Reef Breeders Photon24 on Mr Aqua 12 Long

[caietaro]

I'm in the planning stages for a new Mr Aqua 12g long and am not sure what to do for lighting. I'm considering the Reef Breeders Photon24, but I'm not sure if it would be too much light and end up frying any corals I put in. I plan on keeping a variety of corals - LPS, SPS, softies. I'm also wondering whether it would light up the far ends of the tank sufficiently and whether I'd get a ton of light spill in the front and back?

 

I really like the features of the Photon24 which is why its at the top of my list right now. I want something fully dimmable and controllable with built-in controller (I don't plan on adding a separate controller but want to be able to ramp up and down the lights for sunrise/sunset, etc.) and I'm looking to spend under $400.

[Tamberav]

Seems like overkill to me. There are many mr aqua 12g long threads here, I would check them out for ideas. Buildmyled would be really sleek looking.

[caietaro]

I've seen quite a bit of variability in what people use on their mr aqua 12g long tanks for lighting. I saw one set up that used a photon16 recently. With the BML fixtures wouldn't I need to buy an Apex or Reef Keeper? I saw that BML has their own controller now but I'm not sure how user-friendly it is. Looks like you still have to use a wall timer with their controller until they release a power strip with timer built in later on this year.

 

Another option I've seen people use on their 12g long tanks is the Orbit Marine LED. Seems pretty underpowered for most tanks but maybe not for the 12 long since it's so shallow and narrow. Just not sure if even then it would support SPS.

[Tamberav]

I have never used a BML but a RK or Apex is a good investment, even if just the lite/jr. Will keep your temperature soooo stable and you won't have to worry about frying the tank if the heater goes bad.

[caietaro]

I've had RKLs on other tanks before and I agree they're great, but with this 12 long I want to keep it clean and simple. Right now I'm planning on going sumpless so I wouldn't want temp probes, etc., from a RK or Apex all going into the tank.

[Tamberav]

I've had RKLs on other tanks before and I agree they're great, but with this 12 long I want to keep it clean and simple. Right now I'm planning on going sumpless so I wouldn't want temp probes, etc., from a RK or Apex all going into the tank.

 

Could put them in a hob filter unless you're not doing that either

 

The new full spec ecoxotic may be a good option for a clean look with a controller.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/346578-new-ecoxotic-e-series-full-spectrum-led-light-system/

[caietaro]

Could put them in a hob filter unless you're not doing that either

 

The new full spec ecoxotic may be a good option for a clean look with a controller.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/346578-new-ecoxotic-e-series-full-spectrum-led-light-system/

I never considered putting a probe in a HOB filter, that's a great idea!

 

Thanks for the suggestion of the new ecoxotic - I'll take a look at those too.

[kraig949]

have you thought about spending the extra 50 bucks and get a nano box duo?

[Gilligan]

have you thought about spending the extra 50 bucks and get a nano box duo?

 

$450 for a light that is not big enough for a 12 gallon long? The tank is 36" long.

 

I would get the reefbreeders out of those two.

 

Seriously how many times have peolpe said they have too much light? You can always dim or raise the fixture.

[caietaro]

have you thought about spending the extra 50 bucks and get a nano box duo?

I've actually been talking with Dave at Nano Box about a 24" duo. It's more $$ that I originally was thinking of spending on a light, but I love the sleek cool design and it would give me lots of options for future upgrades if I want to use it on a larger tank some day.