90 Gallon build... A few questions

Sharpie129 · 06/25/2012, 03:05 PM

I have a standard 90 gal mixed reef (I'd like to add more SPS in the future) that I'm going to be upgrading to LED. I'm looking at getting the 48 ultra premium kit with 2 6"x20" heat sinks. So... here are my questions:

1. Which optics should I go with if the lights are going to be 6 inches from the water? I'm pretty sure 60 degrees is the way to go but I'd rather double check with people.

2. My current light fixture is an aqualight pro (2x150W halide, 2x96W compact fluorescent actinics). Any idea how the 48 LEDs will compare to that? Will 48 be enough to at least match that or do I need more?

3. I've noticed that people sometimes supplement their lights with UV or other color LEDs. I'm assuming that's to make up for any areas of the spectrum that the cool whites and royal blues are missing. If I add a few more LEDs, what would you recommend adding to balance out the spectrum for optimal growth.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later but those are the major ones for now... Thanks!

Ten33 · 06/25/2012, 09:40 PM

I'm upgrading to a 90 Gal soon, I'd like to know as well.....

Rapid LED · 06/27/2012, 09:47 AM

1) At 6" from the water the 60's are going to give you some spotlighting, so you can think about using the 80's as well. Unless you have clams/SPS at the sandbed I'd go with the 80's.
2) The 48 kit is about the same (actually more) light than a 250W MH, so I'd say it's a little more than what you have currently.
3) If you're just trying to add a couple of colors beyond blue/white then I'd go with UV/cyan. Those seem to add some nice coloring, others use red also but the reds can be bright and dominating at times so go easy with those.

06/25/2012, 03:05 PM	#1
Sharpie129 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 35	90 Gallon build... A few questions I have a standard 90 gal mixed reef (I'd like to add more SPS in the future) that I'm going to be upgrading to LED. I'm looking at getting the 48 ultra premium kit with 2 6"x20" heat sinks. So... here are my questions: 1. Which optics should I go with if the lights are going to be 6 inches from the water? I'm pretty sure 60 degrees is the way to go but I'd rather double check with people. 2. My current light fixture is an aqualight pro (2x150W halide, 2x96W compact fluorescent actinics). Any idea how the 48 LEDs will compare to that? Will 48 be enough to at least match that or do I need more? 3. I've noticed that people sometimes supplement their lights with UV or other color LEDs. I'm assuming that's to make up for any areas of the spectrum that the cool whites and royal blues are missing. If I add a few more LEDs, what would you recommend adding to balance out the spectrum for optimal growth. I'm sure I'll have more questions later but those are the major ones for now... Thanks!

06/25/2012, 09:40 PM	#2
Ten33 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jupiter, S.E. Florida Posts: 243	I'm upgrading to a 90 Gal soon, I'd like to know as well.....

06/27/2012, 09:47 AM	#3
Rapid LED RC Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,613	1) At 6" from the water the 60's are going to give you some spotlighting, so you can think about using the 80's as well. Unless you have clams/SPS at the sandbed I'd go with the 80's. 2) The 48 kit is about the same (actually more) light than a 250W MH, so I'd say it's a little more than what you have currently. 3) If you're just trying to add a couple of colors beyond blue/white then I'd go with UV/cyan. Those seem to add some nice coloring, others use red also but the reds can be bright and dominating at times so go easy with those.