Need Help Choosing a Lighting Solution

[Reef Pilot]

Well, if you have been doing FW for 30 years, I would not call you a total noob. You obviously must have an appreciation for good equipment, and control over your tank operation and maintenance. Also, I assume with these years, you have some money to spend (or you wouldn't even consider SW).

I got started (inherited a SW tank with a new house) with SW about 3 years ago, after only FW experience many years ago. The tank had T5's in a built-in (but vented) canopy. The tank was actually a mess (although not knowing any better then, still looked good to me), and it took me a long time to clean up the algae and other unwanted nutrients in the tank.

I didn't like the T5's right from the beginning. There was a lot of heat, and the bulbs needed replacing. I also had no control (other than a timer) over the lighting and intensity, or colour. Had to buy different bulbs (actinics, etc), just to get a better look, But I was never satisfied, and had to keep spending money with them.

I put up with the T5's for a year, and then bought 3 Radions (Gen 1) to replace the T5's. They were definitely very expensive at the time, but I sure liked them, with the total control, and how good they made my tank look.

Then I set up a 2nd tank downstairs (yes, SW can be addictive), and initially moved my old T5's into that canopy. Again, same problems with heat and other issues. Shortly thereafter, the Radion Gen 2's came out and I sprang for 3 more (and another Gen 1 for a frag tank). And the price was now a lot more reasonable, too. I moved the original Gen 1's to my new downstairs tank, and installed the new Gen 2's into my original main display tank.

I couldn't be happier with that decision and choice. Because the Radions are wireless (to each other) I can now control and adjust all the lighting in my house (individually or group them any way you want) from a single laptop USB connection,... very, very, convenient.

And they all have more intensity than I can use so far. I am now growing SPS under the Gen 2's, and still have not raised the intensity above 90%. They have coloured up beautifully, and growing very well (thick and fast). The downstairs tank with the Gen 1's is still only at 50% and softies and LPS doing great with them.

I know there are still newer and cheaper LEDs coming on the market. I can't speak for them, but seems like lots of choices, that's for sure. As for the more expensive Radion Pros, or GHL Mitras, they sound like overkill to me. But if you got the money,... what the heck.

Good luck with your decision, and hope you enjoy the challenge and rewards with the SW and reef keeping.

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Well, if you have been doing FW for 30 years, I would not call you a total noob. You obviously must have an appreciation for good equipment, and control over your tank operation and maintenance. Also, I assume with these years, you have some money to spend (or you wouldn't even consider SW).

Haha, thanks Reef Pilot. Only a noob to salt and all it's 'specialized' equipment. As someone who does appreciate good equipment and total control I have seriously considered high end LED's. It's just the daily advancement of the technology and the price that scares me. I know LED's are the future... but I'm not convinced I should make that commitment yet.

[lastlight]

Everyone has their tipping point. I'm a late adopter as well but so far I'm totally happy with leaving the older lighting technology behind.

[monkE]

i recently did my first salty setup and I decided that i wanted to go with the cheaper LED system. I purchased a 24" fixutre with controller for $200 from frank at a.Q.LED http://www.aq-led.com/ and I'm super happy with it. I wanted something that wouldn't limit my tank as I progressed in the hobby and this was a way of doing that without breaking the bank.