Reefbrite

[Londonreefer]

Hi everyone,

I currently am setting up a fragtank 4x2x10inch. I have a spare maxspect razor r420 160watt led that I am using. It doesn’t seem to cover the whole tank (27 inch unit). I knew that prior to setting up the tank. Just thought I’d use a free light to keep the cost down.

I know reefbrite compliment T5 units, and sometimes halides. Has anyone used them with LED’s? Or stand alone ReefBrite’s. I’ve watched a lot of videos on all of the different models. LumiLite to xho. But nothing seemed to answer this question.

My plan is to grab a 4ft xho actinic and use with my maxspect razor. Eventually planning to get a ati dimmable and use the reefbrite with it. But Ati is out of the question at the moment. Any insight would help.

Greatly appreciated
Londonreefer

 

[TORX]

Reefbrite is designed as an accent light only, not a stand alone. There is not enough PAR for healthy growth of most coral under just Reefbrite. IIRC I read a thread that said there was only about 125 PAR at the water line in a test. For most coral you are looking for 300-600PAR. For the price of a Reefbrite, you can probably pick up a used 48" T5HO fixture and sell the Razor to cover some of the cost and you would be better off for coral health while you save up for the expensive ATI Dimmable.

 

[RobH.]

I love my t5 and reefbrite combo I do a ramp up and down with timers reefbrite first on last off and two channels on the t5 all blue on one. the reefbrites are mostly there for that led pop and moonlighting.

 

[Londonreefer]

Thanks guys appreciate the input. That’s what I thought as well. However I’ve watched a couple videos on the xho and I think they can be stand alone. I think, but am not sure, that they put out a lot more par than previous models. Reefbrite makes hanging fixtures that have spaces for 6 or 8 reefbrites. Like a t5 unit but slotted for xho. Any info on this matter? Or is anyone using that fixture?

Currently looking for 4ft ati fixture by the way

 

[TORX]

Price out 6-8 x 4' xho reefbrites and you will quickly change your mind. $350USD each. Radion G4 Pro new is $800USD. 2 Radions ($1600) vs 6-8 Reef brite ($2100-2800) is no contest financially and you can program the Radion color spectrum, par, sunrise/set, moon light etc...vs...just blue, 50/50 (depending which one you buy) and on/off.

For the interim while you save up for that insanely expensive ATI T5ho dimmable plus bulbs and replacement bulbs 2x a year plus increase of your hydro bill of about $50 a month, you could just get a used black box led to get you by till then. No point in spending thousands while you save to spend thousands more.

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[Londonreefer]

Will I still keep the colour on my coral with black box. I would hate to see bleaching or colour loss. 5 colour acan go to 3 colour, zoas kind of blur out, etc. Or will the colour not visually be as nice. I’ve seen those units for under 200 brand new.

Which is the best black box, and how many would I need for 4x2 tank. Lps, Zoas and acans? 2 if I’m not mistaken?

Also, hydro and bulbs not a big deal if it’s “worth the results getting ati” Meaning growth rate and colour of the coral.

Here’s another thought as well. Just adding a two bulb t5 add on with my maxspect if I can find a unit for cheap.

Btw thanks for all the help TORX.

 

[TORX]

I have seen them for $200 new as well, but it was USD and only 24" model.

If money isn't a deciding factor then the ATI dimmable is a great choice for sure. I would probably be doing the same.

IMHO the Razor is just making things more complicated. At a minimum I would do 2 x 2 bulb 48" t5ho with the razor between them. It really isnt designed for that much coverage. In this situation it is used more for color pop them anything.

I dont know much about the different black boxes. Ther area all pretty much the same anymore but probably the cheapest way to set things up temporarily.

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[Londonreefer]

Last question........what about cheap Amazon grow op t5? I found one for 100 bucks, 6 bulb. I know I’ll prob spend 250 on bulbs or so. Also I understand the cooling issues and bulb life associated with these fixtures. Would it be better than black box?

 

[TORX]

Two is better then 1?

http://www.thefragtank.ca/community/threads/maxspect-razor-180w-r420r.24854

The Amazon T5 is really up to you. I cant speak for them as I don't know. Reviews will help but I am sure it will be okay as a temp.

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