90 G Lighting Upgrade

chrisfont23 · 08/14/2013, 05:07 AM

I have a 90g reef, 48 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 25 3/8. Currently an all LPS tank using six (6) Ecoxotic Panorma Pro 2 modules.I get moderate growth, but I am not sure the penetration at the bottom of the tank is good. I am also noticing fading in my blasto and ricordea on the bottom. Despite mixing and matching magentas, blues and whites, I can't get the full spectrum look I want.

So I am looking at two options, one being Reef Breeders Photon Units - 16 or 48 and the other being nameless, for the sake of having a nice enough fella like Logan to bounce things off of

My issue is simple: I have a canopy...this one: http://www.incredibleaquarium.com/in...oducts_id=2062

I can either:

1) buy two Photon 16s and mount them to the top of the canopy (i.e. - above the canopy squares), cutting out squares into the canopy for the light...this would be about 8 inches off the water.

or

2) run brackets across the length of the canopy and bolt a Photon 48 underneath the brackets, using cross brackets width wise to disperse the weight evenly This would be about 4 inches off the water (yikes).

Since I only have LPS and have no plans to go near SPS again, I am wondering if the two 16s are enough mounted in this fashion. With option 1, I am concerned about light dispersal. It's also more expensive/ Option 2, the weight over a single 48 on the canopy hanging over water makes me a bit apprehensive...plus getting to the controller unit itself might be a chore. It is cheaper though.

Thoughts?

Thanks all!

Rarend99 · 08/14/2013, 06:02 AM

Personally I would go with option number 1 with 90 degree optics. If you go with the photon 48 you won't have enough spread with it hanging only 4 inches off the water plus that's just scary close. You will have plenty of light with the photon 16s in your tank. And about it being cheaper, only by a little bit!

Stomatopod1701 · 08/14/2013, 08:59 AM

I like the idea of 2 16's over cut-out too, unless you want to get rid of the canopy entirely and mount the 48 differently. Either one would work well and the 48 over a 90 could grow anything you want, but the two 16's would also be great and easier to implement.

chrisfont23 · 08/14/2013, 10:57 AM

Thanks. Surprised only two opinions here.

Rarend99 · 08/14/2013, 06:05 PM

Haha mine is a little biased though! Because I currently run two photon 16s over my 75 so same footprint as your 90, I love it. *Removed*~dc

ssdawood · 08/14/2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rarend99

Haha mine is a little biased though! Because I currently run two photon 16s over my 75 so same footprint as your 90, I love it. I've upgraded tanks to a 100g rimless and am selling the lights if you become interested. 250ea

So what lights are you going with.

Rarend99 · 08/14/2013, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssdawood

So what lights are you going with.

I am torn!! For my 100g rimless I'm going all out and got a fairly large bonus to play with so I may go with two radions! I'm a programmer so those lights are quite appealing to me

chrisfont23 · 08/14/2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rarend99

Haha mine is a little biased though! Because I currently run two photon 16s over my 75 so same footprint as your 90, I love it. I've upgraded tanks to a 100g rimless and am selling the lights if you become interested. 250ea

Are the 16s the new controller though? I spoke to Logan today and he indicated some of the older modules weren't as up to date with the technology. Not a big deal, but just wondering.

Rarend99 · 08/14/2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssdawood

So what lights are you going with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisfont23

Are the 16s the new controller though? I spoke to Logan today and he indicated some of the older modules weren't as up to date with the technology. Not a big deal, but just wondering.

So my brother was on my account and some of the comments aren't entirely accurate.

The lights are the evergrow it2040, BUT custom mapped to mirror the reefbreeders, the only reason I went this route was because at the time the reefbreeders were out of stock for over 3-4 weeks, I needed lights ASAP so I made the custom map and ordered them through a distributor in Canada, ordered two months ago so most likely is the new controller, ill check with the manufacturer.

*Removed* This is not a selling forum~dc

08/14/2013, 05:07 AM	#1
chrisfont23 Reef Monster Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,343	90 G Lighting Upgrade I have a 90g reef, 48 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 25 3/8. Currently an all LPS tank using six (6) Ecoxotic Panorma Pro 2 modules.I get moderate growth, but I am not sure the penetration at the bottom of the tank is good. I am also noticing fading in my blasto and ricordea on the bottom. Despite mixing and matching magentas, blues and whites, I can't get the full spectrum look I want. So I am looking at two options, one being Reef Breeders Photon Units - 16 or 48 and the other being nameless, for the sake of having a nice enough fella like Logan to bounce things off of My issue is simple: I have a canopy...this one: http://www.incredibleaquarium.com/in...oducts_id=2062 I can either: 1) buy two Photon 16s and mount them to the top of the canopy (i.e. - above the canopy squares), cutting out squares into the canopy for the light...this would be about 8 inches off the water. or 2) run brackets across the length of the canopy and bolt a Photon 48 underneath the brackets, using cross brackets width wise to disperse the weight evenly This would be about 4 inches off the water (yikes). Since I only have LPS and have no plans to go near SPS again, I am wondering if the two 16s are enough mounted in this fashion. With option 1, I am concerned about light dispersal. It's also more expensive/ Option 2, the weight over a single 48 on the canopy hanging over water makes me a bit apprehensive...plus getting to the controller unit itself might be a chore. It is cheaper though. Thoughts? Thanks all!

08/14/2013, 06:02 AM	#2
Rarend99 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 1,304	Personally I would go with option number 1 with 90 degree optics. If you go with the photon 48 you won't have enough spread with it hanging only 4 inches off the water plus that's just scary close. You will have plenty of light with the photon 16s in your tank. And about it being cheaper, only by a little bit! __________________ 50 Gallon Rimless Radion PRO 2x Mp10s Apex The Works Current Tank Info: Cadlights Rimless

08/14/2013, 06:05 PM	#5
Rarend99 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 1,304	Haha mine is a little biased though! Because I currently run two photon 16s over my 75 so same footprint as your 90, I love it. Removed~dc __________________ 50 Gallon Rimless Radion PRO 2x Mp10s Apex The Works Current Tank Info: Cadlights Rimless Last edited by dc; 08/15/2013 at 05:35 AM.

08/14/2013, 08:59 AM	#3
Stomatopod1701 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 143	I like the idea of 2 16's over cut-out too, unless you want to get rid of the canopy entirely and mount the 48 differently. Either one would work well and the 48 over a 90 could grow anything you want, but the two 16's would also be great and easier to implement.

08/14/2013, 10:57 AM	#4
chrisfont23 Reef Monster Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,343	Thanks. Surprised only two opinions here.