Calling Current USA light owners... where you at?

[LadyMac]

My apologies these questions have been asked and answered...

1. Can you please provide the dimensions of your tank?
2. Which Current USA lights do you have ( i.e.: loop)?

1. dimensions are Waterbox Reef 70.2, measuring 24x24x21.
2. I am using the current USA loop pro with Bluetooth, mounted with their mount in the middle hole (was the lowest one for some time) and I have a standard orbit marine in between those two.

 

[Dom]

1. dimensions are Waterbox Reef 70.2, measuring 24x24x21.
2. I am using the current USA loop pro with Bluetooth, mounted with their mount in the middle hole (was the lowest one for some time) and I have a standard orbit marine in between those two.

I use (2) Current USA LOOP Pro. That is a total of (4) 24" lights. They are installed using their retractable arms, which keeps them suspended about 3-4 inches above the water line.

You may want to try eliminating the mounting arms and place the lighting directly across the top of the tank.

 

[LadyMac]

Unfortunately the lights were purchased used and didn’t come with the original legs. I wonder if there’s a place to purchase them separately though.

 

[Dom]

Unfortunately the lights were purchased used and didn’t come with the original legs. I wonder if there’s a place to purchase them separately though.

How long are the lights (not including the legs)?

 

[LadyMac]

It’s the 24” ones( not Exact I’m sure ) but the tank is rimless, and topless.

 

[Dom]

It’s the 24” ones( not Exact I’m sure ) but the tank is rimless, and topless.

Yes, that will make it tough. I have a center brace, which makes it easy to lay across the tank top.

I have some ideas, but, aesthetically, may leave something to be desired.

 

[Dw79]

To all the questions about the orbit lights, let me do a quick sum up.
No they are not the most powerfull lights, but yes, they will work well if you choose the type of tank and coral you wish to keep based on the lights and set them up accordingly. Yes there are much better lights out there and yes you will pay more. I wanted to only keep a soft and lps tank and had limited money to spend. I have a 46 bowfront tank that is 19 inches deep and went with 2 Orbit Marine IC Pros and added the loop wave pumps later on. To get as much par as possible, I didn't bother with the mounting arms and set both lights directly on top of the tank. I have a diy egg crate top that lets as much light in as possible. Keeping the lights on top means keeping up with salt creep, but easy to manage. All my soft and lps have done great and keep growing. A while back I added a tiny Birdsnest (sps) at the top of my rockwork and that has almost doubled is size and a month ago I added a tiny BTA that has tripled in size in a month. Again, I would have gone with better lights if I had the money, but if you do everything you can to get as much out of the lights in the right situation, you can have success. ( I would still buy better lights if I could afford them though)

 

[Susan Edwards]

I think my issues were that I used the brackets, on the highest above water. Mainly to allow me access into the tank. I had 2 pegs down I could have gone, but that impeded my access with 2 lights. Also, could have used the "stands" that came with the lights but again, access impaired, afraid I'd knock a light bar into the water, and afraid my cats would jump onto the lights if they were right on the tank. So sitting 5-7 inches off the water, did not give good lighting.

A case where I didn't know, but wanted more than the cheaper black boxes. I wanted the ramp up and down and other fancy settings. The cost of the orbits was high compared to the 3 vipers I just got. Expensive lesson!

 

[LadyMac]

That’s my issue as well. I wanted the features and the connectibility to the pumps and such. I’m not a fan of the viparspectra look, and decided if I upgrade I’m going to Go with something that’s proven to work well.i know the vipars are but I want something more sleek and better controlled.

 

[Susan Edwards]

That’s my issue as well. I wanted the features and the connectibility to the pumps and such. I’m not a fan of the viparspectra look, and decided if I upgrade I’m going to Go with something that’s proven to work well.i know the vipars are but I want something more sleek and better controlled.

I think if hung right, and with thought, they can look pretty sleek. I set the controls so ea comes on at a separate time: 3 times for blues, 3 times for whites, so pretty close to ramp up and down. I'm wishing I'd done this 2 years ago. And the corals are so much happier as well

 

[LadyMac]

Looks nice. My tank is a small 2 ft cube though. Lol. I think I’m gonna go with a kessil

 

[Susan Edwards]

yeah, that would be good. i couldn't justify spending 500-800 bucks per light when I needed 3 of them lol's

 

[arussellnsg]

I also use the Orbit marine pro along with the loop system on mine. Can’t say anything for supporting Sps but grows my softies and LPS wonderfully . Even supports a derasa clam who I’ve had for a year now and has shown white shell growth . Below shows the growth from September 27th to last week.

I also just got the Marine IC Pro loop with Bluetooth for my Christmas present... here's to hoping mine looks as nice as yours!

