Quick question. I know you have tested these things but I am curious if you have ever tested the LED lights used for either DJ or live stage lighting? They put out enormous amounts of light but I haven't seen anyone ever test this. Just curious on your thoughts of this concept.
Maxspect R420r (180w version) over an EA Reef Pro 900, growing a mix of sps/lps. Love it, and Maxspect customer service is excellent. Been enjoying the channel, keep up the great work :)
@@georgemattu2293 exactly my experience, I have sps growing rapidly under these lights, including some Montipora Stellata frags I purchased off Alex (Reef Dork).
I run 2 black boxes (mars aqua) and have been for 2 years now. I do plan on up grading them but they honestly have been great for getting started so don't count them out.
I've 4 red sea led90's on a 6x2x2, I think the colour on them is great, very simple to set up, although the WiFi can occasionally disconnect. I didn't want overly blue, I had metal halides and actinic on an old tank, so wanted similar with led. BUT, I do like some of the colours, not too in your face though, and got a NYK torch, looked great in the shop, in mine, looks washed out and plain, so got an orphek OR3 150, but tbh, it never added anything extra. The only time it looks good is either end of the light cycle, when it's only blues, but I know it could look way better. But having said that, the growth rate on my corals is fantastic.
Most experts say do plenty of research before you take the plunge so I have been doing a LOT of research. The problem is that there are so many ifs, buts and maybes that the research just sends me round in circles! So thanks for your videos and this is where I am in my thinking The tank has to look as good as possible so base decisions on that primary aim - that narrows options down! It's got to be a peninsula so get the one that suits the proportions of the available space rather than big / small issues - Red Sea or WaterBox or wait until Cade supply in the UK and persuade the missus that black is the new white. Shame Evolution Aqua do not do a peninsula Lights - minimum visual impact from the side so ceiling hung pucks are probably the best with wires / cables managed for minimum impact. Also it allows for adding pucks if more light is required in the future Set up initially as a FOWLR tank but don't get any fish that eat Corals so no barriers to going REEF down the line Sand bottom - prefer the look Rock - whatever looks the best from all sides Plan for maximum automation at a future date - like pipes in the wall through the loft space and down into the utility room for water changes Start off with an automatic roller filter as it's easier to adjust the sump to take one before first use I will only have power heads at the overflow end of the tank so select ones that allow the tank to be as close to the wall as possible. Live with whatever restrictions that that places on future coral selection What do you think please?
Hi great videos your posting very helpful! I’ve just brought the evergrow it5080 v2 pro have you got a lighting schedule I could use possibly? I’ve looked online but too many people say 1 thing and others say another thing, I know it’s part of working it out yourself but the way you showed in this video of the evergrow looked amazing and any help getting it set would be great thanks
So this is going to be really long winding but I really appreciate all your honesty and solid advice throughout your videos. So I currently have a 4x2x2 with 2 reef LEDs and par numbers are okay. I can keep easy SPS up high and my clam on the sand bed is doing well with good growth. It's only a Squamosa so it seems to be okay with 180 200 par on the sand. I am upgrading to a 5x2x2. I don't know whether to add another Reef Led as I am not happy with reliability so far. Both LEDs have had issues in the last 12 months. As it stands right now I can't afford to buy two Evergrows but I could buy one then add another at a later date. I just wondered if you have any idea of what sort of par levels you were getting off one light or did you add both at the same time? Did you add the bar in the middle for extra par or just colour?
I added the bar for a bit of colour and par. The spread on the Evergrow sucks so the best use for me is to have 2 on a 2 foot wide tank. I'll be selling mine in the next few weeks...
@@bencameron4941 that's a closely guarded secret! 2 should be fine although you won't get much light at the far ends of your tank so plan your scape/coral placement accordingly...
I have really enjoyed your videos! I am considering a Red Sea peninsula tank like yours, and would have it set up long side to the wall, like yours. Curious if you would buy the Red Sea peninsula again? Do you just like the clear on both sides look over a traditional tank with a black back?
Yep, exactly that. It makes the tank look much brighter too. And the weir box doesn't interrupt your aquascape like it does on a normal tank. The diaphragm valve isn't very good but apart from that, I'd definitely buy it again. (PS. I bought it myself...)
