Maxspect Launches Jump MJ-L230 Light Fixtures
Maxspect Launches Jump MJ-L230 Light Fixtures
Maxspect is officially launching their new MJ-L230 Reef and Refugium light fixtures, building off the success of the previously available MJ-L130 fixtures. While this launch might not involve sending astronauts around the moon, today is still an exciting day for budget-conscious reefkeepers.
Let's get right into some specs, features, and initial thoughts of these two fixtures so you can decide if they're right for your setup.
Quick Specs Comparison
The specs of these two light fixtures are essentially identical with the main difference being the type of LEDs being used to produce the right spectrum for each use case. The reef light includes LEDs that are more blue focused for coral growth, while the refugium light's LEDs are a majority red to support optimal macroalgae growth.
Maxspect Jump MJ-L230 Reef Light
LED Array (43 Total)
- Sky Blue - 465-470nm (qty 15)
- Deep Blue - 450-455nm (qty 24)
- Cool White - 9000-11000K (qty 2)
- Ultra Violet - 395-400nm (qty 1)
- Violet - 410-420nm (qty 1)
Power: 30 Watts
Lens: 90 Degree High Transparency Acrylic Array
Control: In-Line Controller
Timing: 6/10/12 Hours
Recommended Tank Size: 11.75" to 19.5" Long
Max Glass Thickness: 1/2"
Light Fixture Dimensions: 9.5" x 4.75" x 1.25"
Weight: 1.86 lbs
Input: 24V 1.5A
Maxspect Jump MJ-L230R Refugium Light
LED Array (43 Total)
- Hyper Red - 660-665nm (qty 24)
- Deep Blue - 450-455nm (qty 15)
- Cool White - 6500-7000K (qty 4)
Power: 30 Watts
Lens: 90 Degree High Transparency Acrylic Array
Control: In-Line Controller
Timing: 6/10/12 Hours
Recommended Tank Size: 11.75" to 19.5" Long
Max Glass Thickness: 1/2"
Light Fixture Dimensions: 9.5" x 4.75" x 1.25"
Weight: 1.86 lbs
Input: 24V 1.5A
Simple Control That Just Works
One of the first things you’ll notice with both the MJ-L230 and MJ-L230R is how straightforward the control is.
Everything runs through the included in-line controller, so there’s no app to download or extra setup required. You’re not digging through menus or trying to fine-tune sliders for hours. Instead, you get a few well-thought-out options that cover what most reefers actually need.
On the controller, you'll find these three easy-to-use buttons:
Top Button: Quickly set the light fixture to on, off, or following a schedule
Middle Button: Cycle through three pre-set light spectrum settings
Bottom Button: Set the photoperiod for 6, 10, or 12 hours.
In a world where everything seems to have an app or need an internet connection, this type of simple control feels refreshing.
Three Proven Spectrum Options
One of the hardest things about setting up a light fixture for a reef tank is getting the settings right. The good news is that you can't screw it up with the MJ-L230 fixture.
There are three pre-set spectrums for both the reef and refugium versions that'll work no matter your preference. I'll admit, the reef fixture is a bit on the blue side of things, visually, so if you like a very daylight looking spectrum, this fixture might not be for you.
BUT, the P3 setting should fit the needs of most reefkeepers looking for a good mix of blue color pop without making the tank look like it's participating in blacklight bowling night.
Side Note: Thomas covers some basic PAR data in the video at the top of this page (1:38 minute mark). Spoiler alert, it's perfect for most soft coral and LPS dominated nano tanks!
MJ-L230 Reef Light Spectrum Options
MJ-L230R Refugium Spectrum Options
Mounting Made Easy...and INCLUDED!
There's nothing more frustrating than buying new gear for your reef just to realize you don't actually have everything you need to set it up. Despite the affordable price point, each MJ-L230 light fixture comes with a tank mount!
This adjustable mount can extend to be centered over an aquarium as wide as about 18" or as narrow as about 12", and is compatible with rimless aquariums up to 1/2" thick. The height can be adjusted to hold the fixture roughly 5.25" or 7" above the aquarium.
This range is plenty for the typical nano reef tank this light will be installed over.
If you're like me and like to hang your light from the ceiling for a sleek look, there's a separately available MJ-L230 Light Fixture Hanging Kit. It's great to see flexible mounting solutions, no matter how you like to set up your lighting.
And speaking of flexibility, I should also note that Maxspect has an MJ-L230 Extension Cable available for anyone that needs it.
Who Are These Lights For?
Ok, so now you know all about the new Maxspect MJ-L230 Light Fixtures, but who are these light fixtures going to benefit?
MJ-L230R Refugium Light Fixture
Let's start with the MJ-L230R Refugium because that's the easy one. Coming in at 30 watts, this is the perfect refugium light for just about any in-sump refugium. It's got just the right amount of control, power, and spectrum to grow chaeto or other macroalgae.
With the more balanced spectrum in the P1 setting, this light is also great for anyone keeping a nano display refugium.
MJ-L230 Reef Light Fixture
Like the refugium version, the MJ-L230 comes in at 30 watts, making it an ideal light for nano aquariums stocked with softies and LPS corals. It can illuminate an area from 11.75" to 19.5" long, which covers nearly all of the popular nano All-In-One (AIO) aquariums in the 10-20 gallon range.
Regardless of if you're lighting a reef or refugium, these lights are for the budget-conscious nano reefkeeper or for really any nano aquarium keeper who values simplicity in their lighting setup.
After all, lighting is one of those things we usually set up once and hardly adjust again, so why add the complexity if it's not needed?
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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