This review details an eight-month performance evaluation of the Mars Aqua 165-watt LED lights in a reef tank environment. The author focuses on the lights' build quality, ease of installation, and overall effectiveness in promoting coral growth and vibrant coloration. From initial setup to long-term results, a comprehensive assessment is provided, covering various coral types and highlighting the lights' versatility through adjustable modes. The review also considers the cost-effectiveness of these LEDs compared to similar products on the market.Particular attention is paid to the impact of the lighting on different coral species, including SPS, LPS, and softies. The author discusses observed growth patterns, polyp extension, and color vibrancy under both the full-spectrum and "blues only" modes. Ultimately, this review aims to provide reef tank hobbyists with a practical and insightful perspective on the performance and value proposition of the Mars Aqua 165-watt LED lights, offering a balanced assessment of their strengths and minor limitations.
Pros And Cons
- Corals (SPS, LPS, softies) are doing extremely well under these lights.
- Significant coral growth observed.
- Excellent coral coloration.
- Good polyp extension.
Read more: Top 5 NICREW Aquarium Lights
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Upon receiving the Mars Aqua 165-watt LEDs, I was immediately impressed by their build quality. The inclusion of dimmer and on/off switches added a level of convenience often missing in similar products. The cooling fans are a nice addition to ensure longevity. Setting them up in my aquarium was straightforward.
I fabricated custom mounts to perfectly integrate the lights into my aquarium setup. This allowed for optimal positioning and ensured even light distribution across my coral collection. The installation process was simple and didn't require specialized tools.
Coral Growth and Coloration Under the 165-Watt LEDs
After eight months of use, the results have been outstanding. My SPS corals exhibit vibrant colors and impressive polyp extension, indicating healthy growth. The LPS corals are also thriving under the lights, demonstrating excellent coloration and polyp extension.
Even my softies, while experiencing some temporary setbacks due to nutrient levels, are generally healthy and show good growth patterns. The overall appearance and health of my corals indicate the Mars Aqua 165-watt LEDs provide ample and appropriate lighting for a wide range of coral species.
Lighting Performance: Blues Only vs. Full Spectrum
The video showcases the distinct color rendering of the lights in both 'blues only' and full-spectrum modes. The 'blues only' mode accentuates the vibrant colors of many corals, while the full spectrum setting provides a more natural reef environment.
These lights proved versatile, allowing me to adjust the lighting according to the needs of my corals. This adaptability is essential for maintaining a balanced and thriving reef ecosystem.
Overall Assessment and Conclusion
For $85 a piece shipped from eBay, the Mars Aqua 165-watt LEDs represent exceptional value. They offer remarkable performance, facilitating significant coral growth and vibrant coloration across various species. The simple, user-friendly design, combined with reliable functionality, makes them an ideal choice for reef tank enthusiasts.
I've encountered minimal issues. While some zoanthids experienced temporary setbacks likely due to nutrient levels rather than lighting, the overall growth and vibrancy of my corals have been outstanding. Overall, I highly recommend these LEDs as a cost-effective and highly effective lighting solution for reef aquariums.