Im day 11 on my 75 litre tank, what fish and inverts do you recommend?? I found at my lfs a fish called the yellow brotulid however there is no information on keeping it!
Love your videos and have helped so much, quick question I converted a fluval roma 90 in to a marine can you recommend a light that would fit under the lid? Thanks
Never really looked into that sort of thing I'm afraid. Check out the Tunze 8811 and 8850 though - they're waterproof so could sit at the top of the water level 🙂
Hi my tank is 90 x 55 x 53cm and looking at lights do you think the hydra 64 led light would be good looking for your opinion thanks keep the videos comeing
My light is the fluval marine 3.0 and to be honest I cant slate them as a cheap light but what does the reef dork think?? And anyone else if they have used them?? Great video Alex
No idea, but I'd guess they're fine for soft corals. And probably not possible to have them automatically switch from white to blue? That's a deal breaker for me
@@ReefDork I agree, I have had success with torches and hammers aswell. Actually the app that controls them is very sophisticated for a cheaper light, you can set a 24 hour schedule with any light spectrum you like, so can turn to blue automatically at night....I would be really interested in your opinion of them one day and I'm sure others will. Loving the content these days 👍
Hey Alex, I’ve just got a Red Sea 170, looking for a light I’ve been recommended the XR30, but I’ve heard XR15 would still do the job, really lost when it comes to it. Any suggestions for this size tank?
@@ReefDork I will try to check with Par meter. I think if its mounted higher approx 10 to 11 inch and a bit turned with higher settings it should be fine. Secondly i have a plan to add 2 additional Kessil a360x Tuna blue when i have enough corals for the tank. Looking forward to start it cycling. My sump and tank overflow is done.. Just waiting for Plumbing and manifold to be put in place. Thanks for this great guide for reefing from scratch. 👍🏽
So what is your honest opinion on the evergrow it5080/5012 if I was to buy a new Red Sea reefer 350 would you use them or would your recommend saving for different lights how has your experience been with them are they worth their money
I really like mine, but they won't be for everyone. I went for them because I wanted 100% illumination (particularly under blues). And I found I didn't really like just have one - 2 side by side is much, much better. A 5012 would suit a 350. You can only set time points on the hour which annoys me and the ramping isn't as slick as other lights - means the lights don't reach peak power as early as i'd like. My dream would be 2 Kessil AP900Xs for the shimmer with 2 Reefbrite strips for the blue pop. But if you're OK with one 5012, they're great value for money. Just don't expect much PAR either side of the light itself!
Here's episode 3 on flow - ruclips.net/video/dOnUjKXHZyQ/видео.html
Quick question. I know you have tested these things but I am curious if you have ever tested the LED lights used for either DJ or live stage lighting? They put out enormous amounts of light but I haven't seen anyone ever test this. Just curious on your thoughts of this concept.
Your are hands down the most enjoyable reef personality on RUclips. Keep making awesome content. We all appreciate it
Totally agree 👍
Brilliant video as ever. Been watching for awhile now and you’ve helped me a great deal starting out in the hobby
Saturday morning, tea, biscuits and the reef dork
Well done Alex! that was yet again a very brilliant, imformative very enjoyable video! 😀👍👍
Really enjoy your shows. Very helpful
Awesome video Alex, and also very help to new comers.
Spend as much money as you can and worry about the bill later. Best advice for lights.
Maxspect R420r (180w version) over an EA Reef Pro 900, growing a mix of sps/lps. Love it, and Maxspect customer service is excellent. Been enjoying the channel, keep up the great work :)
Currently using Red Sea ReefLED 90s. Pretty happy with them so far. Nice deep blues
Me too. Had to turn it down to 80% cos it was a bit strong for my tank. 👍
@@georgemattu2293 exactly my experience, I have sps growing rapidly under these lights, including some Montipora Stellata frags I purchased off Alex (Reef Dork).
You're a legend, that is all. 👍
Great video, I going to look at my tank now just under royal blue 👍 😊.
