Looking for a good light that's not an arm and a leg (1 Viewer)

[stealthfightrf17]

I am finely getting back into a reef build after 10 years. I am building a 90 gallon tank. Dimensions are 48"L X 18"W X 25" T. Looking at primarily having LPS, but may do some SPS and of course my daughter wants nemo. dory and an anemone. The light I am looking at is the maxspect X R5 200W LED with controller added. Will this work well with my tank plans?

Razor X R5 200W LED Fixture - Maxspect Maxspect Razor X LED Light fixtures are made with the latest in LED technology, including Cree XT-E and XP-E LED chips that are distributed through 4 different controllable channels. Programming can be done through the onboard OLED control interface, or wirelessly with the addition of the... www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[decimal]

25” tall is going to need some penetration power. Everyone has their own lighting preferences but you really can’t go wrong with radions, reefled or any other name brand led. Not sure about the maxspect though. It may not pack enough punch to get to the bottom of the tank in any meaningful way. A few things to keep in mind, a lot of people use hybrids for the amazing power T5’s pack and led for the shimmer you are used to getting from MH as well as supplementing blues and moon light. Almost everything can be had with its own controlled software so no need to only rely on apex or GHL. My favorite combo has turned out to be Aquatic life T5 and Reefled for the LED’s.

 

[frankc]

Welcome back! I have had good success with Maxspect lights. My tanks are 27" deep, so penetration is not a problem unless you want to grow Acros on the bottom. I have an older model Razor on my anemone tank, which used to be my mixed reef tank. I have Maxspect Recurve lights (apparently now discontinued, which is too bad) on my mixed reef tank and they grow everything, although I may not get quite as good coloration as Radions would provide.

The mix on the four channels on these new lights seems strange - I don't know why they combine white and blue in one channel.

I'm a little concerned whether the 200W one would be enough for a 48" tank. The BRS writeup says the legs can extend to 47", and you may have pretty severe light falloff at the ends of the tank.

 

[stealthfightrf17]

A few things to keep in mind, a lot of people use hybrids for the amazing power T5’s pack and led for the shimmer you are used to getting from MH as well as supplementing blues and moon light.

My only concern with this option is cost. My old tank had t5 lighting and did well with them. I also like the all in one design for power.

 

[stealthfightrf17]

Welcome back! I have had good success with Maxspect lights. My tanks are 27" deep, so penetration is not a problem unless you want to grow Acros on the bottom. I have an older model Razor on my anemone tank, which used to be my mixed reef tank. I have Maxspect Recurve lights (apparently now discontinued, which is too bad) on my mixed reef tank and they grow everything, although I may not get quite as good coloration as Radions would provide.

The mix on the four channels on these new lights seems strange - I don't know why they combine white and blue in one channel.

I'm a little concerned whether the 200W one would be enough for a 48" tank. The BRS writeup says the legs can extend to 47", and you may have pretty severe light falloff at the ends of the tank.

Didn't even notice the was a little small. I saw great for tanks up to 48", I think I can squeeze a little more and go with the 300 watt

 

[RR-MAN]

I would go with the t5 grow lights from Amazon - very cost effective. Just change the bulbs…

 

[Erin]

I would go with the t5 grow lights from Amazon - very cost effective. Just change the bulbs…

Do you have a link or a specific brand you like?

 

[RR-MAN]

I used this fixture as a backup when I ran ATI fixtures - also if you look at tidal gardens videos he ran same grow out t5 fixtures for decades.

 

[stealthfightrf17]

Don’t have the good way to hang lights where the tank is going, could make a stand for the tank maybe. Something to consider

 

[decimal]

Why not? Is there no room overhead? No walls? Ceiling too tall? There are many solutions for hanging lighting. Do you have a pic?

 

[stealthfightrf17]

Why not? Is there no room overhead? No walls? Ceiling too tall? There are many solutions for hanging lighting. Do you have a pic?

Celling goes all the way up to the second floor, way to much hassle then just ordering one that is mad to sit on the tank.