Need some input

[jnj97]

I have a 55 gallon. I want to buy leds for my tank. I know I need 165w . I don't want to waste my money and buy cheap but I don't want to break the bank either. Anyone have some suggestions for me on what to buy????

 

[Derrick.Bailey]

I have been using the "cheap Chinese" fixtures for the last three years on my 180. I've grown colorful sps and maintained very mature and large lps colonies. There IS a difference between the higher end fixtures BUT, my cheapies have served me well and look very good too. I'm downsizing to a 60 cube now and I am shopping for a nicer, fixture with more features, but I'm hoping to get by with one fixture instead of 4-6.

 

[Current107]

I have three 165Watt ebay specials (Chinese) on my 225G. I don't have a problem growing anything at a god rate. I did purchase the ones with the dimmable timer built in. Think I paid around $125 for each. I get good compliments on my growth and color. At 28.5 inches deep I run the blues at 75% and whites at 25% and have spot on par readings. If I would to upgrade I would go t0 the smart system Chinese specials at $220 each.

 

[andys]

Kessil's

 

[jnj97]

Thanks everyone

 

[PaReeferJ]

I have been using the "cheap Chinese" fixtures for the last three years on my 180. I've grown colorful sps and maintained very mature and large lps colonies. There IS a difference between the higher end fixtures BUT, my cheapies have served me well and look very good too. I'm downsizing to a 60 cube now and I am shopping for a nicer, fixture with more features, but I'm hoping to get by with one fixture instead of 4-6.

Do you just run them with a plug in timer? One for white and one for blue?

 

[Derrick.Bailey]

Do you just run them with a plug in timer? One for white and one for blue?

Yes, the ones I've had have two power plugs. One for the various blue LED's and the other for the mostly white. Both are controlled with independent dimmer knobs. Since I run four panels across my 180, I use two timers to control the two power strips.