Reef lighting

mmscuba

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I realize I wasted my money on the Current IC Pro dual light system. Things are growing very slowly, if at all. My tanks is LPS dominant. I've been looking at one that fit my budget, like the Vipar Spectra 165, and other affordable black box lights. What do you all reccomend, and why? Keep in mind that I am looking budget, $150 or less, and my reef is a 40B.
Thanks!
 

Spasmolotic

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I am getting ready to setup a 40b and am leaning towards a black box with the SB reef retrofit pcb. I have
2 other tanks running AI prime hd lights and have been very happy with them but will be setting up the 40 on the smallest amount of money possible.
 

redfishbluefish

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First off, welcome to R2R. #WelcometoR2R

I have both SB Reef lights and a Mars Aqua with an SB PCB board....and I'm very happy.

@Spasmolotic , what fixture are you putting the SB PCB board in?
 

AllSignsPointToFish

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Welcome!
coral_crinoid_chimney_787med.jpg
 

Peace River

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Welcome to R2R!!! The Current lights are okay for the correct system and you should be able to sell it for a decent price because many people still use them. Good luck!
 
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mmscuba

mmscuba

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Thanks! I'll have to check out the Noopsysche k7. The only thing holding me back from the Vipar Spectra is its lack of UV.
 
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mmscuba

mmscuba

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Welcome to R2R!!! The Current lights are okay for the correct system and you should be able to sell it for a decent price because many people still use them. Good luck!
Yeah, I really love the control-ability of the Currents, but my corals are only showing a small amount of growth, and more or less surviving rather than thriving. This is my first LED setup (been reefing a little over 36 years) and I still have my T5/Mh setup from my previous reef......tempted to put it on this tank if I can't afford LEDs that work. I certainly regret paying over $500 for the Current setup. Right now I want to upgrade, but (post divorce lol) am a little strapped for cash for the next few months.
 
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mmscuba

mmscuba

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I use 2 Visparspectra 165w, three years now
9967D608-5C60-4EBF-B8E4-8DBD4ACFEF44.jpeg
That looks very nice! Do you think one unit would give me good coverage on a 40B? Even though the tank is 36", I measured the actual width of the reef, and I only really need the most lighting on about 28".
 

Uncle99

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It’s a bit small if you want SPS, softies for sure, LPS, sure.
Visparspectra makes a 30” -300w version as well as the 16” -165w version. The 30” sounds like a better fit, but I believe it’s around $200. lighting is critical.
Correct intensity (and color) is just as important as water chemistry, you can always have a bit to much intensity and turn it down somewhat, but you can’t turn it beyond 100%
F8387105-8E40-48C0-9D99-E04D4C0C6473.jpeg
 
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mmscuba

mmscuba

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It’s a bit small if you want SPS, softies for sure, LPS, sure.
Visparspectra makes a 30” -300w version as well as the 16” -165w version. The 30” sounds like a better fit, but I believe it’s around $200. lighting is critical.
Correct intensity (and color) is just as important as water chemistry, you can always have a bit to much intensity and turn it down somewhat, but you can’t turn it beyond 100%
F8387105-8E40-48C0-9D99-E04D4C0C6473.jpeg
Ok, I just found the 300W one. That looks like the perfect one for my needs. Thank you.
 

Spasmolotic

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First off, welcome to R2R. #WelcometoR2R

I have both SB Reef lights and a Mars Aqua with an SB PCB board....and I'm very happy.

@Spasmolotic , what fixture are you putting the SB PCB board in?

Thank you for the welcome redfish.
I haven’t made a final decision on the fixture yet but am leaning towards the Philzon 165 watt fixtur.
 

Bigdaddy05

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It’s a bit small if you want SPS, softies for sure, LPS, sure.
Visparspectra makes a 30” -300w version as well as the 16” -165w version. The 30” sounds like a better fit, but I believe it’s around $200. lighting is critical.
Correct intensity (and color) is just as important as water chemistry, you can always have a bit to much intensity and turn it down somewhat, but you can’t turn it beyond 100%
F8387105-8E40-48C0-9D99-E04D4C0C6473.jpeg
What settings and lengths of time do u run these
 

Uncle99

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Visparspectra 165w as shown on Amazon, one of their best sellers. 165watt is 15” and will cover a 32g cube.
I hang them from the ceiling, light comes with a hanging kit.
They run blue at 70% from 11:00 to 11:00, 5% white green red from 12:00 to 8:00pm.
Very happy, good solid build, super quiet fans, has grown everything.


549C0221-C9A1-4A0D-9067-CE7599D2CFB5.jpeg
 

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