illumnae,

thanks thanks for the infomation. Really appreciate your advise.



Quote Originally Posted by illumnae View Post
I'm using the Maxspect Mazerra on both my tanks (4ft and 6ft), but I'm using it for a biotope tank setup and not planted, so I underpower it (using 2 units instead of 3 for the 4ft, and 3 units instead of 5-6 for the 6ft). I'm currently using the lower end S series, but I like it a lot. It's definitely bright for one thing, and I also like the modular structure, making it very customizable.

For bringing out the colour in my discus, I requested for different LEDs from the stock set. Stock set for marine comes with 8 blue and 8 cool white LEDs (channel 1 = 8 cool white, channel 2 = 8 blue), while stock set for freshwater comes with 8 cool white and 8 warm white LEDs. I changed my 4ft sets to Channel 1 = 4 cool white, 4 warm white and Channel 2 = 4 cool white, 4 blue so that I could bring out the red and blue colours of my discus (warm white is very high in red spectrum). For the 6ft, I am currently using the same combination, but intend to change Channel 1 to be 6 cool white, 2 warm white instead since I'm keeping more blue and less red fish in that tank. The changing of LEDs is very very simple - you just need a screwdriver and you can do it yourself.

The set also comes with 3 different sets of lenses. If you want a wider spread, the stock set comes fitted with 100 degree lenses. However, if you want to create a spotlight effect, there are full sets of 70 degree lenses and 40 degree lenses as well. Changing lenses is just pop out the old lens and snap in the new one. I haven't played around with this yet, but I do intend to change some of my lenses to 40 degree ones to simulate sunbeams in my tank.

It is also modular in that you can add or reduce the number of units based on your light requirements. Each unit is worth 50W of LED lights. Generally for a high tech 4 ft planted, people would use 3 units. You could start with 2 units first though, and if you want more...it's as simple as ordering 1 more power supply and 1 more unit (each power supply powers up to 2 units). You can always buy less and add more later as your needs and budget permits.

Finally, there is also the progamming feature. You don't need a wall timer anymore. Inbuild in each unit is the ability to program up to 4 time slots. Each time slot fades into the next. Hence, I simulate sunrise and sunset by putting timeslot 1 = 1:30am; 0% for both channels -> 5:30pm; 0% for both channels -> 7:30pm; 100% for both channels; 11:30pm; -> 100% for both channels. What this does is that from 1:30am to 5:30pm, the lights are completely switched off. From 5:30pm to 7:30pm, the lights gradually fade in from 0% to 100% intensity. From 7:30pm to 11:30pm the lights are at 100% intensity. From 11:30pm to 1:30am, the lights fade out from 100% to 0% intensity, switching itself off at 1:30am. You can simulate moonlight by leaving the intensity at 1%. Note also that while I control my 2 channels equally, both channels can be programmed separately (instead of both 100% on my 6ft, I use Channel 1 = 40%, Channel 2 = 100% on my 6ft for example).

The more advanced (and more expensive) P series has more features such as 8 time slots instead of 4 and a wireless controller as well as higher wattage total (may also come with better stock LEDs). I haven't used it so I can't comment, but I can imagine where 8 time slots would be very useful. The P series also comes with several pre-programmed "day programs" like randomized weather + sunrise/sunset + moonlight. It's alot more customizable in this aspect than my S series.

All in all, I like this set very much even though I'm just using it for very "basic" biotope tanks. I'm sure you can squeeze more use out of its functions when using it with more "complex" tanks like planted or marine tanks.


In relation to your exact questions:

1) For the Maxspect Mazerra, I think the stock freshwater set up is ok, but if you prefer a more "white" and less "yellow" look, and you don't have many red plants, you can ask DE Lightings to swap the LEDs for you at no additional cost. Depending on your preference, you can go with all 16 cool white for example. DE Lightings is very friendly and experienced with the set. You can ask him for his opinion as well based on his other customers' wants/needs.

2) See above. Generally, people use 6500K when using fluorescent bulbs. Cool white is 7000-8000K so perfect for your use (e.g. get all 16 cool whites). However, if you have red plants, I believe using some warm whites will allow the red colour to "pop" alot more as the warm white LEDs do come with high red spectrum. You can replace 2-4 warm white LEDs to bring out the reds for example. There are basically 16 slots for LEDs, and you can pick and choose the colour/position of the colour temperature you want. Cool white and warm white are the 2 you want to play around with. Cool white is white, and warm white is more yellow to the naked eye (though it brings out reds well).

3) I would say 2 units should be sufficient for a 322 high tech tank. If you find it insufficient, then you can always add an extra unit later. That's the beauty of the Mazerra set.


Hope the above was of some help to you