Do they make a "basic" LED reef light?

Salty150 · 06/26/2016, 08:51 PM

Do they make a "basic" LED reef light?

I don't need clouds and storms...

I don't need to turn my tank all red, or blue, or green...

I just want an LED light (72" tank) that makes the colors of my corals and fish pop - without all of the clouds/storm and disco red/blue/green party lights...

crocogator106 · 06/26/2016, 09:12 PM

https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-reef-l...box-basic.html
I've got 2 above my 75 gallon and love them! They are slightly more expensive than the MarsAqua lights but these have upgraded spectrum, 90 and 120 degree lenses, comes with mounting kit and legs, US 2 year warranty.

ozreef88 · 06/26/2016, 09:26 PM

The AquaOne range of LED lights probably fit that description. They don't cost a fortune, they are probably about as basic as it gets for an LED system and they usually have a 1+ year warranty.

It will probably be tough to avoid people saying that you need a $400+ lighting system.

thegrun · 06/26/2016, 09:46 PM

While I never use the clouds or lightening features that came with my LEDs I would say that the different color LED emitter do make a difference in the appearance of your corals. LED emmiters have a very narrow color range so have several different colored emmiters makes a noticeable color improvement.

Alexraptor · 06/27/2016, 06:38 AM

What is the difference anyway between full spectrum LED's of 6500K or 15000K and color LED's like Red, Blue, Green etc?

madweazl · 06/27/2016, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crocogator106

https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-reef-l...box-basic.html
I've got 2 above my 75 gallon and love them! They are slightly more expensive than the MarsAqua lights but these have upgraded spectrum, 90 and 120 degree lenses, comes with mounting kit and legs, US 2 year warranty.

I also run a pair of the 16 Basic boxes. They aren't the most attractive appearance wise but the spectrum is pretty good and they're built better internally than the other black boxes. For the money, they're tough to beat.

I have them connected to a Reef Angel for dimming; it was quite simple and requires no cutting of the factory wires so it can reverted back to original if need be.

crocogator106 · 06/27/2016, 06:44 AM

I might look into the Reef Angel.

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Bent · 06/27/2016, 07:28 AM

I'd just buy a couple cheapos from eBay and swap out the LEDs to a spectrum you want and call it good.

Salty150 · 06/27/2016, 08:54 AM

Well, that is the problem - there are "cheap" ones out there - but I don't want to get the wrong lighting and create algae or cyano blooms.

Ron Reefman · 06/27/2016, 10:06 AM

Look at the OceanRevive T247. It's basic 2 channel (there are 2 reds and 2 greens on the white channel). They come with stainless steel hanging kits and legs for use on the tank if you don't hang them. The nice part is they have basic on/off timers built-in so you don't need to buy them at the hardware store along with extension cords. The dimmers also have a digital display so you can set the power level very accurately. 3 will cover a 72" tank if you have easy corals. If you are considering more sps corals, 4 is probably a good idea.

madweazl · 06/27/2016, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crocogator106

I might look into the Reef Angel.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love the freedom it gives you to do just about anything you can think of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bent

I'd just buy a couple cheapos from eBay and swap out the LEDs to a spectrum you want and call it good.

The SBReef Basics have a much better spectrum and a couple other nice upgrades for not much more money. Cheaper than swapping out the LEDs on your own in the end. You also get a warranty based here and Mike is a good dude.

Bent · 06/27/2016, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty150

Well, that is the problem - there are "cheap" ones out there - but I don't want to get the wrong lighting and create algae or cyano blooms.

You won't. The only problem with the cheap eBay lights are customer service and too much white. All you have to do is keep the white and red channels turned down, which you would do anyway.

Bent · 06/27/2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madweazl

I love the freedom it gives you to do just about anything you can think of.

The SBReef Basics have a much better spectrum and a couple other nice upgrades for not much more money. Cheaper than swapping out the LEDs on your own in the end. You also get a warranty based here and Mike is a good dude.

That's true too.

postshawn · 06/27/2016, 11:39 AM

I liked my ReefBreeders LED light when I had my 70g. They were a quality light that the company stood behind and weren't breaking the bank. They have nice built in controls that let you ramp up and down but they don't do (or at least not the version I had a couple years ago) the storms and craziness that some other lights get to.

