Orphek OR3's or T5 retro to go with a AP700

[zach_discus]

Hello so working out the final details on my lighting set up. Tank is 44x33x24tall. Original plan was to use a AP700 centered over the tank and two 2bulb 36" T5 retros on either side (BRS160 style) with 2 Blue+/Coral+/Purple+.
But after watching Ryans new build on the 360, im rethinking that a bit. Now considering going with 4 Orphek OR3 36" light bars, a Reef Day+/UV-Violet/ 2 Blue+.

This would give me some added control on the lights by having each on there own switch instead of two bulbs per switch using the T5 retros.

Opinions/Help
Thanks
Zach

 

[Cell]

Any light junkies around?

Bump!

 

[minus9]

Buy a couple Orphek OR3 blue plus bars and run the AP700 on the whiter side. I run 360x's with OR2 blue plus bars and it's a great combo.

 

[TankCandy]

I just switch to all Orphek. I had the OR3 light bars with T5's on for 4 months and coral growth took off so i switch to all LED.
Pic is with 2 OR3 Blue48" and 4 T5HO 36"

 

[minus9]

 

[zach_discus]

Thanks everyone, I ended up buying the 4 OR3 bars. Those with the AP700 might be overkill for my 150. I do wish the OR3 were dimmable. Will probably run them uV/violet on first, blue+ next 2hrs later, than Day lights on 2 hrs after that, last the AP700 2 hrs later. AP700 on for 6hrs, than everything turning off in reverse order.
Does this sounds reasonable for a SPS tank.

 

[minus9]

Set your 700 for a 12hr cycle with a long ramp, 2 or 3hrs, then add the Orphek's as you mentioned. The Kessil will give you the ramp that you desire and the Orphek's will give you that extra pop.

 

[zach_discus]

Goals!!!