LPS_Blasto
Member
I'm bulding a new 40g breeder. I only want LPS and zoas. Nothing requiring high light, such as SPS or clams.
Will this work? It's 2 strips @ 36w each, so 72 watts total - don't know if that makes a difference when talking about LED's. I've never been able to figure out how to convert watts per gallon to LED's. Back in the day of MH and T5, we mostly used a rule of thumb that was 4.0 -- 4.5 watts per gallon for softies and 5.5 -- 6++ watts per gallon for SPS.
https://www.marinedepot.com/Current...quariums-Current_USA-CU04226-FILTFILD-vi.html
My wife really wanted me to buy this because of the LOOP feature and the weather features. I'm okay with adding supplemental T5's or LED strips if this is not enough wattage. I like the LOOP feature and was planning to run 2 wave pumps and a DC return pump with the controller.... all Current USA products.
I've done quite a bit of research on lighting. So much that my head hurts. I can't afford Kessils or ReefBrights right now. I've also never been one to buy the newest, most expensive koolaid on the market. Not saying Kessils are koolaid --- just that they're not in my budget at this time.I don't want to buy a black box LED from Amazon, because it appears the quality is hit or miss and we're not willing to risk a house fire to save $50 on what is essentially a TOY (reefing is funded with expendable "hobby" money). Unless somebody can give me a really convincing argument that all the big name stuff really is just koolaid, even the Current USA brand.
I've never used LED's before, so trying to determine what will produce the right light at the right price point is quite difficult. I have no experience in LED lens's and intensity. In the past, I had 6x24 T5HO over a 29g and it was growing anything I wanted (no SPS or clams... as I'm not a fan). I had scolys, blastos, acans, hammers, any LPS I wanted and the zoas were turning into a psychedelic carpet over anything they touched. I also had a 30L with a 175w MH 14,000K and that tank was fine too. Anything I wanted to grow.....
I know how to make a tank stable and I know how to take my time and be patient. REALLY need input on LED lighting before I can go much further.
Thanks in advance
Will this work? It's 2 strips @ 36w each, so 72 watts total - don't know if that makes a difference when talking about LED's. I've never been able to figure out how to convert watts per gallon to LED's. Back in the day of MH and T5, we mostly used a rule of thumb that was 4.0 -- 4.5 watts per gallon for softies and 5.5 -- 6++ watts per gallon for SPS.
https://www.marinedepot.com/Current...quariums-Current_USA-CU04226-FILTFILD-vi.html
My wife really wanted me to buy this because of the LOOP feature and the weather features. I'm okay with adding supplemental T5's or LED strips if this is not enough wattage. I like the LOOP feature and was planning to run 2 wave pumps and a DC return pump with the controller.... all Current USA products.
I've done quite a bit of research on lighting. So much that my head hurts. I can't afford Kessils or ReefBrights right now. I've also never been one to buy the newest, most expensive koolaid on the market. Not saying Kessils are koolaid --- just that they're not in my budget at this time.I don't want to buy a black box LED from Amazon, because it appears the quality is hit or miss and we're not willing to risk a house fire to save $50 on what is essentially a TOY (reefing is funded with expendable "hobby" money). Unless somebody can give me a really convincing argument that all the big name stuff really is just koolaid, even the Current USA brand.
I've never used LED's before, so trying to determine what will produce the right light at the right price point is quite difficult. I have no experience in LED lens's and intensity. In the past, I had 6x24 T5HO over a 29g and it was growing anything I wanted (no SPS or clams... as I'm not a fan). I had scolys, blastos, acans, hammers, any LPS I wanted and the zoas were turning into a psychedelic carpet over anything they touched. I also had a 30L with a 175w MH 14,000K and that tank was fine too. Anything I wanted to grow.....
I know how to make a tank stable and I know how to take my time and be patient. REALLY need input on LED lighting before I can go much further.
Thanks in advance