Hal · 06/27/2016, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by postshawn

I liked my ReefBreeders LED light when I had my 70g. They were a quality light that the company stood behind and weren't breaking the bank. They have nice built in controls that let you ramp up and down but they don't do (or at least not the version I had a couple years ago) the storms and craziness that some other lights get to.

Funny, I was going to ask how the sbreeflights compare to the reefbreeders value lights. The Reefbreeders value cost $180-200, so the sbreeflights are a pretty big cost savings.

Not sure what you mean by "built in controls." For the value fixture, it's just a 2 channel with a dial for each channel that you can manually adjust. I never do.

CStrickland · 06/27/2016, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty150

Do they make a "basic" LED reef light?

I don't need clouds and storms...

I don't need to turn my tank all red, or blue, or green...

I just want an LED light (72" tank) that makes the colors of my corals and fish pop - without all of the clouds/storm and disco red/blue/green party lights...

The $90 marsaqua lights on eBay are basically basic LED's, you'd probs want 3. The different colors aren't party lights, plain white and blue without any other colors mixed in it looks really bad IMO. Way to harsh for my eyes, maybe others like it.

You need to buy a timer for them, the kind you plug a lamp into when you go on vacation so it looks like someone is home because the lights turn on at preset times. They don't come with a hanging kit or legs either, but that's cheap too.

postshawn · 06/27/2016, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hal

Funny, I was going to ask how the sbreeflights compare to the reefbreeders value lights. The Reefbreeders value cost $180-200, so the sbreeflights are a pretty big cost savings.

Not sure what you mean by "built in controls." For the value fixture, it's just a 2 channel with a dial for each channel that you can manually adjust. I never do.

The value has the knobs for each. I had the discontinued Photon LED fixture and it had a built in controller right on the front of it along with a basic wireless remote. It was programable for two channels of light every 15 minutes from 1-100. So you can ramp your lights up or down so they go on and off slowly. I don't know about their V2 versions of the LEDs. Says it has a wireless controller so I'm not sure what that is.

Timfish · 06/27/2016, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty150

Well, that is the problem - there are "cheap" ones out there - but I don't want to get the wrong lighting and create algae or cyano blooms.

There are IMO very good cheap chinese LED fixtures, Mars Aqua being one. Like you I don't see the need for a lot of fancy options and have been annoyed at some complicated menus for some of the fixtures Iv'e seen. The corals do not care as long as they get the intensity they need. As far as spectrum causing algae or cyano blooms in my experience with my maintenace business over the years it has far more to do with nutrient cycling than spectrum. Corals see anywhere from close to 5500K on shallow reef flats to much cooler (higher kelvin temperatures) in deep water. One fixture you might consider are these on amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Aqua...aquarium+light
You should be able to find the same fixture ubder a varitey of names on other websites. There is a bit of false advertising as the actual opperating wattage is roughly half of the advertised wattage. It also has the advantage of not needing fans if above an open top tank or a well ventilated hood.

ReeferC77 · 06/27/2016, 07:48 PM

Marineland is a pretty good led without all the extras, you could try eBay and find a used light

Ron Reefman · 06/28/2016, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReeferC77

Marineland is a pretty good led without all the extras, you could try eBay and find a used light

No, no no!

The Marineland and Current Orbit brands are not lights you want if you are going to keep coral in anything deeper than a 12" tank or an 18" deep tank if the corals are all very easy. These fixtures do not make enough light with 0.3 to 0.5 watt leds.

If you are doing a very shallow tank or a fish only tank, these lights are just fine.

915MANG · 06/30/2016, 07:00 PM

ReefBreeders Photon V2. My tank is tall, and has plenty of power to punch thru the water column. And its low profile, youtube it

marinelife · 06/30/2016, 09:34 PM

I love my 6 Mars Aqua LEDs, they are doing great for the price.

madweazl · 06/30/2016, 09:43 PM

I have nothing bad to say about the Photon 24(v1) I ran for a short while and the customer service was fantastic. I just recently switched to the SBReef because the V1 had been discontinued and I had moved on to a 75g requiring an additional Photon that I wasnt having any success on locating used at the time. Now that the SBReefs are being controlled by the Reef Angel, I couldnt be any happier. Tank is young so I cant speak for growth but I see no reason they wont meet or exceed what I got with the Photon on my previous setup.

