lazy! lol

[Wiz]

Hi guys. I have a 40b display. Mixed coral. All types. Right now I am running 2 t5 fixtures. They seem to meet my corals needs. All are well and growing. But I am not thrilled with the colors in the day. Nor do I have a good glow with my actinics. I would love to get a nice led which I've seen amazing colors under. But most are way above my pay grade. My old tank ran phoenix 14k 150wx2 and 420nm pcs which gave a decent glow. But I don't want to run that much electricity anymore. Still have the halides but refuse to run them. So rather than read through the history of led lighting lol, I would love some suggestions on fixtures I should checkout as well as how to determin the amount of light needed. The cheapest fixtures that fit my needs are what I'm looking for. thanks

 

[carolinareefguy]

Funny how so may hobbyists complain about electricity costs. Running those MH must cost me $25 a month. Yet, corals cost $20 to hundreds of dollars. Live rock cost $6 to $12 per lb. I have a 180 Gallon setup that cost thousands of dollars but we moan over $25 a month. I have 3 mh (150 watt) and 8 T5 combo and I will gladly pay the $25 to $30 a month to ensure my corals looks their best.

 

[Wiz]

I understand your opinion. But I think most of the costs are one time costs which are easier to swallow. I am very low budget and save for what I want. So a reoccuring cost that can be cut is to attractive to ignore. Plus the halides caused heat issues and are a problem when turning on and off in short amount of time for matinence. Also I think the leds show just as good if not better colors. So why not? They are more expensive. But again its a one time cost. Not to mention bulb replacement. $75 dollars each for those phoenix bulbs.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

A higher end fixture will pay for itself in 4-5 years. If your running a chiller less than two.

Budget fixtures offer a sooner payback if they last.

Bill

 

[Wiz]

A higher end fixture will pay for itself in 4-5 years. If your running a chiller less than two.

Budget fixtures offer a sooner payback if they last.

Bill

Could you be more specific? Like what is the cheapest led fixture for a 40b that is worth having. Thats what I'm looking for. Ill save but I hate going in blind. I need people who have seen the fixture in action.

 

[rayn]

Chinese led on eBay. They are about 89 bucks, and last time I searched them they were like 5th down the page. Type in aquarium led lights. I have one over my 40b and it is growing everything including sps on the sandbed.

 

[bboyvital]

I had the reefbreeder value over my 40breeder and I loved it. if your able to I would recommend the photon series for controlability. Maybe the 24. Also reefbreeder has warranty and great customer service.

 

[rayn]

Pic

 

[ReefLEDLights]

Could you be more specific? Like what is the cheapest led fixture for a 40b that is worth having. Thats what I'm looking for. Ill save but I hate going in blind. I need people who have seen the fixture in action.

The better importers will upgrade the drivers but in the end you more often than not get what you pay for.

Given the cost of corals spending a few hundred dollars for a fixture that lasts in my opinion is worth it.

Bill

 

[rayn]

Given the cost of corals spending a few hundred dollars for a fixture that lasts in my opinion is worth it.

Bill

This^^^ I went with kessil over my 120. You ultimately get what you pay for.

 

[bboyvital]

Not referring to any specific company but sometimes you get what you pay for and sometimes you pay for name brand hype. Just sayin.