Generic this LED vs that LED opinion request.

[MKLKT]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Right on...

Mind if I ask what you paid and why you went with this kit?

I like how Steves LEDs give you the option of the, building it for 95 bucks....you also get a few snazzy upgrades for paying the extra too.

Are you just running stock lighting now?

I've run 2x AI SOLs for 3 years now on the 110 xtall tank that I'm now shutting down.

For the RSM130 I'll put a build thread up soon, a few people have asked about it. The tank is dry so the lighting is stock but will be coming out. I'm trying to get it all set up exactly as I want it. Going to build custom reefscape with cemented dry rock as well. I'm patient (meticulous?) so I'm taking my time doing so.

I went with the 3 knob dimmer and Meanwell drivers. It was $350USD including shipping (with the extra driver). So I'll have 3 separate dimmable channels (1000mA Royals, 700mA White/Blue, 700mA Red/Green/UV/remaining).

The set of LEDs I'm going to cannibalize into the 3rd channel came from a aquastyleonline kit and to be honest that's what led me to picking the slightly pricier stuff as in my experience cheap drivers/LEDs are just not worth it. This isn't limited to reef work either. The LEDs themselves are passable but the driver and potentiometer are iffy and I wouldn't trust them for quality and safety.

I thought about the Storm controllers but even when I had an Apex I didn't use it to its potential, so I'll let the RSM timer do the work and just manually set the dimmers.

I've soldered lots of stuff in the past and am comfortable doing it myself. Recently pieced together a set of electronics repair gear so I'd like to break it in. (Variable power supply, decent multimeter, soldering station, etc.) I'll be replacing some batteries in old cartridge games too.

[gobytron]

Well...

I'll send my hood over and you can get right to work using your new gear...



Thanks for sharing that.

I'll look out for your build thread to see how it all comes together...

[The Codfather]

Here is what I did with mine. I found a couple of mitras for cheap, so I used them. Worked out really well, hard wired them into the profilux as well. I pulled the top plates off the mitras as well and added 6 fans to help with any heat issues. So far, it keeps things real cool and the fans are very quiet.

[MKLKT]

Received my LEDs from Rapid yesterday. Looking forward to putting it all together, my wife wants to try her hand at soldering so we'll start it this weekend when we've got time.

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by MKLKT

Received my LEDs from Rapid yesterday. Looking forward to putting it all together, my wife wants to try her hand at soldering so we'll start it this weekend when we've got time.

Nice.

If you have the time, post a few photos as you go or when you're all done...

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by The Codfather

Here is what I did with mine. I found a couple of mitras for cheap, so I used them. Worked out really well, hard wired them into the profilux as well. I pulled the top plates off the mitras as well and added 6 fans to help with any heat issues. So far, it keeps things real cool and the fans are very quiet.

That looks like an RSM 250, not a 130??

[The Codfather]

Originally Posted by gobytron

That looks like an RSM 250, not a 130??

True, a 250, but just showing you the mod that I did, fairly simple. I'm sure the 130 hood is similar in simplicity.

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by The Codfather

True, a 250, but just showing you the mod that I did, fairly simple. I'm sure the 130 hood is similar in simplicity.

Alright.

Thanks for sharing.