Help with upgrading lighting (x post from Nano Reef)

[xilez]

Posted this on Nanoreef, but figured I would also solicit advice from you guys.

Currently searching for upgrade to Mr Aqua 12L (link in sig) currently running the Orbit Marine base model. I use risers to hold the light up an extra 3.5", so in theory might light needs to penetrate about 12". I am hoping to get something more powerful to help boost growth of SPS corals.

I have received a lot of opinions on buying a light for this tank vs investing in a light for the future. I know, I will be at least a year or 2 before upgrading tank, probably closer to 2 years... So I'm unsure if investing an amazing fixture (Nanobox) is worth it knowing how rapidly changing the LED industry is. I'd like to keep the price below $500, with the only exception being a nanobox if I convinced myself the light was worth it for THIS tank.

I would like to avoid hanging a light if at all possible, with that being said these are my options as of now.

1. Orbit Marine Pro - $280 (http://current-usa.c...cifications.pdf">http://current-usa.c...cifications.pdf</a>)

2. SB Reef Lights 32" Timer - $300([IMG]https://sbreeflights...o-32-timer.html">https://sbreeflights...o-32-timer.html</a>)
One of the cons with this version is that its not ramping

3. [IMG]https://www.reefbree...p/photon-32-v2/-">https://www.reefbree...p/photon-32-v2/-</a> $574 ( a little higher in price, might as well spend another $100 for a nnaobox?)

4. 2 Kessils or 2 AI Prime HDs - with mounting kits $500

5. Anything I am missing?

Making this decision is creating too much anxiety! Would love to hear everyone's oppinion

 

[lmm1967]

DIY is an option. That way when you do upgrade you just bolt on an additional heat sink, add the individual LEDs or led puck.

I have a Radion XR15 pro and a DIY using a Cree Lumia 5.2. In the end both cost me about the same with pretty much the same functionality although controlled differently. The main difference is I can double the DIY setup for $150.00 by extending the heat sink, add another pre-built puck.


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[xilez]

I think I would prefer to avoid the DIY option, just not something I am interested in learning about. Would ideally like order sometime this week.

 

[snowmansnow]

Are you completely sold on LeD?
For $500 you can do an ati sun power and never worry about the right light.
Just a though


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[xilez]

It's that I am sold on LED, i prefer to not hang a light.

 

[bulkrate]

(Not seeing your linked signature of the tank, but guessing you've got the 3 foot long/shallow 12-gallon)

Hard to beat the look & aesthetics of a Current Orbit on a tank like that. I'd go with the Pro version, and maybe ask around... Axio/Premier Aquatics had them at a sale price a couple months ago I think for quite a bit below list. Aski nice, maybe he still has one or two from that lot that they're looking to move.

I have a Nanobox on order... it promises to an awesome light on my 12" cube, with the ability to light something a bit bigger (but still nano-scale); but I think you'd have to go Duo on it to get the coverage needed for a 3' long tank. Which can get pretty spendy.

 

[xilez]

BulkRate;1103697 wrote: Not seeing your linked signature of the tank, but guessing you've got the 3 foot long/shallow 12-gallon)

Hard to beat the look & aesthetics of a Current Orbit on a tank like that. I'd go with the Pro version, and maybe ask around... Axio/Premier Aquatics had them at a sale price a couple months ago I think for quite a bit below list. Aski nice, maybe he still has one or two from that lot that they're looking to move.

I have a Nanobox on order... it promises to an awesome light on my 12" cube, with the ability to light something a bit bigger (but still nano-scale); but I think you'd have to go Duo on it to get the coverage needed for a 3' long tank. Which can get pretty spendy.

Yeah I have been in talks with Dave, he recommends the quad. I have a hard time shelling out $700 for a 9 inch deep tank...when I go bigger, I will for sure be going nanobox.

 

[xilez]

xilez;1103698 wrote: Yeah I have been in talks with Dave, he recommends the quad. I have a hard time shelling out $700 for a 9 inch deep tank...when I go bigger, I will for sure be going nanobox.

Went full YOLO and ordered the light. Should be here in a couple weeks.

 

[Trizzino]

$$$$$$. I feel ya i just got two less than a year old Radion XR30W G3 Pro's for $730 shipped to my door. Hurts and is awesome at the same time. HA

 

[xilez]

I'll just work a couple extra hours this week