I run 2 black boxes (mars aqua) and have been for 2 years now. I do plan on up grading them but they honestly have been great for getting started so don't count them out.
Another great video. Thank you 😊
I probably wouldn’t be able to have my salt water tank or my clown fish if it wasn’t for this Channel
So thank you
Excellent video 👍
Second hand radions for the win! I picked up 2 x gen2 xr30s for $400AUD. Where I prob will buy brand new will be some LED strips to eliminate shading.
I've 4 red sea led90's on a 6x2x2, I think the colour on them is great, very simple to set up, although the WiFi can occasionally disconnect. I didn't want overly blue, I had metal halides and actinic on an old tank, so wanted similar with led. BUT, I do like some of the colours, not too in your face though, and got a NYK torch, looked great in the shop, in mine, looks washed out and plain, so got an orphek OR3 150, but tbh, it never added anything extra. The only time it looks good is either end of the light cycle, when it's only blues, but I know it could look way better. But having said that, the growth rate on my corals is fantastic.
Most experts say do plenty of research before you take the plunge so I have been doing a LOT of research. The problem is that there are so many ifs, buts and maybes that the research just sends me round in circles! So thanks for your videos and this is where I am in my thinking
The tank has to look as good as possible so base decisions on that primary aim - that narrows options down!
It's got to be a peninsula so get the one that suits the proportions of the available space rather than big / small issues - Red Sea or WaterBox or wait until Cade supply in the UK and persuade the missus that black is the new white. Shame Evolution Aqua do not do a peninsula
Lights - minimum visual impact from the side so ceiling hung pucks are probably the best with wires / cables managed for minimum impact. Also it allows for adding pucks if more light is required in the future
Set up initially as a FOWLR tank but don't get any fish that eat Corals so no barriers to going REEF down the line
Sand bottom - prefer the look
Rock - whatever looks the best from all sides
Plan for maximum automation at a future date - like pipes in the wall through the loft space and down into the utility room for water changes
Start off with an automatic roller filter as it's easier to adjust the sump to take one before first use
I will only have power heads at the overflow end of the tank so select ones that allow the tank to be as close to the wall as possible. Live with whatever restrictions that that places on future coral selection
What do you think please?
Too much to answer on here, but sounds like you're on the right track 👌
i love this guy
@Abdullah Makki Mohammed agreed
That wall paper background.
Hi great videos your posting very helpful!
I’ve just brought the evergrow it5080 v2 pro have you got a lighting schedule I could use possibly? I’ve looked online but too many people say 1 thing and others say another thing, I know it’s part of working it out yourself but the way you showed in this video of the evergrow looked amazing and any help getting it set would be great thanks
Yeah, look back at the community tab of my channel - I posted my spreadsheet for the schedule a couple of years ago
@@ReefDorkthank you
ur lights are still pretty!!!
So this is going to be really long winding but I really appreciate all your honesty and solid advice throughout your videos. So I currently have a 4x2x2 with 2 reef LEDs and par numbers are okay. I can keep easy SPS up high and my clam on the sand bed is doing well with good growth. It's only a Squamosa so it seems to be okay with 180 200 par on the sand. I am upgrading to a 5x2x2. I don't know whether to add another Reef Led as I am not happy with reliability so far. Both LEDs have had issues in the last 12 months. As it stands right now I can't afford to buy two Evergrows but I could buy one then add another at a later date. I just wondered if you have any idea of what sort of par levels you were getting off one light or did you add both at the same time? Did you add the bar in the middle for extra par or just colour?
I added the bar for a bit of colour and par. The spread on the Evergrow sucks so the best use for me is to have 2 on a 2 foot wide tank. I'll be selling mine in the next few weeks...
@@ReefDork what are you planning on replacing them with? My new tank will be 5x2x2 so two Evergrows should do it right?
@@bencameron4941 that's a closely guarded secret! 2 should be fine although you won't get much light at the far ends of your tank so plan your scape/coral placement accordingly...
@@ReefDork I look forward to seeing your choice. Something is drawing me to Radion G5 also but not sure yet.
I have really enjoyed your videos!
I am considering a Red Sea peninsula tank like yours, and would have it set up long side to the wall, like yours. Curious if you would buy the Red Sea peninsula again? Do you just like the clear on both sides look over a traditional tank with a black back?
