orbit power compact

Evil McToast · 06-13-2006, 11:56 PM

I've been looking for lighting systems and I really like the Current USA Orbit 30" 2X65W w/ moonlight. I know that they are relatively new to the market, but I would like to hear some opinions on this system. I'm running a 29G, so I'll get close to 4.5 wpg. They claim that is more intense than other systems and can support many LPS on the 29G. What do you think?

Booboo33062 · 06-14-2006, 09:58 AM

I have the orbit 24 four lightiing on my 150 gallon tank. I like it, though right now we have one broken bulb. We got the lights and the canopy wouldn't fit on with the lights. We just moved the light to the inside of the canopy and I broke one when I pulled it out of the fixture. I'm new to all this but to me I like them and we could afford them. We are getting two new fans because the fan that came with the unit won't keep up with the heat output since we put the canopy back on. Some pics of light before and then after. These are my son and a date, and my daughter in front of my tank.

VWD · 06-14-2006, 10:23 AM

!30 watts of light on small tanks is pretty good, I have a 37 with that same light and a 20 gallon with 130 watts of light. alot of light on smaller tanks. I will only say that not all LPS are the same when it comes to lighting needs, Some will do fine and others will just wither away over time.

Now for the pictures very cool. Need to see the tank frontal view

BGJ223 · 06-14-2006, 10:40 AM

I say you go with T5 HO lights. You will get more light than PC and at the same or less power consumption.
With T5 you will be able to support most corals, and I think the light looks pretty.

VWD · 06-14-2006, 10:42 AM

I have heard good reports on the T-5's

BGJ223 · 06-14-2006, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWD

I have heard good reports on the T-5's

I am a true believer in T5 lights, I don't think that I will with any other type of lighting at this point.

VWD · 06-14-2006, 10:52 AM

I love MH's , But have been talking to others and reading on the T-5's , One thing I have heard is thet they rate 4 - 54watt T-5's to 1 - 250watt MH. I will keep reading. I have seen them and they are bright

BGJ223 · 06-14-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWD

I love MH's , But have been talking to others and reading on the T-5's , One thing I have heard is thet they rate 4 - 54watt T-5's to 1 - 250watt MH. I will keep reading. I have seen them and they are bright

I think the thing that makes a big difference with the T5 lights is the reflector. From what I have read is 2 54 watt T5 lights with individual reflectors is equal to a 250 MH light. I will run through my links and see if I can find it for you.
I run 6 lights

BGJ223 · 06-14-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWD

I love MH's , But have been talking to others and reading on the T-5's , One thing I have heard is thet they rate 4 - 54watt T-5's to 1 - 250watt MH. I will keep reading. I have seen them and they are bright

I think the thing that makes a big difference with the T5 lights is the reflector. From what I have read is 2 54 watt T5 lights with individual reflectors is equal to a 250 MH light. I will run through my links and see if I can find it for you.
I run 6 lights on my 48 long 60 gallon, and they are great. I do not have individual reflectors on them though.

BGJ223 · 06-14-2006, 11:16 AM

weird, sorry for the double post

menelaus22 · 06-14-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booboo33062

I have the orbit 24 four lightiing on my 150 gallon tank. I like it, though right now we have one broken bulb. We got the lights and the canopy wouldn't fit on with the lights. We just moved the light to the inside of the canopy and I broke one when I pulled it out of the fixture. I'm new to all this but to me I like them and we could afford them. We are getting two new fans because the fan that came with the unit won't keep up with the heat output since we put the canopy back on. Some pics of light before and then after. These are my son and a date, and my daughter in front of my tank.

I don't recognize the corals in the 2nd and 3rd picture? They look kind of hairy... maybe algae? Have you tried a water change?

Dude, I'll trade you a frag of the pink one in the second picture for some zoanthids.

leveldrummer · 06-14-2006, 04:28 PM

i have the 2x96 fixture, im happy with it, i really wanted the out orbit, with MH's but the price was too much, and i dont think i need that kinda light for the corals i like. just softies and some lps. should be a good fixture for ya!

Bemo · 06-14-2006, 04:35 PM

I have a 40W PC that works great on my 6gal nano and just bought the 70w double ended mh for my new 12 gal nano. That sunpod is awesome! I have some pix of it in the nano forum.

Evil McToast · 06-14-2006, 05:14 PM

alright, but T5's are a bit pricy. Can someone direct me to a site with a good price on t5's that would be better than the Orbit power compact and invthe same price range.

BGJ223 · 06-14-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil McToast

alright, but T5's are a bit pricy. Can someone direct me to a site with a good price on t5's that would be better than the Orbit power compact and invthe same price range.

do a search on ebay for "t5 ho" you will find a pretty good selection.