Lighting Question for a new build

afm32607 · 02/20/2017, 03:32 PM

Bought a custom tank from Miracles Aquariums. It is 72"x32"x30" deep. I want to light the tank, at the moment I'm not interested in a reef tank. However, I am interested in LEDs so I don't have to change the bulbs.

I was looking into two AI 26 or EcoTech xr 15 pros. Will two have enough spread if hung high enough? I would prefer to spend more on a controller, the skimmer, the powerheads, etc. All I really need is to be able to see the fish.

Any thoughts?

zachfishman · 02/20/2017, 04:41 PM

Skip the expensive stuff and just get three $100 Mars Aqua fixtures. Mount them high up (or remove the optics for wide spread) and you're set! We use those to illuminate a few FO tanks at work - three without optics handle our 10'x3'x3' systems.

https://www.amazon.com/MarsAqua-Dimm.../dp/B017GWDF7E

Braves95 · 02/20/2017, 04:43 PM

Agreed. I would get an inexpensive fixture off of amazon or eBay if you aren't going to have a reef tank.

Ron Reefman · 02/20/2017, 05:03 PM

In fact, if you aren't doing corals or any other photosynthetic animals, a Current orbit fixture will give you the control of an expensive fixture at 25% to 30% of the cost. They are very good FOWLR tank fixtures.

afm32607 · 02/20/2017, 07:05 PM

Gracias!

02/20/2017, 03:32 PM	#1
afm32607 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 279	Lighting Question for a new build Bought a custom tank from Miracles Aquariums. It is 72"x32"x30" deep. I want to light the tank, at the moment I'm not interested in a reef tank. However, I am interested in LEDs so I don't have to change the bulbs. I was looking into two AI 26 or EcoTech xr 15 pros. Will two have enough spread if hung high enough? I would prefer to spend more on a controller, the skimmer, the powerheads, etc. All I really need is to be able to see the fish. Any thoughts?

02/20/2017, 04:41 PM	#2
zachfishman Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 3,577	Skip the expensive stuff and just get three $100 Mars Aqua fixtures. Mount them high up (or remove the optics for wide spread) and you're set! We use those to illuminate a few FO tanks at work - three without optics handle our 10'x3'x3' systems. https://www.amazon.com/MarsAqua-Dimm.../dp/B017GWDF7E __________________ Patience is a reefer's best tool. Secret Xenia lover. M.S. Marine Biology Staff - Marine Discovery Center, St. Petersburg FL Tampa Bay Reef Club BOD 2018 Current Tank Info: 34g modded Solana

02/20/2017, 05:03 PM	#4
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	In fact, if you aren't doing corals or any other photosynthetic animals, a Current orbit fixture will give you the control of an expensive fixture at 25% to 30% of the cost. They are very good FOWLR tank fixtures. __________________ 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

02/20/2017, 04:43 PM	#3
Braves95 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: N.E. Florida Posts: 55	Agreed. I would get an inexpensive fixture off of amazon or eBay if you aren't going to have a reef tank.

02/20/2017, 07:05 PM	#5
afm32607 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 279	Gracias!