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Mik_101
04-05-2010, 02:57 AM
Just started up a ten gallon nano reef sytem with 28w PC light soon i will be upgrading to one of these so I can keep SPS a well. The ones I got in mind are. Witch do you think would be better (both these lights sound AWSOME but id like to get some thoughts other than what it says on the website. So far what I have heard from Eugean from Oceanic coral the ICE CooL.E.D sound good but kind of expensive)

-2x O.C ICE CooL.E.D 27W spot lights
or
- Viper HQI Clamp 70W 14K metal halide

As well I would like to know some good ideas on how to incorporate my current coralife 28w PC light with either if these fixtures.

Thanks,
Miki

Skimmerking
04-05-2010, 03:15 AM
well First off fix you title to read LIGHT not IGHT:biggrin:

And I would get the Viper Light

Mik_101
04-05-2010, 03:19 AM
well First off fix you title to read LIGHT not IGHT:biggrin:

And I would get the Viper Light

haha sorry about that thanks for the tip nd the tittle :razz:

shrimpchips
04-05-2010, 03:23 AM
Initially the LEDs would be more expensive, but I'd go with them - first, 70w of MH is really nothing; replacement parts are harder to get; bulb choices are highly limited.

With the LEDs, the initial outlay might be a lot more, but that'll be recouped after 2 or 3 bulbs changes on the MH units.

Skimmerking
04-05-2010, 04:17 AM
I disagree with the LED, you don't get the penetration like a MH I don't care what people say. heck the T-5 bulb IMO suck who said the 70 w you can always get the 150 viper

Skimmerking
04-05-2010, 04:18 AM
and for the record look at the company solaris they didnt last long either the boards were heating up and burning out

dreef
04-05-2010, 04:46 AM
Come on Mike you know that T5"s kick @ss :P

Mik_101
04-05-2010, 05:54 AM
Come on Mike you know that T5"s kick @ss :P

Id love t5's but they dont make them 18"-20" tanks

Mik_101
04-06-2010, 05:58 AM
got a new light in mind. Could this be too much light?

http://oceanaquatics.com/store/product/3315/Nova-Extreme-Pro-20%22/

Thanks,
Miki

Sebae again
04-06-2010, 06:45 AM
That light would be okay for softies and mushrooms but at $360 I must be missing something.

JMes
04-06-2010, 06:54 AM
kj

OceanicCorals-Ian-
04-07-2010, 09:20 PM
and for the record look at the company Solaris they didnt last long either the boards were heating up and burning out


LED lights would most certainly be the way to go and yes they do have the punch of MH, Solaris is also a bad example as they were the first to make use of commercial LED's for the aquarium and technology has immensely surpassed what Solaris first attempted. I would not choose the Viper light for a number of reasons including the costs of bulb replacements, heat, and not the best quality of some JBJ lights.

Heat is a major issue on a small tank, LED's put off very little heat and with the average photo period would last about 8 years before having to be replaced.

with some of the higher end units like the Aqua illumination, you can change out individual components for such things as technology advancements, failures, or if optional upgrades are offered.

http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/aquaillumination/interchangeable-led-aqua-illumination-8.jpg

http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/aquaillumination/interchangeable-led-aqua-illumination-13.jpg

http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/aquaillumination/interchangeable-led-aqua-illumination-1.jpg

shrimpchips
04-07-2010, 10:01 PM
Despite what people have to say about their experiences with the Current USA light on their nano tanks and it being "crap", I'll disagree. The bulbs are cheap (under $15 each) to replace, but they aren't the best. But they're decent, and they get the job done.

I suspect people who didn't have success with that particular light have other issues besides lighting. I have this light and my corals look pretty good:
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/ashikatani/Reef%20tank/DSC_2142.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/ashikatani/Reef%20tank/DSC_2145.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/ashikatani/Reef%20tank/PB244335.jpg

Overall, I'm satisfied with the unit and it's overall performance. I'd say go for it. You could always use it as frag tank lighting when you upgrade :)

OceanicCorals-Ian-
04-07-2010, 10:04 PM
Nice Setosa! :mrgreen:

Not sure I agree with you but your tank looks good! :lol:

Despite what people have to say about their experiences with the Current USA light on their nano tanks and it being "crap", I'll disagree. The bulbs are cheap (under $15 each) to replace, but they aren't the best. But they're decent, and they get the job done.

I suspect people who didn't have success with that particular light have other issues besides lighting. I have this light and my corals look pretty good:
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/ashikatani/Reef%20tank/DSC_2142.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/ashikatani/Reef%20tank/DSC_2145.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/ashikatani/Reef%20tank/PB244335.jpg

Overall, I'm satisfied with the unit and it's overall performance. I'd say go for it. You could always use it as frag tank lighting when you upgrade :)

shrimpchips
04-07-2010, 10:15 PM
Thanks Ian! It looks even better now that it's growing out healthily under crappy current USA 18" T5HO bulbs :D

I can agree that the light is no Powermodule, but it gets the job done in a format that no other fixture maker does.

My main rationale for getting it was that I didn't want the heat issues (both in the tank and in the room, as I live in a small condo).

OceanicCorals-Ian-
04-07-2010, 10:17 PM
Thanks Ian! It looks even better now that it's growing out healthily under crappy current USA 18" T5HO bulbs :D

I can agree that the light is no Powermodule, but it gets the job done in a format that no other fixture maker does.

My main rationale for getting it was that I didn't want the heat issues (both in the tank and in the room, as I live in a small condo).


I like your rationale, good points!

doch
04-07-2010, 10:22 PM
That light would be okay for softies and mushrooms but at $360 I must be missing something.

Softies and mushrooms? 6 Bulbs... T5HO? That'll grow anything you want.

BCOrchidGuy
04-08-2010, 07:00 PM
Price out replacement bulbs etc but MH would be my choice, mind you I've been out of the hobby for a bit. I've said it before and I'll say it again. A few years ago I got some frags from a fellow reefer who had a very nice sps dominated tank. He was growing beautiful corals under normal fluorescent lights, (shop lights from Rona). His coral had great colour but it grew slow. Go with what works for your place, you said you want low heat so perhaps something other than MH would be good for you but a small fan may be all that's needed to make MH work for you.

Doug