LED options for 36x20

JCM

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Hi all,

I'm considering making the switch to LED lights on my tank. Currently running a 6 bulb 24" T5 fixture on my 36x20x20 tank (mixed with SPS)

I know very little about LED's, and would love input on covering this size tank and just your favorite fixtures in general. I'm just starting my research and not in a hurry. Currently looking at the ATI Straton, the Mitras LX7, or 2 Radion XR15's.

Also, can someone run me through the basic changes between the different radion generations? Was there bigger jumps in improvements between certain gens?

Thanks!
 

CoralB

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The radions are a favorite of mine and yes two would be plenty for that size tank .i also like t 5s and wonder why you wish to change.
 
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JCM

JCM

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The radions are a favorite of mine and yes two would be plenty for that size tank .i also like t 5s and wonder why you wish to change.

Mostly just to try something new. I've only tried LED once (AI hydra something or other) and I didn't have that tank setup long. The controlability and color options intrigue me. Plus the shimmer would be a nice addition.

I've used T5's for 15 years now and know they work, but I'm kind of sick of replacing bulbs so frequently and my current fixture doesn't put out great par numbers.
 

RichM

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I have 1 Neptune apex sky on my 36x24x24. Mixed reef (sps, lps and so zoas.) I can get around 600par 10in below the water and about 350par at the bottom when running at 100%. I run at 40% for the corals I have.
 

rtparty

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2 XR15s or a Neptune Sky. 2 Mitras 7204 would work as well. 1 of the 7206 will not cover 36*20 even if they claim it can.
 

CoralB

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Mostly just to try something new. I've only tried LED once (AI hydra something or other) and I didn't have that tank setup long. The controlability and color options intrigue me. Plus the shimmer would be a nice addition.

I've used T5's for 15 years now and know they work, but I'm kind of sick of replacing bulbs so frequently and my current fixture doesn't put out great par numbers.
Dont they now make led t5 replacements ??? But yes the controllability on the led lights like the Radion is awesome :cool:
Don’t throw away your t5 light though , later down the road if you do shroom tank you’ll want that light
 
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JCM

JCM

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2 XR15s or a Neptune Sky. 2 Mitras 7204 would work as well. 1 of the 7206 will not cover 36*20 even if they claim it can.

This is good to know, I was assuming a 7206 would be sufficient based on their claims. I was initially leaning towards this one, I'm glad I asked.

The Sky is interesting, I hadn't considered Neptune as I thought their products required the whole ecosystem which I'm not interested in. I see the light can work as a stand alone though.
 

RichM

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This is good to know, I was assuming a 7206 would be sufficient based on their claims. I was initially leaning towards this one, I'm glad I asked.

The Sky is interesting, I hadn't considered Neptune as I thought their products required the whole ecosystem which I'm not interested in. I see the light can work as a stand alone though.
Yeah I started with just the light, but it quickly turned into me adding the rest of the Neptune system lol.
 
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JCM

JCM

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Yeah I started with just the light, but it quickly turned into me adding the rest of the Neptune system lol.

The light had full functionality/programmability without the rest of the system?

Edit: found an answer, looks like it's fully programmable with an app without an Apex unit.
 

infinite0180

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Im running 1 phillips coralcare gen 2 over 30x24x16 and i bet it would cover 36x24 at the right height…
 

RichM

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The light had full functionality/programmability without the rest of the system?

Edit: found an answer, looks like it's fully programmable with an app without an Apex unit.
Yes, you run it through the apex app.
 

LeftyReefer

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What about just adding few LED bars to your T5 setup? Quanta makes some nice LED bars.
 

oreo54

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Hi all,

I'm considering making the switch to LED lights on my tank. Currently running a 6 bulb 24" T5 fixture on my 36x20x20 tank (mixed with SPS)

I know very little about LED's, and would love input on covering this size tank and just your favorite fixtures in general. I'm just starting my research and not in a hurry. Currently looking at the ATI Straton, the Mitras LX7, or 2 Radion XR15's.

Also, can someone run me through the basic changes between the different radion generations? Was there bigger jumps in improvements between certain gens?

Thanks!
Sbreef @ $310 is probably the cheapest option with limitations compared to ai prime, mitras ect
sBox Pro 32" Timer Features:

-SB Reef Lights proprietary layout and spectrum
-Better Coverage Area
-Remote control
-Built in 3 channel timer with LCD control screen
-Moon light channel
-363w (121x3w diodes)
More like 240w though..
 
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JCM

JCM

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Forgot about this...

I ended up going with a hybrid setup. 4x39w t5's and a Mitras led. So far I really like the setup.

Thanks for all the suggestions!
 

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