Yep, exactly that. It makes the tank look much brighter too. And the weir box doesn't interrupt your aquascape like it does on a normal tank. The diaphragm valve isn't very good but apart from that, I'd definitely buy it again. (PS. I bought it myself...)
Im day 11 on my 75 litre tank, what fish and inverts do you recommend?? I found at my lfs a fish called the yellow brotulid however there is no information on keeping it!
Is it finished Cycling if so I recommend zombie snails 🐌 if the tank is very clean you can add some fish food a mouth or so later you can try a crab
Check out Live Aquaria's website - tells you all the options for fish. Just choose which you like
Love your videos and have helped so much, quick question I converted a fluval roma 90 in to a marine can you recommend a light that would fit under the lid?
Thanks
Never really looked into that sort of thing I'm afraid. Check out the Tunze 8811 and 8850 though - they're waterproof so could sit at the top of the water level 🙂
@@ReefDork great thanks for that, I will have a look
Hi my tank is 90 x 55 x 53cm and looking at lights do you think the hydra 64 led light would be good looking for your opinion thanks keep the videos comeing
2x 32HDs would be better - 3 feet is a bit far for a 64 to spread
My light is the fluval marine 3.0 and to be honest I cant slate them as a cheap light but what does the reef dork think?? And anyone else if they have used them?? Great video Alex
No idea, but I'd guess they're fine for soft corals. And probably not possible to have them automatically switch from white to blue? That's a deal breaker for me
@@ReefDork I agree, I have had success with torches and hammers aswell. Actually the app that controls them is very sophisticated for a cheaper light, you can set a 24 hour schedule with any light spectrum you like, so can turn to blue automatically at night....I would be really interested in your opinion of them one day and I'm sure others will. Loving the content these days 👍
Hey Alex, I’ve just got a Red Sea 170, looking for a light I’ve been recommended the XR30, but I’ve heard XR15 would still do the job, really lost when it comes to it. Any suggestions for this size tank?
30 would be massive overkill, 15 is absolutely fine
@@ReefDork thanks Alex! I was leaning towards the XR15
Would the evergrow light blind you, if it was right beside you while you sit at a desk?
I don't think so - I don't notice any glare as the LEDs are recessed
Awesome
1 Evergrow it5080 fixture would be okay for 42 w x 22 h x 20 d 80 gallon reef?
The spread isn't very good so you probably won't get great PAR on the edges of our tank. But it should be pretty good i'd say
@@ReefDork I will try to check with Par meter. I think if its mounted higher approx 10 to 11 inch and a bit turned with higher settings it should be fine.
Secondly i have a plan to add 2 additional Kessil a360x Tuna blue when i have enough corals for the tank.
Looking forward to start it cycling. My sump and tank overflow is done.. Just waiting for Plumbing and manifold to be put in place.
Thanks for this great guide for reefing from scratch.
👍🏽
Can we start a comment poll of subscribers lights
4 ft tank 3x V2iLumenAir 600
So what is your honest opinion on the evergrow it5080/5012 if I was to buy a new Red Sea reefer 350 would you use them or would your recommend saving for different lights how has your experience been with them are they worth their money
I really like mine, but they won't be for everyone. I went for them because I wanted 100% illumination (particularly under blues). And I found I didn't really like just have one - 2 side by side is much, much better. A 5012 would suit a 350. You can only set time points on the hour which annoys me and the ramping isn't as slick as other lights - means the lights don't reach peak power as early as i'd like. My dream would be 2 Kessil AP900Xs for the shimmer with 2 Reefbrite strips for the blue pop. But if you're OK with one 5012, they're great value for money. Just don't expect much PAR either side of the light itself!
I cant find a good one for a tank with a rim on it..
im twelve almost thirteen and i reeeelly want a reef tank but mom says we cant get one until we move so i am doing all he research i can
Do loads of research, but know your limitations (money/space/experience) to avoid disappointment.
Welcome to the hobby in advance, all your friends will be crazy jealous!
Heck yes they will
@@glasscanvasart5273 ok thanks