Mars aqua LEDs. What height and intensity do you use?

Arnallop3 · 07/11/2017, 01:06 PM

Hello everyone. In the process of creating a light rack/post for my two165w Mars Aqua leds that I will install on my 55 gal 48"x 13" x 21" height I plan on having mainly corals. SPS dominating.

How high above aquarium do you have yours mounted?

What intensity of blue/white do you use?

What is the light cycle that works for you?

I was thinking of 11am blues turn on at about 50% and have whites come on from 12-8pm at 30% shut off blues at 9pm. And have chaeto in sump on opposite light schedule.

How does that sound? Any suggestions on tweaking this schedule?

Ryan Darilek · 07/11/2017, 09:47 PM

I don't have this brand, but I do have high end LEDs and run my schedule:
11am: sunrise mode starts
12:30pm: lights reach full "daylight"
10:30pm: lights begin sunset mode
12:00am: lights out

(ramp up and ramp down times are 90 minutes)

Works really well for me and my corals. Congrats on the new lighting btw!!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Cheapreef · 07/11/2017, 09:51 PM

I run a similar "Black Box" Popular Grow light, it's wifi so I ramp it up for 2 1/2 hrs in the morning and at at night. 2:00-6:00 I run at my max which is 100% blue and 26% white. It's approx 11" above the waterline over a Red Sea Reefer Nano 21gal 18" cube tank.

Arnallop3 · 07/12/2017, 01:43 AM

Thanks for the input Cheapreef. I'd like to upgrade to some wifi controlled ones in the future. But in the mean time. Timers will have to do.

I was planning on having mine 8-12 in above water.

How many watts is your black box?

So about a 4 hr cycle w both blue and white channels?

Cheapreef · 07/12/2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnallop3

Thanks for the input Cheapreef. I'd like to upgrade to some wifi controlled ones in the future. But in the mean time. Timers will have to do.

I was planning on having mine 8-12 in above water.

How many watts is your black box?

So about a 4 hr cycle w both blue and white channels?

Same watt rating as every other Black box 120w maxed out, the 165w they list is misleading. They only drive the 3w LEDs at approx 2.2 watts each and that would be at 100% on both blue and white channels.

Yes Blue ramps up for 2.5 hrs to the 100% level stays there for 4hrs then ramps back down for 2.5hrs.
White ramps up to 26% for 1 hr (starts 1.5hrs after blue) stays at the 26% for the same 4hrs the blues are on then ramps back down for 1.5hrs.
I have a 3rd channel which is moonlight that ramps longer both morning and night but that's just for smoother ramp/moonlight effect.

Arnallop3 · 07/12/2017, 12:10 PM

Yea I've read they aren't true to their wattage. At 170$ for the pair I can't complain haha with blues at 100% does that ever bleach any corals? Or is it the whites who can do the bleaching?
Heard these bad boys could be too intense if not careful.

Newbie so I got newbie questions

Cheapreef · 07/12/2017, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnallop3

Yea I've read they aren't true to their wattage. At 170$ for the pair I can't complain haha with blues at 100% does that ever bleach any corals? Or is it the whites who can do the bleaching?
Heard these bad boys could be too intense if not careful.

Newbie so I got newbie questions

Blue can bleach just as fast as the white IMO. I took it slow and gradually ramped my settings up about 5% a week from 40% start. You can also run it at the desired intensity and hang it higher and lower a little each week. I have a PAR meter so I used that to set a base of 250 mid tank to start with and go from there. Currently I'm at 550 mid tank and I have seen no bleaching, actually coloring up far better than they ever have with the full blue. Just take it slow and aclimate new corals when you add.

Arnallop3 · 07/12/2017, 12:19 PM

Thanks Ryan I don't know why I couldn't see your reply yesterday seems like it but popped up today.

Do you feel a 13 hr light cycle helps for more coral growth or is it a preference for viewing? I know a bit of it is ramp up and ramp down.

Also around what intensity are they at when both blue/whites are running?

Arnallop3 · 07/12/2017, 12:24 PM

Excellent advice Cheapreef. Sound like you did some experimenting while setting it up to get the best lighting. I'm still cycling so once I hang them up I will add what's working for me.
Working on a DIY light rack which I hope to be done in a couple of days which I will also share on my tank build

coralfish · 07/23/2017, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheapreef

I run a similar "Black Box" Popular Grow light, it's wifi so I ramp it up for 2 1/2 hrs in the morning and at at night. 2:00-6:00 I run at my max which is 100% blue and 26% white. It's approx 11" above the waterline over a Red Sea Reefer Nano 21gal 18" cube tank.

Which led do you have?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

coralfish · 07/23/2017, 12:49 PM

How many for a 92 corner tank, mixed reef?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheapreef · 07/23/2017, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coralfish

Which led do you have?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I run a Popular Grow Wifi. If I had t buy again I would def go with th SB Reef light Extreme, I went with the PG to save some $$. My buddy went with the SB and it has a better spectrum and UV added, worth the extra IMO looking back.

shaginwagon13 · 11/03/2017, 07:20 AM

Anyone run these LED's for refiugium?

I have this, but the intensity setting is a manual twist knob for both white and blues, and I am having a hard time finding a setting that works well.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

outy · 11/03/2017, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnallop3

I was thinking of 11am blues turn on at about 50% and have whites come on from 12-8pm at 30% shut off blues at 9pm. And have chaeto in sump on opposite light schedule.

