Equipment - Mars Aqua LED's

Print Page | Close Window

Mars Aqua LED's

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=77965
Printed Date: September 14 2025 at 8:43am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Mars Aqua LED's

Posted By: Baghtal
Subject: Mars Aqua LED's
Date Posted: October 18 2015 at 11:36pm

Looking at getting

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-MarsAqua-Dimmable-165W-LED-Aquarium-Grow-Light-Full-Spectrum-Marine-Corals/370858771177

for my 90g (48x18x25 deep) and modifying it to work with my Apex. Has anyone picked these up before? How are they working for you? Anyone modify them to work with a controller instead of manual only?

Thanks :)

-------------
I like to think that the moon is there, even when I'm not looking at it.
~Albert Einstein

Replies:

Posted By: Reefboy4life
Date Posted: October 19 2015 at 1:34am

I picked one up for my 90 cube and couldn't be happier for the price, my corals love it to!

-------------
90 gallon mixed reef

Posted By: sleepingdeep
Date Posted: October 19 2015 at 7:57am

i have a similar model and it grows everything really well. cant beat the price either.

Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: October 19 2015 at 8:03am

I don't know anything about these other than huge coral wholesalers/propagators use them because they are very economical. I think if they trust them to house hundreds of colonies, you cannot go wrong. :)

-------------
RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin

Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: October 19 2015 at 8:09am

They appear to be great for the price. Looking at the specifications I can't tell if they are analog (works with Apex) or PWM (digital) drivers.

One thing I'm seeing with these is that the LEDs are soldered directly to the circuit board rather than being on the traditional star. That makes it a bit harder to replace any that burn out. I also am seeing a lot of these that make it through warranty and then lose one of the drivers. I'm not sure where these drivers come from, but replacements are nearly impossible to find.

Bottom line, if it gives you the light spectrum you want and you can live with tossing it when something breaks you'll probably like it. Even tossing it after a year or so is cheaper than new bulbs for a metal halide and these are much more energy efficient.

Fat

Posted By: Baghtal
Date Posted: October 23 2015 at 1:07pm

Awesome. Payday was yesterday I'm ordering them as soon as money transfers between bank accounts and i'll make sure to do a build log. I'm determined to make these work with my Apex, it'll just be a matter of how much work it takes!

Thanks all! :D

-------------
I like to think that the moon is there, even when I'm not looking at it.
~Albert Einstein

Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: October 23 2015 at 1:45pm

I'm currently running seven of them at my house. I've really been a big fan of them.

Adam

-------------
Come to a meeting, they�re fun!

Posted By: Baghtal
Date Posted: October 23 2015 at 3:43pm

Can't ask for a much better review than that! Going to order right now. Thanks!

-------------
I like to think that the moon is there, even when I'm not looking at it.
~Albert Einstein

Posted By: Baghtal
Date Posted: November 04 2015 at 1:22pm

True to my word... Check out my new build thread

http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=78107

-------------
I like to think that the moon is there, even when I'm not looking at it.
~Albert Einstein

Posted By: Chevmaro
Date Posted: November 04 2015 at 4:07pm

I have one of those running over a 40 breeder. I removed all the optics and it hangs about 8 inches above water with good spread. Nice light but have only had it a couple weeks.