What can a current USA orbit grow and how strong is it really

Reefrookie220 · Sep 8, 2018

For that money(icpro) id still opt for the prime. I’ve had good experiences with them.

nightmarepl · Sep 8, 2018

Reefrookie220 said:
For that money(icpro) id still opt for the prime. I’ve had good experiences with them.

Think a prime hd will be good enough for 32 bio cube tho

Reefrookie220 · Sep 8, 2018

Luke iskra said:
Think a prime hd will be good enough for 32 bio cube tho

Definitely, in my opinion, I had a 24 cube with a standard prime. I had a good mixed reef with lps and Zoa down low, chalices here and there and what sps I did have we’re growing nicely.

Plus, when the inevitable upgrade from the biocube happens, you can just add another fixture. With current you have to upgrade the length of the fixtures

nightmarepl · Sep 8, 2018

Reefrookie220 said:
Definitely, in my opinion, I had a 24 cube with a standard prime. I had a good mixed reef with lps and Zoa down low, chalices here and there and what sps I did have we’re growing nicely.

Plus, when the inevitable upgrade from the biocube happens, you can just add another fixture. With current you have to upgrade the length of the fixtures

Oo so the HD is the way to go maybe I’ll sell my orbit and invest into that and what upgrade for biocube

Geebs19 · Sep 8, 2018

I would go with the prime. If you look online you will find most people have had poor success growing corals less than a few inches from the surface with the orbit.

There is one person on this site that will defend orbit lights all day long but 1 person didn’t sway my thoughts on the many reviews I read online from disappointed people.

nightmarepl · Sep 8, 2018

Geebs19 said:
I would go with the prime. If you look online you will find most people have had poor success growing corals less than a few inches from the surface with the orbit.

There is one person on this site that will defend orbit lights all day long but 1 person didn’t sway my thoughts on the many reviews I read online from disappointed people.

Agreed i got some really softies aren’t growing much and my water is good

Geebs19 · Sep 8, 2018

Luke iskra said:
Agreed i got some really softies aren’t growing much and my water is good

I think it’s sad how they were marketing them, I think they have recently drawn back on their coral growth statements. But when I was looking they made it sound like it could compete wait Primes, hydras, or radions.

Lovemyreef2015 · Sep 8, 2018

I used the regular current orbit marine on my nano. It worked great for that small of a tank with anemones and LPS. However, if I had a choice now I'd most likely go with a prime or kessil. The orbit marine was great for a budget, we got it used for 50 dollars.

Gareth elliott · Sep 8, 2018

Fwiw i have 3 primes on my 40b and have no complaints with the lights.

That said i use the current loop system for my return and power heads. Very well built dc pumps with very easy to use app.

Geebs19 · Sep 8, 2018

Gareth elliott said:
Fwiw i have 3 primes on my 40b and have no complaints with the lights.

That said i use the current loop system for my return and power heads. Very well built dc pumps with very easy to use app.

I have the wave makers and they are amazing! Looking into getting the return pump, how long have you had yours? I love the loop system and hope the programming gets better so I can randomize flow during the day. And who knows maybe one day they will have lights that can compete with the $$$ ones.

Gareth elliott · Sep 8, 2018

Geebs19 said:
I have the wave makers and they are amazing! Looking into getting the return pump, how long have you had yours? I love the loop system and hope the programming gets better so I can randomize flow during the day. And who knows maybe one day they will have lights that can compete with the $$$ ones.

Have had the return running since may.
I messaged them asking their future plans.
More pump modes, and a battery back up system are in the works. No firm dates yet.

Lovemyreef2015 · Sep 8, 2018

Gareth elliott said:
Have had the return running since may.
I messaged them asking their future plans.
More pump modes, and a battery back up system are in the works. No firm dates yet.

There return pumps are really nice.

Sarah24! · Sep 8, 2018

Hello, m

The debate about lights will always be a never ending debate. As I have shown in pics my tank is 34 inches tall and the 60 degree lens marine pros with an li-cor 1500 par meter had more par, and power than hydra and Ecotech did. They have less shadow effect and amazing service.

All the lights mentioned are good but ask yourself this, what do you like, and what as a family can you afford? Yes it’s nice to have the name brand, but as I have shown and others have proven most corals only need 200 par. I would think or more like suggest visit your local aquarium. After viewing it find
The tank you find as the most impressive and, better the one that looks gorgeous to you. Then ask them what lights they are using? Another very important aspect is, yes my lights look amazing on my tank, but with any light they may not look the same on your tank. Corals May or may not adapt well to these newer lights. My corals are use to the current marine pros and grow great. When I added a third of the same light (yes the ones I have are hard to find lol and still 800 dollars sheesh), but my corals didn’t respond well because there just way way too much light.

Either way you go I would always support your decision, it’s your tank. But based on what your asking, and pure experience, just because of a name and price does not mean anything. There is not one company that has not experienced issues, however with that said, mitras, current usa are some who have been known to have less issues.

Sincerely
Sarah

nightmarepl · Sep 8, 2018

Sarah24! said:
Hello, m

The debate about lights will always be a never ending debate. As I have shown in pics my tank is 34 inches tall and the 60 degree lens marine pros with an li-cor 1500 par meter had more par, and power than hydra and Ecotech did. They have less shadow effect and amazing service.

All the lights mentioned are good but ask yourself this, what do you like, and what as a family can you afford? Yes it’s nice to have the name brand, but as I have shown and others have proven most corals only need 200 par. I would think or more like suggest visit your local aquarium. After viewing it find
The tank you find as the most impressive and, better the one that looks gorgeous to you. Then ask them what lights they are using? Another very important aspect is, yes my lights look amazing on my tank, but with any light they may not look the same on your tank. Corals May or may not adapt well to these newer lights. My corals are use to the current marine pros and grow great. When I added a third of the same light (yes the ones I have are hard to find lol and still 800 dollars sheesh), but my corals didn’t respond well because there just way way too much light.

Either way you go I would always support your decision, it’s your tank. But based on what your asking, and pure experience, just because of a name and price does not mean anything. There is not one company that has not experienced issues, however with that said, mitras, current usa are some who have been known to have less issues.

Sincerely
Sarah

Very true well put together thanks for the input !

Waynerock · Sep 9, 2018

Luke iskra said:
Think a prime hd will be good enough for 32 bio cube tho

I run a single ai prime over my 32 gal and run it on the David Saxby setting and still got to keep it on 40% acclamation mode or I will bleach my montipora. Plus they look nice hanging over the tank. For around 200 bucks I would totally do it over again. Very sweet phone controls, incredible value.

nightmarepl · Sep 9, 2018

Waynerock said:
I run a single ai prime over my 32 gal and run it on the David Saxby setting and still got to keep it on 40% acclamation mode or I will bleach my montipora. Plus they look nice hanging over the tank. For around 200 bucks I would totally do it over again. Very sweet phone controls, incredible value.

Yah Ima order the prime HD+ think it’s okay to take the lights from the biocube and hand the prime inside the lid ?

Waynerock · Sep 9, 2018

That’s what I tried at first but got horrible shading the spread was bad. I think you need it a little bit higher to look good, but try it and see what you like. I cut a hole In The top and used Velcro to attach light. I did not like it and just decided to go top less and get the bendy arm(mixed feelings on this) and now it lights the tank the way I like it.

Waynerock · Sep 9, 2018

Waynerock said:
That’s what I tried at first but got horrible shading the spread was bad. I think you need it a little bit higher to look good, but try it and see what you like. I cut a hole In The top and used Velcro to attach light. I did not like it and just decided to go top less and get the bendy arm(mixed feelings on this) and now it lights the tank the way I like it.