Another upgrade - looking for input

xnmuller · #1 02-24-2012, 01:03 PM

As many of us have been doing as of late I am contemplating an upgraded of my lighting from the halides and power compacts I currently run (4x 96w PC & 3x 150w MH) to LED and I am looking for all those early adopters' input. I run a 135g tank 6' long 20" deep and 20" tall with center overflow. Currently the rock is set up in two islands on either side of the overflow. I have a mixed reef going with some LPS, softies and some SPS set up high. After my initial trolling of the forums and blogs and research on line I have decided to shortlist the following LED fixtures;

1. AI Sol (probably need 3 can I get away with two - one over each island)
2. Reefbrite XHO (probably need 3 can I get away with two - one over each island)
3. Vertex Illumilux (how many of these would I need 2 or 4)
4. Apollo Solar Blast Ultra (how many of these would I need 3 or 5)

Why these 4 you ask - chiefly they seemed like the best bang for your buck. I also considered Radions and Orphek, but honestly they just weren't in the budget.

Now I turn to you. What are the pros the cons, your thoughts, your advice, please and thnak you in advance? I think I'm leaning towrads the AI Sols.

mseepman · #2 02-24-2012, 02:53 PM

I would entertain the idea of the Maxspect lights possibly too. One nice thing is that they can be aimed more easily than some of the others on your list, especially if you have two main islands.

Ryan · #3 02-24-2012, 03:00 PM

You wont be able to get away with 2 or 3 ai over that tank because of their optics. There will be major dark spots. I would go Radions if you only want to have 2 but even then you will need a 3rd to get an even spread.

Dont cheap out either get atleast 4 AI or 2 radion and be done.

Ryan · #4 02-24-2012, 03:01 PM

Not sure but Dave at concept had the maxspect, ai and radion over his tank in the shop might be worth checking out.

xnmuller · #5 02-24-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

I would entertain the idea of the Maxspect lights possibly too. One nice thing is that they can be aimed more easily than some of the others on your list, especially if you have two main islands.

Looks like my short list just got a little less short. Thanks for the info.

xnmuller · #6 02-24-2012, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan

Not sure but Dave at concept had the maxspect, ai and radion over his tank in the shop might be worth checking out.

Thats a great idea, i'ld love to see them in action up close and personal.

sphelps · #7 02-24-2012, 08:57 PM

I don't know a ton about them but I find the new Reeftech LEDs quite intriguing.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ight=check+out

rhody605 · #8 02-25-2012, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

I don't know a ton about them but I find the new Reeftech LEDs quite intriguing.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ight=check+out

Are theses lights available in Canada. Sorry don't mean to hijack. But those lights looks to be nice option to start a new build with.

rhody605 · #9 02-25-2012, 03:37 AM

I contacted reef tech and they are pricey. I am building a 72x24 x 30 tall tank. And they suggested 3 units at $1300 us each. Ouch.

Ryan · #10 02-25-2012, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhody605

I contacted reef tech and they are pricey. I am building a 72x24 x 30 tall tank. And they suggested 3 units at $1300 us each. Ouch.

You could do that tank with 4 radions. A buddy (and canreefer) has 3 over his 60x30x24