Reef Breeders

H.reidi.MN · 11/15/2013, 10:54 PM

Torn between 2 Value fixtures with 120 optics or 1 photon 48 and 90 optics?

Its a little over a hundred dollar difference between the two about a hundred if i go 90 optics on the value fixtures. The tank is 4x2x2 and contains easy stuff right now, softies and zoa's. Any thoughts ...

Ron Reefman · 11/16/2013, 06:27 AM

IMHO, the lenses don't make a huge difference at 24" deep. Plus, they are easy to change and dirt cheap to buy, so if you want to change all or some of them, it's easy.

The cost difference is due to the controller. Do you want dimmers or a controller? How important is the sunrise and sunset effect to you, BTW, your fish and corals really don't care.

Rancherlee · 11/16/2013, 06:37 AM

I'd have to agree with Ron, its all about how high you have the light above the tank with a 24x24 tank. I Have 40* on my DIY 84x24x24 but they are mounted 23" above the tank so the tank is easier to work on plus has better color blending. With 120's It should 3-6" off the water line, with 90* you could hang it 6-10".

H.reidi.MN · 11/16/2013, 07:30 AM

Thanks ya I know changing optics isn't a big deal. Sunrise/sunset is cool but not required. 3" of the water for 120 optics doesn't leave much room. I'll probably go with value fixtures and 90 optics

ca1ore · 11/16/2013, 07:42 AM

Although I am very happy with my photon fixtures the sunrise/sunset effect is rather overblown IME. It is a nice feature, but hardly representative of a natural light increase or decrease. I used to use a Solar controller on my tank that would ramp up an incandescent light and that was seamless and gradual. These fixtures step every half hour or hour, and the first/final step is rather 'obvious'.

funkyfish77 · 11/16/2013, 08:39 AM

Well with the value fixture there is 2 cords on the 24 inch light . So that's 4 cords plus timers . The photon 48 witch I ordered one a few days ago only has one cord with built in timer/controller . Once u buy timers you will be about the cost of the photon 32 . At least that's how I looked at it . A little extra for a cleaner fixture an less wires behind my tank .

Funky

H.reidi.MN · 11/16/2013, 09:19 AM

Another good point. I was aware of the cord situation. And for timers I already have 4 for my current coralife fixture. And would eventually run them off an apex. But for 499 shipped the photon is a nice fixture

11/15/2013, 10:54 PM	#1
H.reidi.MN Moved On Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 882	Reef Breeders Torn between 2 Value fixtures with 120 optics or 1 photon 48 and 90 optics? Its a little over a hundred dollar difference between the two about a hundred if i go 90 optics on the value fixtures. The tank is 4x2x2 and contains easy stuff right now, softies and zoa's. Any thoughts ...

11/16/2013, 06:27 AM	#2
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	IMHO, the lenses don't make a huge difference at 24" deep. Plus, they are easy to change and dirt cheap to buy, so if you want to change all or some of them, it's easy. The cost difference is due to the controller. Do you want dimmers or a controller? How important is the sunrise and sunset effect to you, BTW, your fish and corals really don't care. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

11/16/2013, 06:37 AM	#3
Rancherlee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Northern Minnesota Posts: 152	I'd have to agree with Ron, its all about how high you have the light above the tank with a 24x24 tank. I Have 40* on my DIY 84x24x24 but they are mounted 23" above the tank so the tank is easier to work on plus has better color blending. With 120's It should 3-6" off the water line, with 90* you could hang it 6-10". __________________ 58 Oceanic soon to be 7' 210 Oceanic peninsula! Current Tank Info: 58rr Oceanic center flow

11/16/2013, 07:30 AM	#4
H.reidi.MN Moved On Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 882	Thanks ya I know changing optics isn't a big deal. Sunrise/sunset is cool but not required. 3" of the water for 120 optics doesn't leave much room. I'll probably go with value fixtures and 90 optics

11/16/2013, 07:42 AM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Although I am very happy with my photon fixtures the sunrise/sunset effect is rather overblown IME. It is a nice feature, but hardly representative of a natural light increase or decrease. I used to use a Solar controller on my tank that would ramp up an incandescent light and that was seamless and gradual. These fixtures step every half hour or hour, and the first/final step is rather 'obvious'.

11/16/2013, 08:39 AM	#6
funkyfish77 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: indiana Posts: 102	Well with the value fixture there is 2 cords on the 24 inch light . So that's 4 cords plus timers . The photon 48 witch I ordered one a few days ago only has one cord with built in timer/controller . Once u buy timers you will be about the cost of the photon 32 . At least that's how I looked at it . A little extra for a cleaner fixture an less wires behind my tank . Funky

11/16/2013, 09:19 AM	#7
H.reidi.MN Moved On Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 882	Another good point. I was aware of the cord situation. And for timers I already have 4 for my current coralife fixture. And would eventually run them off an apex. But for 499 shipped the photon is a nice fixture