Help me make a decision Boostled versus Orphek

We bought an Orphek as the tank is a very deep 28" x 48 x 13. It lights up well, but we should have used 2 long wise. We have decided to purchase Crees single row 60 watt (3 Watt each) 39" strip (OC Reef url below) and place it across the front of the original Orphek. due to the narrowness of the tank. Being new to Reefing with a one year old tank, Orphek in place now for 3 months, it is difficult to discern depth penetration as the rocky incline is very steep. All corals are growing exceptionally well, both LPS and SPS. The great news is that Tank Temperature has evened out, we were facing a refrigeration unit prior to changing to LEDs. The choice came about when we learned that the T5's were going to continue to cost each bulb every 6 months and that they would not support the more difficult corals readily. The timer allows for separation from Atinics and white. We researched for over 200 hours to make the Orphek decision, The Kelvin was a concern as well as depth penetration. The second contender was a unit from China that had better length and qualifications but communication was difficult.

 

hi

May be you need a more powerful LED light.

 

Or,LED bars ,strips.

 

Orphek just came out with some plug and play slimlines that are supposed to replace the T5's. That may be a better solution at a more reasonable price for you?

You could also try raising your fixture if possible, the PR156 is just fine hitting the bottom in deep tanks even if it's high. Mine gets some really good spread. I just upgraded from the PR25s. Remember to keep the spread off of the glass and you won't have to clean it every day like we did with MH.

I love the fact that LEDs can be aimed in this manner. I have mine set so they barely cover to the front of the sand and hardly have to clean the front glass this way.

 

The slimline fixtures were originally they were developed to be LED replacements for T-5 tubes, but now are standalone fixtures that can be daisy-chained together, and include mounting hardware. Pics in our sponsor forum!

MSR has it right - coverage with any led fixture is a function of height. Adjust height as needed with the included hanging kit to achieve spread.

 

Wow that is a good looking tank!

 

I have the orphek fixture and to be honest you will need to units to cover the tank.