Kevin Says
Member
They say their strip light is comparable to 2T5HOs with 50% energy savings. You will need need at least three of these, probably 4 is the right number.
Your opinion counts... MH vs LEDs...
- Thread starter zportell
- Start date
They say their strip light is comparable to 2T5HOs with 50% energy savings. You will need need at least three of these, probably 4 is the right number.
yogoshio
New member
That picture shows soft and LPS corals only. It does show a clam, but I wouldn't recommend it. The single strips CANNOT grow SPS. It would take at least 3 or 4 strips to grow SPS.
And these are WAY more than just to light a wall painting, Mark, I promise you. This is what is over my tank, but in a slightly different configuration, and it looks great.
Better yet, just ask their customer support, they'll tell you the same thing I am. Single strip is for LPS/softies ONLY.
And these are WAY more than just to light a wall painting, Mark, I promise you. This is what is over my tank, but in a slightly different configuration, and it looks great.
Better yet, just ask their customer support, they'll tell you the same thing I am. Single strip is for LPS/softies ONLY.
yogoshio
New member
If you want to keep SPS, you'll need the Panorama Pro Fixture, not the strips. It's a fantastic light, I and Prov can attest to it (he borrowed one of my units in an emergency situation). Others have seen my tank and said it was great, and many thought my pics I've posted were taken under halides until I told them otherwise.
Not saying you have to stick with ecoxotic, but they are a great light, easy to use, and comparatively VERY cost effective. For $900, you can get two units and have the ability to add coloration where you'd like very easily.
Another option you may want to consider are the PAR38 bulbs. For a 48" tank, 4 $90 bulbs would do the trick, but if aesthetics are important to your wife, I'd build a canopy.
Not saying you have to stick with ecoxotic, but they are a great light, easy to use, and comparatively VERY cost effective. For $900, you can get two units and have the ability to add coloration where you'd like very easily.
Another option you may want to consider are the PAR38 bulbs. For a 48" tank, 4 $90 bulbs would do the trick, but if aesthetics are important to your wife, I'd build a canopy.
zportell
Member
Let's change gears here.. Instead of going with the ecoxotic 48 inch, what about a DIY kit from rapid led? They have a Dimmable kit: http://www.rapidled.com/48-ultra-premium-led-do-it-yourself-retrofit-kit-non-dimmable/
This kit seems to have it all, 4 power cables I'm guessing to use a timer more efficiently, 48 Cree LEDs, etc... Anyone have experience in DIY led kits such as this kind of set up?
Led vs mh, one is a gamble and the other is an automatic money monster...
This kit seems to have it all, 4 power cables I'm guessing to use a timer more efficiently, 48 Cree LEDs, etc... Anyone have experience in DIY led kits such as this kind of set up?
Led vs mh, one is a gamble and the other is an automatic money monster...
yogoshio
New member
Rapid LED is a good way to go, or the China LEDs from eBay are great too. LED's aren't really a gamble. I think more people on here use LED than not, and when we do proper procedures, we end up with great results. Last poll I think was like 60% LED? Anyway, Rapid LED is good, I just like buying a finished product lol, and electricity scares me.
You could talk to quite a few about the China eBay LEDs. great power, amazing pricing. I prefer something more modular and easy to change up and customize and expand instead of a single unit like those, but its just my personal opinion.
You could talk to quite a few about the China eBay LEDs. great power, amazing pricing. I prefer something more modular and easy to change up and customize and expand instead of a single unit like those, but its just my personal opinion.
saltymike
New member
I've heard a few people talk about "china LEDs". Which ones are you guys talking about? I'm all about DIY if it's gonna save me a buck.
Kevin Says
Member
You have to keep LEDs cool. It is hard to put a decent heat sink in the fixture at that price point. You get what you pay for.
madjoe
Premium member
i have china ones they have three fans in fixtures . they stay real cool . took it apart and the heat sink is very thin no more than 1/8 of a inch but still work good
Kevin Says
Member
Is the heat sink cool to the touch? I like reefledlight diy kits because they take thermal management seriously. They are one of few companies who are doing leds correctly IMO.
zoomcorvette
New member
IMO the diy kits are overpriced from reefledlight. You need to do a lot of work for those fixtures. CREE LEds are cheap in large quantity. The lighting sponsors on this forum can beat their prices and provide you with a clean fixture and plug and play.
madjoe
Premium member
when i took apart didnt turn on so dont know only time will tell. if any thing i work at a machine shop and run a cnc i can make my own heat sink down the road and modify . they come with two year warranty there was no loss for me for trying money wise paid 400 for both and two years of bulbs would of cost the same so went for it really happy with the cheap ones and dimmable so thats a plus. my buddy been running non dimmable same ones for almost two years now no problem . fingures crossed cause i modified mine some so sure i voided warranty lol
Kevin Says
Member
I like the idea of buying these lights and modifying them with bigger heatsinks. Is there enough room to do this?
zportell
Member
If you're currently using or had used LEDs on a reef, what brand and where did you buy them from? Online, LFS or other? I need to make a decision on what lights to buy based on my budget and I would like to grow sps.. Not really into the clams for my tank - even though they can be a beautiful piece.