Time for LEDs?

Blue Ram · #1 01-29-2012, 03:43 AM

My current light fixture is the Giesmann Infiniti with 2 250 MH and 4 HOT5s. One of the ballasts blew today and will have to be replaced. It is also time to replace all of the bulbs.
I spent some time reading through some of the posts on the LEDs and am seriously considering investing in them mostly because of the high electricity costs associated with the MHs.
I could research lights for days and probably still not be able to make a decision so I thought I might put it out for there for some suggestions from other members.
The tank is a 120 gal reef (48 x 24 x 24).
Looking for a LED setup under $2000 total. Does not have to have everything that LEDs can do as I do not keep a lot of SPS but do have some nice pieces currently. Simplicity and function are also important.
I would very much appreciate hearing from some of you folks on what you would suggest.

The Grizz · #2 01-29-2012, 03:50 AM

Best bang for your buck is Modular Led DIY hands down, my whole setup was around $2200 retail ( I got in on some specials from Martin so it really cost me less then that). The thing I liked the best with going this way is you get to customize your light to your liking.

If you go with Modular LED you could get LED & a controller for probably less then $2k.

toxic111 · #3 01-29-2012, 03:50 AM

The AI SOL or the Radions would fall under that $2000 mark. I have the same size tank & I am going with 2 radions

Nano · #4 01-29-2012, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Best bang for your buck is Mudular Led DIY

Lol looks like you pulled a kenny.. I did that the other day lol

The Grizz · #5 01-29-2012, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanomano

Lol looks like you pulled a kenny.. I did that the other day lol

AH SHYTE

It's been a long day

Nano · #6 01-29-2012, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Grizz

AH SHYTE

It's been a long day

lol yea I know man, get some Z's

enough tinkering for one day perhaps?

fishytime · #7 01-29-2012, 04:11 AM

if you are handy, ie can do a DIY led system(I know they arent that difficult) and have a canopy, or can build one, then something like the modular LEDs will be the least expensive route.......if DIY is not your thing then the AI Sol and the Ecotech Radion are the popular choices right now..... the AI is like a Nissan Altima, has plenty of features and is mid-priced as far as LEDs go....the Radion is like the Infinity G37......just a few more features and is on the upper end of pricing......you would need two of either of the two for your tank...the AIs, with controller, would be around $1000....and the Radions would be closer to $1700

toxic111 · #8 01-29-2012, 04:36 AM

I looked at the ai's as well but for a 4foot tank they were $200 more than the raidons, as you need 4 units plus the controller.

sphelps · #9 01-29-2012, 04:44 AM

If I had that fixture I'd either replace the ballast and bulbs and forget about LEDs or retrofit in some kind of DIY LED system within that fixture to replace the halides while keeping the T5s. The Infiniti looks real nice over a tank and so clean, be a shame to swap it with something less appealing. No offence to anyone but radions don't hang well and look best hidden in a canopy.

fishytime · #10 01-29-2012, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

No offence to anyone but radions don't hang well and look best hidden in a canopy.

hanging isnt the only option.....heres what I did with mine.....this is just a temporary thing I did with a scrap piece of wood and some "Tek" legs ($70), but with just a coat or two or some black paint, it would look pretty good methinks.....