LED 65 gallon tank
- Thread starter jonw59
- Start date
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
What's the dimensions of your tank?
When it comes to LEDs, you get what you pay for.
When it comes to LEDs, you get what you pay for.
jonw59
Member
it is 36" x 18" x 24" (LxWxH), ya from what ive been reading it looks like it all depends on how much control I want. I know that I need to be able to adjust the color temp and that PUR is the important measurement when comparing fixtures, although Ive been finding it difficult to get this number. Will most systems reach the bottom seeing how its a deeper tank, if not what should I be looking for to ensure that it will? Unfortunately the ones Ive seen in person are out of my budget.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
LEDs are pricy at first, but considering that used to I would spend $200 a year or more on bulb replacements, the benefits of owning an LED unit far outweigh the price.
There's a Photon32 that might fit your tank pretty well. It has a controller that allows you to change intensity of two channels. It's also not as pricy as some of the name brand units, but it puts out quite a bit of light - so much so that you should only run it at 30% or less for the first couple of weeks you have it.
A single AI Hydra might be nice as well, but you might get some spotlighting if you don't hang it high enough above the tank. In order to operate the AI Hydra, you have to purchase the separate controller to program it.
There's a Photon32 that might fit your tank pretty well. It has a controller that allows you to change intensity of two channels. It's also not as pricy as some of the name brand units, but it puts out quite a bit of light - so much so that you should only run it at 30% or less for the first couple of weeks you have it.
A single AI Hydra might be nice as well, but you might get some spotlighting if you don't hang it high enough above the tank. In order to operate the AI Hydra, you have to purchase the separate controller to program it.
jonw59
Member
I know its the way to go and with the money ill be putting in coral its worth it, maybe I need to think about increasing my budget. Do you have any thoughts on marineland or evergrow fixtures? I have also been hearing quite a bit about DYI kits do you have any experience with that, I feel like it might be a tad over my head.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Marineland is a joke in my opinon.
Evergrow isnt bad for a basic unit. Its also dimmable.
Photons are an american version of evergrow.
Diy isnt that difficult, but if you price it all out, it costs about the same. Thr only benefit is that you knw the ins and outs of the system and can customize it.
Evergrow isnt bad for a basic unit. Its also dimmable.
Photons are an american version of evergrow.
Diy isnt that difficult, but if you price it all out, it costs about the same. Thr only benefit is that you knw the ins and outs of the system and can customize it.
jonw59
Member
I just read a few articles saying the same thing about the marineland. I really liked the Apollo fixture that I saw in person but I think I would need two and they run at $400 each. have you personally viewed the photons? A lot of the things I have been reading are pretty pro TMC any thoughts on those? Thanks for all of your comments they have been helpful
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I own a photon48
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
The photon 32 has a two year American warranty, since you are actually giving money to an American man to purchase the product. By buying the Evergrow unit, you are giving money to the Chinese who do not have a warranty. The units are almost the same, I think, but it's a personal choice... I would rather have the warranty and get help with the unit from someone who speaks English well.
Degree optics is how concentrated the led light beam is. The more concentrated, the higher PAR and PUR. Generally, the narrower the beam, (60*) the more spotlighting/disco effect happens. The 120* optics blend the colors better. Also, these little units are VERY powerful, and you don't need to use optics that are too narrow unless you are placing the unit way above the tank.
For a few dollars more you can get the unit customized with different colors and change out the colors of the moonlights (if you do this, they switch it from Royal Blue to neutral white. Do not get neutral white - it's way too yellow for moonlight. Get cool white moonlights if you decide to go with a much whiter, more natural look.
Degree optics is how concentrated the led light beam is. The more concentrated, the higher PAR and PUR. Generally, the narrower the beam, (60*) the more spotlighting/disco effect happens. The 120* optics blend the colors better. Also, these little units are VERY powerful, and you don't need to use optics that are too narrow unless you are placing the unit way above the tank.
For a few dollars more you can get the unit customized with different colors and change out the colors of the moonlights (if you do this, they switch it from Royal Blue to neutral white. Do not get neutral white - it's way too yellow for moonlight. Get cool white moonlights if you decide to go with a much whiter, more natural look.
jonw59
Member
thanks that was very helpful. So I want the 120 optics correct? I will not be putting it very far above the water. I'm guessing by the comment that you think it is necessary to change out the moonlights? Even with as much as I've read Im confused with how I would want the lights to be laid out and exactly what color of light I would be changing. Also my tank does have a middle brace will that have an impact on these long fixtures or will it not be a problem.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
120* optics is fine.
You can get their standard led layout and it works perfectly. I just like to tweak things "old school" sometimes.
The middle brace shouldnt be a problem with 120* optics.
You can get their standard led layout and it works perfectly. I just like to tweak things "old school" sometimes.
The middle brace shouldnt be a problem with 120* optics.