Hi guys, I have a 140G display tank with these dimensions: 60”Lx30”Hx18”D. The light that I have right now (Aquatic Life/HME Marine Edge 48”) seems to be a but underpowered. I have room enough that I could run 2 of them or switch to something completely different. Just wondering it anybody else has had experience with a tank of similar depth that would have a good recommendation. My tank is mixed, but focused primarily on LPS. Thanks!
Looking for Lighting Recommendations - 140G Display
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get my hands on a par meter yet and the manufacturer diagram (attached) isn’t really helpful because it doesn’t show any scale to indicate the depth of this chart. =/
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That light is only 72watts. When you say mixed reef. What do you mean? I think that light would be good for some low light zoas and acans. Your aquarium is 30" deep, so your PAR at bottom will be really low. I have no experience with that light so I cant really comment on it other than what I see in the picture I found.
48" light isn't ideal for a 60" tank.
That sort of leaves out a second Aquatic life and a number of other bar lights.
If you go " mainstream" Something like 3AI Primes would be useable. Or as mentioned "Blades".
If you stick w/ the 48" length these are a possible stand alone or suppliment.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prism-ii-led-light-fixture-marine-aquamaxx.html .
Just a thought..
That sort of leaves out a second Aquatic life and a number of other bar lights.
If you go " mainstream" Something like 3AI Primes would be useable. Or as mentioned "Blades".
If you stick w/ the 48" length these are a possible stand alone or suppliment.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/prism-ii-led-light-fixture-marine-aquamaxx.html .
Just a thought..
Right now I have the following corals:
- 2 torches
- 2 hammers
- 2 sets of zoas
- 1 acan
- 1 favia
- 2 ricordea mushrooms
- 1 discosoma
- 1 goni
- 1 alveopora
- 1 duncan
- 1 plate coral on the sandbed
- A couple of encrusting frags that were thrown in as freebies.
Most things appear to be surviving well enough, though the only ones showing much in terms of growth is one of the torches and one of the hammers.
At one point I had a couple of Acro SPS frags as an experiment, but before I had a chance to see how they would do, there was a mishap with a CO2 scrubber that massively spiked the pH temporarily, and all the acros died within 24 hours.
how long have you had the corals? FTS would be good too.
If they look like they are thriving and growing over some time. Then it sounds like things are pretty good. Do you like the color's you are getting?
If they look like they are thriving and growing over some time. Then it sounds like things are pretty good. Do you like the color's you are getting?
Reeferguy365
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I'd either go with some black box Viper Spectra LEDs off Amazon or if you can afford it get some radeons the New Gen 6s are amazing you could get by with two xr15 probably on your tank I was using three of the new lights on my red sea 750 which is 70×24×24
Thanks. I don’t necessarily have to stick with 48” lights, but I have somewhat of a unique situation because my tank is built into the wall, so I can’t physically place any equipment directly over the front lip or the left side for a distance of maybe 4-5 inches. So I could probably get away with a max length of around 55-57”.
Here are some build photos for reference:
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I’ve not had them for long. Mostly I am ok with the colors, but the tank kind of has a darkish feel to it.
These are the best photos I have of the corals right now. Looking fine so far I think, but looking to brighten things up a little bit and leave the possibility for SPS in the future
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Just have to convince my wife that money isn’t an issue!
AI Blade is 57".
At least afaict.
Thing is if you take the " blast" route you need at least 2.
That will set you back $1000+.
240 total watts.
Good thing is nobody will see the lights so you can make it as ugly as you want
I assume you have the ability to hang stuff?
If one of your "needs" is more control than simple on/off, your desire for high par at the floor gets a bit $$$$.
Seems you already realize there are compromises to be made.
Key is to sort out needs/ wants.
At least afaict.
Thing is if you take the " blast" route you need at least 2.
That will set you back $1000+.
240 total watts.
Good thing is nobody will see the lights so you can make it as ugly as you want
I assume you have the ability to hang stuff?
If one of your "needs" is more control than simple on/off, your desire for high par at the floor gets a bit $$$$.
Seems you already realize there are compromises to be made.
Key is to sort out needs/ wants.
Yeah, the current lights are hanging from ceiling mounted wires. I have a 3D printer, so I can customize hanging brackets for just about anything. But yeah, trying to balance needs/wants without breaking the bank too badly. Thinking maybe I could temporarily get away with adding 1 AI blade to my current light and then add on another later on down the road.AI Blade is 57".
At least afaict.
Thing is if you take the " blast" route you need at least 2.
That will set you back $1000+.
240 total watts.
Good thing is nobody will see the lights so you can make it as ugly as you want
I assume you have the ability to hang stuff?
If one of your "needs" is more control than simple on/off, your desire for high par at the floor gets a bit $$$$.
Seems you already realize there are compromises to be made.
Key is to sort out needs/ wants.
Last thing, since you do already have a sort of "sunrise/set light is to add some black boxes.
Keep in mind at best they are 110W and at worst like 55 Watts running only the blue channel.
Philzon, WILLS, Viparspectra are the Amazon brands
Vips are the favorite but currently do not have the cheaper totally manual one.
$180-$300 (2) to add 120-220 watts. The narrow lenses will be helpful for depth penetration.
Nicrew pucks are also a possibility..
First off. The tank is looking great!
TBO. You are setting pretty good right now with what you have. You dont have an abundance of light, but enough to get by while you make your decissions. A par meter will show you how little light you are getting on bottom.
Now if you dont like what you are seeing. It sounds like you want more white light and or more watts to brighten things up a bit. It doesn't look like allot of room on top from that pic. if you like the look of those you can simply add more.
You can mix other manufacturer's or switch totally.
TBO. You are setting pretty good right now with what you have. You dont have an abundance of light, but enough to get by while you make your decissions. A par meter will show you how little light you are getting on bottom.
Now if you dont like what you are seeing. It sounds like you want more white light and or more watts to brighten things up a bit. It doesn't look like allot of room on top from that pic. if you like the look of those you can simply add more.
You can mix other manufacturer's or switch totally.
4 @ 50W Single puck Nicrews.. $419.96. Controller $44.99
no par monster but overall a serviceable light field.
Only a guessitimate. YMMV.
At least this should give you an idea of possibilities and concurrent costs.
Another Marine Edge is $200 for 42Watts.
Just for fun..
no par monster but overall a serviceable light field.
Only a guessitimate. YMMV.
At least this should give you an idea of possibilities and concurrent costs.
Another Marine Edge is $200 for 42Watts.
Just for fun..
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I need to add that 200w on a 140 deep tank isn't huge.
And if you prefer "blue" and limit the "white" channel" severely you get back to the lower end of output.
As a "compromise" you may want to consider a "growth" and a "view" schedule..
A 57" 120W AI blade costs $500.
3 would be $1500.. the cheapest $/par light
And if you prefer "blue" and limit the "white" channel" severely you get back to the lower end of output.
As a "compromise" you may want to consider a "growth" and a "view" schedule..
A 57" 120W AI blade costs $500.
3 would be $1500.. the cheapest $/par light
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