Returning after 6 years

[aaron86]

So I'm going to return to reefing after a 6 year break and I want to know what has changed my biggest interest is the led lights how much do I need for a sps lps tank the display size is a 65 gallon 36x18x25

[moatdaddy]

youtube, search - brs week 19. have all your answers and options that is up to date. cheers welcome back

[aaron86]

Thank you

[Reef_junkie91]

LEDs are still kinda new... Gotta buy quality fixtures for an sps dominant tank. In my opinion T5 and metal halides are still the best lighting options. Maybe in a couple of years LEDs will be super easy and the light that everyone uses, but I just don't think they are there yet (atleast not for me)

[sixpackgarage]

I think the biggest challenge with LEDs is the learning curve. With MH and T5 there is zero learning curve, just plug it in turn it on

[kcinnick]

I am going to supplement with LED's, my main lighting source are metal halide's and T5.

I do have a 36" deep tank that is 7 feet long, it would cost a small fortune to properly light with LED's, even with T5 supplementation.

[aaron86]

Another route I was looking at was to retrofit 2 t5s with 3 par38 54 watt bulbs

[Reef_junkie91]

I think the biggest challenge with LEDs is the learning curve. With MH and T5 there is zero learning curve, just plug it in turn it on

Couldn't agree more and that learning curve gives me a headache and costs me money cause of the coral I burned. Haha but what works for some doesn't work for all.

[Renzema]

I just came back after 10 years out of the hobby. All of the tech is a lot of fun, but can be a bit daunting.

Last time I had a tank, I was using multiple safeway timers, and industrial lighting. Now its all computerized, and I can monitor my tank remotely. Shoot I can adjust lighting while sitting at my desk. Read up on all of it, because there are so many more options, and choices.

[aaron86]

Quick question has anyone heard of Full Spectrum LED just found in for 300 used all bulbs appear to be working

[aaron86]

Has any one heard of Full Spectrum LED yay or nah

[aaron86]

Are these any good Full Spectrum LED

[Reef_junkie91]

Are these any good Full Spectrum LED

I don't see anything?

[aaron86]

I looked online and couldn't find anything there is a guy on my local kijiji who has a set with controller for 300

[aaron86]

I can't find any info on them

[aaron86]

There is a guy on my local Kijiji that has a set for $300

[Reef_junkie91]

Oh I see what u mean. Full spectrum is good but it's not a brand it just means it has blues, greens, reds, whites and moons. For 300 I'd go with a reefbreeders LED. I have them but honestly still prefer T5

[aaron86]

So I think I'm going to end up getting t5s after all this input and some research. Now I have a new problem I can't seem to post into the build thread anyone know why admin maybe my attempt shows up in stickies but when I click it I get a message saying my thread might be deleted

[Reef_junkie91]

You may need more posts before you can post in the build thread. Not sure tho.

[aaron86]

Could anyone confirm this please or admin help I would really like to do a build thread on this project

[kmcochran0010]

Welcome back !

[Buzz1329]

Hey, welcome back!

I have 2 x 32" Reefbreeders Photon LED fixtures over my 180 (72 x 24 x 24) and am very happy with them. Built in controller to ramp lights up and down throughout day. Outstanding service with vendor located in U.S. And the price is right too. I have mine set on 75% strength blue lights and 35% strength mixed color lights, and it's enough to satisfy a tank crammed with SPS.

Mike

[aaron86]

Let's say I go with a photon v2 should I order a 32" or a 24" the tank measures 36Lx18wx25h

[aaron86]

Anyone have an idea

[Reef_junkie91]

I have a 24" fixture on my 36" tank and works well for me just needed to mount a little higher

[aaron86]

I should have posted this i contacted the manufacturer they recommend the 32" for sps/lps on this tank