Need some advice

[srd93pgt]

Ok so I am new to this hobby and picked up a used 220 tank which came with a Current outer orbit. This has 3, 250 watt metal halides and 8 T5 bulbs. So the question or advice is I would like to switch to an LED system and there are so many out there! It's overwhelming and I have done research and more research which only confused me even more. Tank is 72"x24"x30", what should I get? To replace the bulbs is gonna run me upwards of $300 so might as well switch now. I want the new system to be programmable. I've looked at the Dsuny system and seems legit, 4 units. Current has a system but it's $1,200 which is way to high I feel. Any advise or options on where I should go would be appreciated.

 

[Havoks]

It will al depend on your budget, if you want to stay on the lower side there are some chinese black boxes that are programmable and some even have wifi and they wouldnt break the bank. Something like this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/281636429133

 

[srd93pgt]

I seen these and they look good and a lot of people use these types of lights. So it is an option but how many would I need is the question. 4 is what I keep hearing but no final answer

 

[srd93pgt]

DSunY 4x LED Aquarium Light 480W Saltwater Lamp for Coral Reef Marine Fish Tanks, with 1 Controller, 3W Bridgelux, Saltwater Led Lamp Programmable Dimmable SPS/LPS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCA45C5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gB7tzbWPBTK0F

Not sure if anyone has used these. There are a few styles

DSunY® Programmable Intelligent Ultra-thin LED Lighting System Plus Moonlights for Aquarium/Reef SPS/LPS/ Soft Corals, 72-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CE3O06Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dC7tzbH1RSYVV

Marine Tank Light 72inch Led Aquarium Light Programmable 4 Channels Dimmable Led Reef Coral Light with 2pcs 870mm Length Panel & 1pcs Wifi Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015SQVH0W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FC7tzbVK717CK

 

[Havoks]

I had a 60 gal tank 48x13x21 and 2 was enough, I think you could start with 3 and if you see any shadowing you could always add a fourth one.

 

[CoralReefer1019]

I would look into black boxes such as the ocean revive T247's for LEDs, but I would get a 6 bulb T5 fixture off of Amazon run it on a timer T5 are proven and excellent coral growth better than LED. But if you want the LED shimmer effect you can always add some LED strips down the road

 

[BCSreef]

DIY is an option, if you have some basic electronics know-how. I have been building my own for years now. I get most of the parts from here: http://www.ledgroupbuy.com/

I'm using 12 of these over a 180 gallon: http://www.ledgroupbuy.com/cree-lumia-5-2-70w-full-spectrum-5-channel-cree-led/

Much more PAR than I need, but 12 give me great spread, great color too.

Bob