Is it underrated? Smartfarm 95w LED

[bReefedBaker]

Are the Smartfarm LED 95w lights living up to their name and are they the top dog in “bang for your buck” LED reef lights? The price of these lights continue to rise slowly on Amazon (and I can only imagine due to sales).



There isn’t much data out there or comparison. There’s no PAR readings that I’m aware of with this LED light, but there are great reviews. The light itself according to a few compares to the big $ name brand. This light is a fraction of the cost. Dimmable and programmable settings.

This light is arriving tomorrow from Amazon and I have to say I’m excited!
I want to take this light and go in depth with it. I want to find the answers to the unknown regarding this light. The Wow factor is already there and been established from previous buyers, but there’s no cold hard facts regarding the light.

I TAGGED a couple R2R members in this thread post because from searching the forum I believe they have purchased this Smartfarm LED and can help give us some insight from their personal experience.

@avianman @Jedi1199 - Any comments regarding the lights and your aquarium? Corals?
How’s growth rate, seeing a change at all?
Settings? What are you running?
Set-up, is it difficult or a PIA? Mount?
The infamous PAR! Have/has anyone obtained PAR readings for the light?
Are you happy with the light?

Pros vs. Cons.

Here we go, Happy Reefing all!

 

[vetteguy53081]

It’s mid-range
165wt ideal for coral

 

[OrchidMiss]

I have one on my 20g AIO. It is a nice light, and right now I don't have much in the tank other than zoas, mushrooms, and anemones. I am hoping someone will provide a PAR reading so that I can adjust my lights accordingly.
I have seen growth, but I'm not exactly sure where I want things dialed in with this light.

 

[bnord]

I have one for a similar applications above, a 20 with mushroom and leathers

I like the fit and finish, but have had an issue with the programing - either I have a bad unit or I just don't get it.

there was an interaction with their customer service but it did not resolve.

Don't think it would be an SPS star, but for small softies, it seems to be right

 

[bReefedBaker]

It’s just me again… The light was very well packaged, but the instructions are horrendous. With that being said, I need some guidance on a mixed reef settings.

I have the times all set; I have my sunrise, sunset, moonlight etc. What I don’t have is a % I should start with for these lights. I know @telegraham did an in depth review on the lights and I also know there’s very few video reviews, settings etc. (every aquarium will differ)

What I’m asking is where’s a solid median for these per the % 0-100 for each channel?
I would like to start out “here” and increase to “here”. How often do I do that?

Mixed Reef peeps can I see some settings that are best for me? Light is approximately 10” from water surface with a total of 24” to sandbed.

Help Me ;Sorry
Please

 

[Falc!]

Loving mine... Running both whites at 20% blues at 70% the other blue and uv at 100% and green at 60%. This is a 2 month oldish sps dominant tank and all corals are encrusting and polyped out. I turned blues off so i could get pics

 

[ninjamyst]

I love mine. What a great light at a great price. Why pay 3x for AI or Kessil or Radion when this does the same thing. I got mine before the price hike too. Wish I bought a couple more.

I max out the blues and uvs and set whites to 10%. Pretty much mimics radion ab+ scheduling.

 

[bReefedBaker]

Exactly what I’m asking in the thread. What are some of the settings that owners of this light have them set at.

Did you immediately start out at those % or did you slowly increase to the %? TIA!

 

[bReefedBaker]

I love mine. What a great light at a great price. Why pay 3x for AI or Kessil or Radion when this does the same thing. I got mine before the price hike too. Wish I bought a couple more.

I max out the blues and uvs and set whites to 10%. Pretty much mimics radion ab+ scheduling.

Did you immediately start out at those % or did you slowly increase to the %? TIA!

 

[ninjamyst]

Did you immediately start out at those % or did you slowly increase to the %? TIA!

I started with those but that's because my tank is used to high light.

 

[Falc!]

Did you immediately start out at those % or did you slowly increase to the %? TIA!

Started like 15% lower and kept upping it till corals started to pale a bit and then i dialed a tiny bit and then they took off

 

[bReefedBaker]

Started like 15% lower and kept upping it till corals started to pale a bit and then i dialed a tiny bit and then they took off

Greatly appreciate the feedback. I’m going to adjust my light accordingly. Then see what my corals are telling me.
Thanks again.

 

[bReefedBaker]

@Falcon30 so if I’m understanding your current Sunlight % is as follows…. (please correct me if I’m wrong)
A: 20%
B: 70%
C: 100%
D: 100%
E: 20%
F: 60%

 

[Falc!]

@Falcon30 so if I’m understanding your current Sunlight % is as follows…. (please correct me if I’m wrong)
A: 20%
B: 70%
C: 100%
D: 100%
E: 20%
F: 60%

Correct

 

[Finn450]

Correct

I've been running these percentages for several months on SPS and have great growth/color and PE.

 

[bReefedBaker]

I've been running these percentages for several months on SPS and have great growth/color and PE.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[LeftyReefer]

If you aren't aware, there is already another R2R thread on these lights with more info on them.

Smat Farm G5 thread

 

[piranhaman00]

I run all channels at 70%.

Awesome light for great price