How does that sound? Any suggestions on tweaking this schedule?

Exact time I'm running mine.

I have LPS and run 35% B and 25% W for starters. Every coral is thriving in a 30" deep tank.

blasterman789 · 11/03/2017, 07:32 PM

The Mars units and their clones throw a serious amount of PAR for the money. The Epistar LEDs they use should be around 3.4volts if the latest variety giving a power rating of ~ 130watts *if* they are pushing 700mA per channel, but I haven't tested a newer unit to see if it's power supply or LED limited. In any respect, the ones I've used I've rarely run the blue channel over 50%, and the only reefer I know personally who runs them flat out has the units over a 450gal SPS dominant.

You can't run the White channel anywhere near the same level as the blue...unless you want a 4000k tank. That's the biggest annoyance I find with the units - the white channel will almost never be used to full effect unless you are over fresh water. Also wish they had used a mix of different wavelength blue -vs- just 460s'.

07/11/2017, 01:06 PM	#1
Arnallop3 Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 55	Mars aqua LEDs. What height and intensity do you use? Hello everyone. In the process of creating a light rack/post for my two165w Mars Aqua leds that I will install on my 55 gal 48"x 13" x 21" height I plan on having mainly corals. SPS dominating. How high above aquarium do you have yours mounted? What intensity of blue/white do you use? What is the light cycle that works for you? I was thinking of 11am blues turn on at about 50% and have whites come on from 12-8pm at 30% shut off blues at 9pm. And have chaeto in sump on opposite light schedule. How does that sound? Any suggestions on tweaking this schedule?

07/23/2017, 12:49 PM	#11
coralfish Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hardmoney, KY Posts: 750	How many for a 92 corner tank, mixed reef? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ One leg missing and both hands free. Current Tank Info: 220 Reef

11/03/2017, 07:20 AM	#13
shaginwagon13 Chartered Accountant Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2,219	Anyone run these LED's for refiugium? I have this, but the intensity setting is a manual twist knob for both white and blues, and I am having a hard time finding a setting that works well. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 __________________ - Shaginwagon - Current Tank Info: 550 Gallon SPS Reef l 200 Gallon Sump l Skimmer: Vertex Alpha 250 l Return Pump: Reeflo Hammerhead l Tank Circulation: (2) Maxspect Gyre XF280 l Lighting: (3) 400w Halides & (3) AI Hydra 52 HD

07/11/2017, 09:47 PM	#2
Ryan Darilek Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 376	I don't have this brand, but I do have high end LEDs and run my schedule: 11am: sunrise mode starts 12:30pm: lights reach full "daylight" 10:30pm: lights begin sunset mode 12:00am: lights out (ramp up and ramp down times are 90 minutes) Works really well for me and my corals. Congrats on the new lighting btw!! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

07/11/2017, 09:51 PM	#3
Cheapreef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,076	I run a similar "Black Box" Popular Grow light, it's wifi so I ramp it up for 2 1/2 hrs in the morning and at at night. 2:00-6:00 I run at my max which is 100% blue and 26% white. It's approx 11" above the waterline over a Red Sea Reefer Nano 21gal 18" cube tank.

07/12/2017, 01:43 AM	#4
Arnallop3 Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 55	Thanks for the input Cheapreef. I'd like to upgrade to some wifi controlled ones in the future. But in the mean time. Timers will have to do. I was planning on having mine 8-12 in above water. How many watts is your black box? So about a 4 hr cycle w both blue and white channels?

07/12/2017, 12:10 PM	#6
Arnallop3 Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 55	Yea I've read they aren't true to their wattage. At 170$ for the pair I can't complain haha with blues at 100% does that ever bleach any corals? Or is it the whites who can do the bleaching? Heard these bad boys could be too intense if not careful. Newbie so I got newbie questions

07/12/2017, 12:19 PM	#8
Arnallop3 Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 55	Thanks Ryan I don't know why I couldn't see your reply yesterday seems like it but popped up today. Do you feel a 13 hr light cycle helps for more coral growth or is it a preference for viewing? I know a bit of it is ramp up and ramp down. Also around what intensity are they at when both blue/whites are running?

07/12/2017, 12:24 PM	#9
Arnallop3 Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 55	Excellent advice Cheapreef. Sound like you did some experimenting while setting it up to get the best lighting. I'm still cycling so once I hang them up I will add what's working for me. Working on a DIY light rack which I hope to be done in a couple of days which I will also share on my tank build

11/03/2017, 07:32 PM	#15
blasterman789 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 365	The Mars units and their clones throw a serious amount of PAR for the money. The Epistar LEDs they use should be around 3.4volts if the latest variety giving a power rating of ~ 130watts if they are pushing 700mA per channel, but I haven't tested a newer unit to see if it's power supply or LED limited. In any respect, the ones I've used I've rarely run the blue channel over 50%, and the only reefer I know personally who runs them flat out has the units over a 450gal SPS dominant. You can't run the White channel anywhere near the same level as the blue...unless you want a 4000k tank. That's the biggest annoyance I find with the units - the white channel will almost never be used to full effect unless you are over fresh water. Also wish they had used a mix of different wavelength blue -vs- just 460s'.