Hydroxin Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I've pretty much decided I want LEDs but I know nothing about them. I've read posts on here and have done google searches but still not to sure. I was recommended reef radiance by some people but not to familiar with the whole thing. Looking for enough light for a 40 breeder with mixed reef. I can spend around $500 maybe a little more Link to comment
zooman72 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 My first choice for a 40B would be the 160W/ 27" - 16000K Maxspect Razor, hung about 12" over the tank - easy to use, looks good (both the light it puts out, and the fixture itself), and more than enough light for that size aquarium. You could also try 1-2 BuildMyLED 36"/ 20000K strips (hung or rim mounted), a NanoBox Quad (probably hung), a pair of Kessils (150/160 or even 350/360), a single Ecotech Radion, a single AI Hydra 52, or a ReefBreeders Photon 24. These all very greatly in ease of use, aesthetics, and mounting - I have also personally used all of them (or some form of them) except the AI Hydra (and still have seen it in action), and still prefer the Razor over a 40B... That being said, please read up on each, try to see one or more in action, and good luck! Link to comment
Hydroxin Posted January 31, 2015 Author Share Posted January 31, 2015 Thanks for your help!! I love the way the razors look. Would the 120w be to small? Oh I see the 160w is the 27" version Link to comment
zooman72 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 No problem, and the 27" is a better "fit" for the 40B... Link to comment
Hydroxin Posted January 31, 2015 Author Share Posted January 31, 2015 Anyone here have a 40b with any of the mentioned lights? I would like to hear how they are doing for you. Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 The LEDs in the 160w R420R (which is actually now 170w, you may get the new model if your retailer has already sold their previous stock) still only reach ~15" of the 27" length. Preferably you'd want the middle 24" of a 36" tank to have the light directly over it. It should be ok so long as you aren't keeping SPS corals in the outer 8" or so on each side, as they will be shaded on the outer sides and won't be as colorful and may lose the flesh on those sides. You will want to make sure that you get the wide reflectors no matter your light choice. More spread is always more better. Link to comment
Nickbruh510 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 I'm gona run halide 2x250watt and t5 combo. But my first first choice was a quad nano box with t5 retrofit:) that's totally what I wanted to get but wanted to spend money elsewhere in the build. Have you thought of an ati fixture? Or are you completely sold on leds Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 I'm gona run halide 2x250watt and t5 combo. But my first first choice was a quad nano box with t5 retrofit:) that's totally what I wanted to get but wanted to spend money elsewhere in the build. Have you thought of an ati fixture? Or are you completely sold on leds Over a 40 breeder? You might want to bump those down to 70w or at the most 150w halides. With dual 250w AND T5 you're gonna have to hang that thing wayyy over the tank lol Link to comment
Nickbruh510 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 @jedimasterben I know but at local 100$ for foxture I already had new 36 inch ATi bulb and 120$ on Phoenix bulbs. 220$ for a great fixture and when I get my dream 76"5 gallon that would cover it as well:) I know I do need to buy a chiller at some point but got an apex so I will figure something out yes I know they run a shit ton of hot! Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 @jedimasterben I know but at local 100$ for foxture I already had new 36 inch ATi bulb and 120$ on Phoenix bulbs. 220$ for a great fixture and when I get my dream 76"5 gallon that would cover it as well:) I know I do need to buy a chiller at some point but got an apex so I will figure something out yes I know they run a shit ton of hot! I see! Sweet deal What you can do is run the T5 (how many?) for 'sunrise/sunset' for a few hours, then turn on the left halide for a few hours, then that one off, then the right one on for a few hours, then the t5 back on for the remainder of the light. That way you still get use of all the light sources without really inhibiting photosynthesis of anything from too much light. Link to comment
Hydroxin Posted January 31, 2015 Author Share Posted January 31, 2015 So is there a better led you recommend? I just didn't want t5 because it's more in electric and I will be buying bulbs all the time Link to comment
jedimasterben Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 Not in the price range, no. Link to comment
Nickbruh510 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 @jedimasterben exactly what I thought I would do:), but the two outlets for the halides go into the ballast( aqua medic btw);old school. And only two plugs come out one for the t5 and one for both halides . I will have both t5 come one for sunrise for 2 hours before and they will turn off to run the halides for five hours straight. And then halides will turn off and t5s for the last two hours:) im thinking of scrapping the t5s from the foxture and retrofitting ecoxotic 36 inch strip. But idk I have the bulns already and it is 2x39 watt t5 Link to comment
zooman72 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 You will want to make sure that you get the wide reflectors no matter your light choice. More spread is always more better. Unless you hang it high enough that light spill outside of the tank becomes a problem... Link to comment
Bingo1213 Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 I have a maxspect razor 160 watt over my 40 breeder and it is great!! Mine is probably 10 or so inches off the water and I have no complaints what so ever! Link to comment
Xlayedoutx Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 I have the maxspect razor 160w over my 40 breeder and it is a great light. These people want to talk and say the sides are shaded but I have mine mounted on the tank with the provided legs and 120 degree optics and my whole tank is lit. I have SPS on the sides and they have great color. The only shade I get is underneath my rock overhangs which would be there with any light. I have my whites max out at 31% and blues max at 100%. I also know that a new controller is on it's way for the razor which will have more controllability. Link to comment
CrazyEyes Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Are you down to build it yourself? If so I'm just down the street from Clearwater and would gladly help you get it all wired up. $500 is probably pretty doable. Link to comment
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