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

FYI current USA is releasing brand new very high powered lights in Jan. They are supposed to be even more powerful than the big 4117 version that I have. The 4117 and these lights are on the same level of power had the radions and Kessill etc. I have had my lights since they came out and they grow sps great, clams there is no limit. If these new ones are what they say it will be exciting.

if you have the orbit marine pros ic loop, they will work with some sps (will do most), you have to place them medium to high up. These will not do clams, and if your depth is 18 inches they won’t reach the bottom very well. The new ones will go down to 34 inches and have a par of about 120.

 

[LadyMac]

Hello,

FYI current USA is releasing brand new very high powered lights in Jan. They are supposed to be even more powerful than the big 4117 version that I have. The 4117 and these lights are on the same level of power had the radions and Kessill etc. I have had my lights since they came out and they grow sps great, clams there is no limit. If these new ones are what they say it will be exciting.

if you have the orbit marine pros ic loop, they will work with some sps (will do most), you have to place them medium to high up. These will not do clams, and if your depth is 18 inches they won’t reach the bottom very well. The new ones will go down to 34 inches and have a par of about 120.

Ooh any links to the new details on the lights? I’d love to check them out. I’m already foaming for the Serene Sun Pro for my little ten gallon freshwater. I haven’t seen anything in their site about better reefing lights but I may have to try and save up for some. Will they be LOOP compatible?

 

[Sarah24!]

Ooh any links to the new details on the lights? I’d love to check them out. I’m already foaming for the Serene Sun Pro for my little ten gallon freshwater. I haven’t seen anything in their site about better reefing lights but I may have to try and save up for some. Will they be LOOP compatible?

Hello,

From what little I know yes they will be. What I do know is they will be like the 4117 marine orbits pros (much different than ic pro). They are in theory able to to link to the blue tooth device and loop compatible. Also been told more colors and control of said lights. They will be in the same price range as the 4114 4117 roughly which when I beta tested mine they were about 800 each and I have three. Believe power source is larger but can’t confirm the ones i have are 150-200 watt. I have no idea what they will look like, and nothing on exact specs. Just been told from sources at current USA. I have not looked for links yet but will here in a moment.

 

[Bgmrc]

I recently went Bluetooth. I love the app. However the lights aren’t doing any good for my corals. And now I’ve started to have issues with my powerheads just shutting off. No issues on the hub, but they will shut off and I have to turn them back on.

I have seen this also...i figured out it was the night mode on my app...its slows them to no movement for a few hrs...then back on...i just set night mode to off on my pumps now...and adding the metal halide with a cheap fixture online.....ballast used...bulb new phoenix 14k.....used fixture.....full halide setup for under 120bux...LUV IT! AND MY CORALS DO ALSO!!

 

[DzyDvl33]

I recently picked up the Nano Bundle from Current USA. The 24-36" IC Pro, and added the Bluetooth controller.
I am starting a 20 gallon reef build, SPS, LPS, Mixed reef. I have been out of the hobby for 7 years and I'm getting back into it. Things have changed a bit. This is my first LED setup. I put it on the empty tank, using the built-in legs to keep it low, and turned it on to see how it looked. It didn't seem as bright as I'd hoped but I love the controlablity and color. Im thinking about supplementing with 1 or 2 T5 between the 2 ICs, depending on what fits. Or sending them back and getting the more powerful lights referred to above but I have a feeling that would be a WAAAAY pricier option.
Looking for input as far as which t5 blub the Go To for growth these days?

 

[Sarah24!]

I recently picked up the Nano Bundle from Current USA. The 24-36" IC Pro, and added the Bluetooth controller.
I am starting a 20 gallon reef build, SPS, LPS, Mixed reef. I have been out of the hobby for 7 years and I'm getting back into it. Things have changed a bit. This is my first LED setup. I put it on the empty tank, using the built-in legs to keep it low, and turned it on to see how it looked. It didn't seem as bright as I'd hoped but I love the controlablity and color. Im thinking about supplementing with 1 or 2 T5 between the 2 ICs, depending on what fits. Or sending them back and getting the more powerful lights referred to above but I have a feeling that would be a WAAAAY pricier option.
Looking for input as far as which t5 blub the Go To for growth these days?

Hello,

The 4114 or 4117 that I have and these new ones would be just blasting the tank. You would have to turn them down to 10%. My tank is 34 inches tall, 72 long and 24 deep. My lights are still only at 45%. If I went to 100 I’d bleach everything in a day.

The ic lights are okay when they are on 75 gallons or less. 125 is the absolute max and it’s most lps and some sps place about 6 inches from the water line. The light you have is more than enough to start. If you did t5 with it, I’d do actnic blue and a purple one. Then your yellow and white and rgb would be from the current. Make sure you turn off completely red and green. They are major alage growers and most always turn them off.

 

[LeftFootedJedi]

Anyone tried using these lights on a refugium? If so what setting?