bottom.


I was thinking 60 degree...My LPS seem to be happy on the bottom so I am concerned with focusing too much light on the bottom...


I am planing a mixed reef.

[drw94]

I am running the same tank. I have added another AI Sol, so a total of 2. I am switching all optics to 70's and run SPS dominated. The Sol's are dimmable. If you can make yours dimmable then if the optics make it too powerful it is now a mute point. Because you can dim it. I say go with 60 to 70 degree optics and upgrade to dimmable ballast if not already done. Good Luck!

[MHG]

Thanks. I am dimmable. Right not I am turned way down because my frog spawn was bleached. I think they only make 60's and 80's for XP-E's

[MHG]

Well the Acan lights I liked on the LFS QT has 75 degrees so maybe I should go with the 80's...

[MHG]

Bump... Want to order tomorrow?

[reefereef]

just pick up some 60's for the leds around the edges, then run 80s on the rest of them, mix in some 60's or higher light demanding stuff that you may want to place down low. I have a mixture of 40,60,80 degree optics on my tank and love it.

[MHG]

I was thinking of doing that.... Thanks...

[MHG]

I wonder if there is a general rule for the degree of optics based on the distance from the water?