LED's for 30 gallon long...

[ReefKC]

Hi guys/gals, I'm somewhat new to the hobby.
My wife used to own a pet store 15yrs ago (closed 1yr before we met), so a LOT of things have changed/evolved since then.
Especially lights!
From what I've gathered from all of the knowledgable forum members, LEDs are the way to go with our setup.
We're just not sure which model is best, or if a DIY setup is the way to go.
(The Maxspect Razor r420r 160watt have been recommended for the size of our tank, but very expensive).
We have a 30gal long reef tank.
36L x 12Wx 16H

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thx,
Jeremy

[whosurcaddie]

Whats your budget? A very good lower budget light is the photon 32 from reefbreeders. It would be perfect for a 30 long and it has full sunrise an sunset program modes.

https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/photon-32/

You could also do 2 ocean revive S026's. They are dirt cheap.

http://oceanrevivellc.com/

[jml1149]

If you're going to buy lights like that, just get the cheap ones on e-bay or Amazon. They're all imported from China anyway. Notice how they all look exactly the same? You're mostly paying for a warranty from the US re-seller, if one is offered. At least Amazon offers the Amazon protection plan which is legit.

Funny story, the guy who resells the reefbreeders lights is a couple towns over from me. I've seen them in a local store or two. I bought the generic version on Amazon. It's the same light, different stencil. Just wayyy cheaper. And if it craps the bed, I'm only out 90 bucks.

[whosurcaddie]

^^^Could you post the programmable led fixture thats only 90$?

[jml1149]

Nope, I didn't buy the programmable ones. Because, for just starting out, using a dual mode light with two Home Depot dimmers works GREAT. I'll upgrade to some AI or Kessils later, but for now it's fine. Everything grows great and it's no different than the start of off times of MH. And they also worked fine for decades.

Also worth noting, in all of these imported lights, the difference between the dimmest programmable setting and OFF is significant, it's not a smooth transition at all. And, for a very shallow 30g long tank, you're probably not going to get super high in the intensity unless the light is mounted feet off of the tank. So really I doubt you would even know the difference.

Unless money is no object, I would try and find a store that has one of these imports and take a look for yourself. Save yourself the money. When I saw the reefbreeder in action, I was very meh. The ON/OFF isn't worth it if it can't get that low.

I'm also not posting links to sites I may or may not have a vested interest in. Seems suspect. I'm also not a pro, but my 90 dollar Chinese lights have been able to fully support everything in my tank, from Zoas to SPS, and I used the extra money to buy better other things. Are they the exact razor sharp Kessil spectrum? Nope, but neither are the other imported lights.

[CStrickland]

Samsies.
I got 2 165w marsaqua LEDs of eBay for less than $200 and put them on $6 lamp timers from the hardware store. They go on and off automatically and everything's growing well (I don't have any sps) in a 2' deep 4' long tank at 50%.

When I was looking for lights I held out for full spectrum, with separate controls so I can dim the blues separate from the rest. If I was going to spend more I would put it in better diodes like Cree or Bridgelux, and then maybe something that ramps up slowly instead of just turning on at the intensity I've preset. If I had a remote control I doubt I'd use it ever, and the thunderstorm setting is just funny.

[ReefKC]

THANK YOU ALL for taking the time to reply & help me out!

As far as livestock...
What we have now is:
3 Bangai Cardinals
3 Camel Shrimp
2 Brittle Stars
1 Goniopera
1 Carpet Amemone
2 Crabs/4 Snails


We plan on getting:
Diamond Goby
Watchman Goby
Ruby Red Blenny/Dragonet
& Possibly...
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Sailfin Tang &/or Hippo Tang
Bubble Mushrooms
Frogspawn
LPS's


I've looked into the Orbit Marine LED 36"-48" (model 4102) and really like it.
But I don't know if I'll regret later not getting the Maxspect Razor r420 160watt LED.

I can get a new Orbit Marine for $145 shipped, or a Maxspect Razor that has been used for 2 months for $300.
What would you all recommend?

Thanks again for all your help & suggestions!

[CStrickland]

I think your 30 long tank is too small for the dragonet, butterfly, and tangs. If those fish (or really anything more than a single clown fish plus a sand dweller type thing) are deal breakers for you, it would prolly be better to get a bigger tank and buy the lights for that, rather than go too far down the small tank path and have to rebuy a bunch of equipment. I'm thinking about skimmers and stuff too.
Idk what light you would need to keep the carpet nem happy until you upgrade though.

[Ron Reefman]

You will be terribly disappointed with the Current Orbit 4102 due to it's poor amount of light (low PAR and lack of water penetration compared to almost everybody else). It's only 36 watts! You can do WAY better than that for the money.

The Maxspect Razor is a good fixture. I'd also look into ReefRadiance, ReefBreeders and OceanRevive. I have fixtures from all 3 and they are all good quality with 3w leds instead of 0.3 watt like the Current.

[toothybugs]

Personally I would put a 4-bulb T5 over that tank, particularly if you have budget concerns. The bulb replacement will get you in the end but up front it's a much nicer (less spendy) way to go.

Just my personal opinion. Otherwise I would suggest sucking it up and getting a BML 20K Multi-Channel XB strip. The first one with goodies will run you ~450 but set it and forget it for a few years, plus low operating cost (wattage and no replacing bulbs). And my critters are very, very similar to yours planned; they love my spectrum set to 75% whites and 60% Blues/ UV. Lots of growth, no wandering nems, etc.

[shifty51008]

I know this is a lighting thread but for your fish list your tank is way to small for alot of things on your wish list, the sailfin and hippo tank will need a 200 gal + tank alone. the dragonett can starve unless you plan to buy pods almost on a daily bases. and the butterfly fish will eat your corals and anemone (unless it's a mini maxi carpet it will get to big for that tank)

if I were you I would stick to what you have now and maybe add a 1 goby shrimp pair