Please recommend a LED set up.

[shootingstar]

Hi all,
we are still in the planning stages of our upgrade and have most of the big stuff worked out, but I am still really stumped on lighting.

I know I want LED, but the product landscape seems to be changing almost daily right now and we all know we aren't talking small change when we talk LED's

Hubby could easily DIY an awsome set up but he is already building so much for this upgrade I am thinking I might just buy a fixture.

The tank is 72x18x24 with one centre brace. Given shipping costs for something 6' long and contemplating the slim chance that I may someday need to sell equipment off I was contemplating lighting it as if it were 2x36" instead of a single 72" run. Is this a really bad idea?

Now of course it goes without saying that I am drooling over the Illumina and also considering the Metis and maybe just maybe the Aqua Ray tiles.

Plan is for a mixed reef, certainly some SPS but can't imagine going overboard on the fuzzy sticks seeing as the one and only LFS in my area doesn't even bring them in......seriously.....have never seen even one in their tanks, since they are just too hard to get (round here)that will limit any potential propensity to addiction.

Can I get some feedback/thoughts on the following options?

Illumina:
Two 36" or One 72" (would I need the 200's or the 260's?)

Metis:
Two- 2x100w or One 4x100w

Python:
200w One master + one slave

Aqua Ray tiles:
4 tiles AB 1000HD Reef White + Multi control

we have not made the absolute final decision on a controller yet (maybe the RKL or an Apex, can't see affording the GHL on top of LED's)

sure would welcome some thoughts and or suggestions.

[Snappy]

I recommend Reef Brite fixtures. Contact Trina at Reef Wholesale to see who sells them in your area. tparsons@reefwholesale.com

[shootingstar]

Thanks snappy,
I had looked at those fixtures but had taken them off the list because I thought they wouldn't be able to manage SPS on a 24" deep tank as the description says they are to replace T5 VHO's....am I going for overkill without realizing it?

That and the fact there is no supplier close by and i thought they did not sell direct.

Thanks for the input, I will go and have a look at them again.

[AquaticFinatic]

Illumina for sure! But you would get away with 1x 4' on that size. I have a 5' on a 6' and I can light my whole tank with only 5 of my panels lit up. 260 you won't be sorry in getting but the 200 would be fine. I run my 260 at about 65-70% of what it can do and the best thing is the light rolls from sunrise day sunset to moon which makes the world of difference. I can't say money well spent but certainly won't be going back to mh or t5 ever again.

[abcha0s]

Take a look ar ReefTech. PM me if you want details.

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=71300

- Brad

[ensquire]

If your budget is unlimited

You may wanna have a look at these.
http://www.reefrepublic.com/led.htm (http://www.reefrepublic.com/led.htm)

Their Canadian Supplier
http://www.reefconcept.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_244 (http://www.reefconcept.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_244)

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rzGT--a3iM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rzGT--a3iM)

[shootingstar]

Illumina for sure! But you would get away with 1x 4' on that size. I have a 5' on a 6' and I can light my whole tank with only 5 of my panels lit up. 260 you won't be sorry in getting but the 200 would be fine. I run my 260 at about 65-70% of what it can do and the best thing is the light rolls from sunrise day sunset to moon which makes the world of difference. I can't say money well spent but certainly won't be going back to mh or t5 ever again.

Wow, the idea that I could do this with a 48" had never occured to me, I really didn't think I could get away with that. That does make the Illumunia more manageable cost wise.

You say "only 5 panels lit up" how many panels in total are there in your 5' fixture so I can get some perspective here.

[toxic111]

You could check out these ones: http://www.thereefshoppe.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_90_153&products_id=862&zenid=10080782f9215805d072fc447e39c103

I have seen them in action and they are nicer than the 3-400W MH that he had on his 220gal tank.

The corals have great colour, and the tank is doing great.

[shootingstar]

If your budget is unlimited

You may wanna have a look at these.
http://www.reefrepublic.com/led.htm (http://www.reefrepublic.com/led.htm)

Their Canadian Supplier
http://www.reefconcept.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_244 (http://www.reefconcept.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_244)

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rzGT--a3iM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rzGT--a3iM)

normally I would be very afraid to open any links where the message starts with "If your budget is unlimited" LOL but I had a look anyway

Was looking at a 3300.00 fixture ( what i figured i would need for my length) and was a tad surprised that for a price like that they couldn't take 5 min and add just a smidge of technical data to the write up.

but I'll keep digging...thanks ensquire

[AquaticFinatic]

The 5' has 10 panels in it. When I was looking at the 6' but was talked into the 5' but they said I could get away with the 4' if I didn't intend to landscape right to the top on the sides(does that make sense) but I chose the 5 just invade I ever wanted to. I will try and pm you some pictures in the next day or so to show you if you like?

[shootingstar]

thanks toxic 111, I'll have a look at those

[shootingstar]

Davey
Yes that does make sense, I have a mutant nem I would have to leave stretching room for so I can live with that.

I would very much like to see some pictures. Please!!!

cathy

[monocus]

i have a 5' illumina on my 220-as it's a peninsula ,i didn't need 6 '

[Bblinks]

The 5' has 10 panels in it. When I was looking at the 6' but was talked into the 5' but they said I could get away with the 4' if I didn't intend to landscape right to the top on the sides(does that make sense) but I chose the 5 just invade I ever wanted to. I will try and pm you some pictures in the next day or so to show you if you like?

Me too me too, I got a 210, I am on the fence for vertex or reef tech, I would love to see some pictures.

[AquaticFinatic]

I have tried to do photos but they don't really give you much idea because I have the light on some wood right now till I hang it. It gives you some idea I might try again later. Hope it helps!

[Bblinks]

I have tried to do photos but they don't really give you much idea because I have the light on some wood right now till I hang it. It gives you some idea I might try again later. Hope it helps!

No worries, I will have to visit JL and make up my mind. Btw, what kind of coral are you keeping?

Edit. Nice aquascaping. I really like it.

[AquaticFinatic]

gsp some softies and crows nest oh and some zoo's. Just starting to build a collection.

[shootingstar]

Daveycoopa,
Thanks so much for posting the pic's. What is the depth of your tank?
Looking very good btw.

[AquaticFinatic]

thx 72+24+22