Lighting a 65g rimless

[BrianKC]

So, I currently have two Orbit Marine LEDs over my 65g rimless. I like them because of how low profile they are but all my reading says they're not going to cut it once I start with SPS. I like what everyone has said about the Chinese black box LEDs, but every rack / mounting option I've seen folks post did not meet with the aesthetic coordinator's taste here (my wife). So, a couple questions:

1. Am I right that the Orbit Marine LEDs aren't going to cut it for SPS?
2. Any creative suggestions on lighting solutions? The stipulations I was given are:
- can't be more than 4" off the water surface
- can't hang from the wall or ceiling
- can't require a hood over the tank, wrecking the rimless-ness

Thanks everyone!!

[andrek787]

If you want a clean look, look at Maxspect Razors. Also Fish street has bunch of chineese leds that look way better then black boxes.

[Baccara]

+1 on the Maxspect razor, I ran one over my deep blue 65 rimless a few years back.

[BrianKC]

Thanks guys! Baccara, which model did you run?

[BrianKC]

Thanks also for the tip towards Fish Street. This one looks promising. I'm having a bit of trouble digesting the translated product description. Do we think this is suitable for 36" long x 20" wide x 18" from water surface?

http://m.fish-street.com/key_led_extreme-x_led_lighting

[BrianKC]

Just looked at the strips from buildmyled.com. Anyone have any experience with them? The aesthetic director approved it...will SPS approve it?

[C3hutson]

We need to know your budget.

[BrianKC]

For all lights I can go to $400-$500. Prefer closer to $200!

[C3hutson]

With that budget I'd be looking at this: http://www.oceanrevivellc.com/goods.php?id=20

[Ron Reefman]

MarsAqua
ReefBreeders
OceanRevive
EverGrow

ReefBreeders is US based and offers a 2 year warranty, OceanRevive is US based and offers a 1 year warranty. Both have sponsor forums here at RC so they are easy to get in touch with.

[BrianKC]

Thanks guys. In my original post, I mentioned that my wife vetoed the black boxes unless I can show her an aesthetically-pleasing mounting option they doesn't hang from ceiling or wall...

[C3hutson]

Thanks guys. In my original post, I mentioned that my wife vetoed the black boxes unless I can show her an aesthetically-pleasing mounting option they doesn't hang from ceiling or wall...

I specifically linked a black box that has on tank mounting.

[BrianKC]

I specifically linked a black box that has on tank mounting.


Thanks C3hutson, and sorry for the delay in a reply. That lighting got vetoed. I'm now thinking two Kessils is the way to go. I'm torn though between the a160we and a360we. Does anyone know if two a160we's would be enough for my 65g trying to do mixed SPS and LPS?

Either way, I'd probably supplement with a 1 or 2-bulb T-5 based on other threads to deal with shadowing.

[Toby_Kourtney]

I've seen kessil,razors,ocean revive and radions and by far my favorite is buildmyled. The price is decent for what you get. An excellent American made fixture with a 3 year warranty. You would need 2 for a 65 gallon though.

[BrianKC]

You guys are making it impossible to decide! The BML does look appealing for price and profile, but most of the threads go straight to Kessil or Hydra...anyone second the BML recommendation? Ideally with some long-term success stories (longevity of lights, good SPS growth, good visual light/color)?

[BrianKC]

Ok. My wife said enough time obsessing over a decision. So! I just ordered a 20000k MC and a 14000k XB. I didn't order a controller yet for the 20000k but will later. I'll post photos later. Toby, I hope you didn't let me down!

[leviburns89]

Why did your wife veto hanging from the ceiling?

Mine said the same thing, until I took a 1×6 poplar board, routed the edges to a nice beveled look, painted it white, then mounted it to the ceiling trusses. Giving me ample anchorage.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160109/727c682ab64a5bacbf9d1e48e6d246b4.jpg

I will of course paint the screw holes white to finish it, but overall, it looks like it is "supposed" to be there.

[BrianKC]

We will chalk that up to a failed experiment with the Chinese led boxes a few years ago; hung 8" high with a lot of light spill, cords hanging off the fixture, etc. even I thought it was ugly. While much nice options exist now...she doesn't buy it.

[BrianKC]

I should also mention that I added the BML controller to my order and already regret not just getting a RKL instead. And the package hasn't even been delivered yet.

[C3hutson]

Rkl doesn't have light control built into the standard package. You'd be spending an additional $100+ on the ALC. apex regular does have light control stock.