06/26/2016, 08:51 PM	#1
Salty150 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,345	Do they make a "basic" LED reef light? Do they make a "basic" LED reef light? I don't need clouds and storms... I don't need to turn my tank all red, or blue, or green... I just want an LED light (72" tank) that makes the colors of my corals and fish pop - without all of the clouds/storm and disco red/blue/green party lights...

06/27/2016, 07:28 AM	#8
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	I'd just buy a couple cheapos from eBay and swap out the LEDs to a spectrum you want and call it good. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump

06/27/2016, 10:06 AM	#10
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	Look at the OceanRevive T247. It's basic 2 channel (there are 2 reds and 2 greens on the white channel). They come with stainless steel hanging kits and legs for use on the tank if you don't hang them. The nice part is they have basic on/off timers built-in so you don't need to buy them at the hardware store along with extension cords. The dimmers also have a digital display so you can set the power level very accurately. 3 will cover a 72" tank if you have easy corals. If you are considering more sps corals, 4 is probably a good idea. __________________ 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

06/30/2016, 07:00 PM	#21
915MANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 950	ReefBreeders Photon V2. My tank is tall, and has plenty of power to punch thru the water column. And its low profile, youtube it __________________ Mike O YOUTUBE "915MANG" Current Tank Info: 120 Gal in progress Fish & a few corals 34G Solana

06/30/2016, 09:34 PM	#22
marinelife Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Union, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,590	I love my 6 Mars Aqua LEDs, they are doing great for the price. __________________ I'm a SaltGeek are You? All LED since 2010. Current Tank Info: 375 Gallon Reef with siporax, all LED lighting, and Red Dragon 3 and Abyzz A200 on 2 closed loops.

06/26/2016, 09:12 PM	#2
crocogator106 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-reef-l...box-basic.html I've got 2 above my 75 gallon and love them! They are slightly more expensive than the MarsAqua lights but these have upgraded spectrum, 90 and 120 degree lenses, comes with mounting kit and legs, US 2 year warranty.

06/26/2016, 09:26 PM	#3
ozreef88 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Gold Coast QLD, Australia Posts: 38	The AquaOne range of LED lights probably fit that description. They don't cost a fortune, they are probably about as basic as it gets for an LED system and they usually have a 1+ year warranty. It will probably be tough to avoid people saying that you need a $400+ lighting system.

06/26/2016, 09:46 PM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	While I never use the clouds or lightening features that came with my LEDs I would say that the different color LED emitter do make a difference in the appearance of your corals. LED emmiters have a very narrow color range so have several different colored emmiters makes a noticeable color improvement.

06/27/2016, 06:38 AM	#5
Alexraptor Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Sweden Posts: 352	What is the difference anyway between full spectrum LED's of 6500K or 15000K and color LED's like Red, Blue, Green etc?

06/27/2016, 06:44 AM	#7
crocogator106 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	I might look into the Reef Angel. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

06/27/2016, 08:54 AM	#9
Salty150 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 1,345	Well, that is the problem - there are "cheap" ones out there - but I don't want to get the wrong lighting and create algae or cyano blooms.

06/27/2016, 11:39 AM	#14
postshawn Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Los Angeles (SF Valley), CA Posts: 180	I liked my ReefBreeders LED light when I had my 70g. They were a quality light that the company stood behind and weren't breaking the bank. They have nice built in controls that let you ramp up and down but they don't do (or at least not the version I had a couple years ago) the storms and craziness that some other lights get to.

06/27/2016, 07:48 PM	#19
ReeferC77 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 19	Marineland is a pretty good led without all the extras, you could try eBay and find a used light

06/30/2016, 09:43 PM	#23
madweazl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NOVA Posts: 774	I have nothing bad to say about the Photon 24(v1) I ran for a short while and the customer service was fantastic. I just recently switched to the SBReef because the V1 had been discontinued and I had moved on to a 75g requiring an additional Photon that I wasnt having any success on locating used at the time. Now that the SBReefs are being controlled by the Reef Angel, I couldnt be any happier. Tank is young so I cant speak for growth but I see no reason they wont meet or exceed what I got with the Photon on my previous setup.