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Post by oceangirl2009 on Sept 2, 2012 20:22:44 GMT -5
So I was given a PC fixture when I started this hobby last year, and while the coral I do have seems to be growing well, I've noticed I've lost a lot of coloration on a couple of my zoa colonies. So I'm looking for suggestions on what people are using for lighting and what they are happy with. I'm leading towards T5s as I've heard mixed reviews on LEDs.
BTW I'm running a 35gal. DT.
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Post by seamonkey84 on Sept 2, 2012 23:26:17 GMT -5
I use and love LEDs, as long as you use mix colors and high output LEDs you won't be disappointed. I personaly am using both boost led par 30 over one tank and LEDtric full spec par38 over another. I LOVE my full spec!
Oh, over another tank (my main tank 10 gallon Sps) I have a 4 bulb t5 system and also love it for color and dawn/dusk but hate the yearly bulb replacement and power usage.
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Sept 3, 2012 0:10:52 GMT -5
LED is definitely the way of the future. Metal halide or T5 lighting are still about the most common systems to use. I know I'm saving to switch from metal halide to LED for sure.
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Post by scoobnoob on Sept 3, 2012 7:21:06 GMT -5
I went LED when my cf ballast went corals are more colorful and growing especially zoas
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Post by oceangirl2009 on Sept 3, 2012 7:31:32 GMT -5
What types/brands of LED's are you guys using?
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Post by gotareef on Sept 3, 2012 9:29:12 GMT -5
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Post by gotareef on Sept 3, 2012 9:32:30 GMT -5
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Post by seamonkey84 on Sept 3, 2012 10:37:12 GMT -5
If you order from aquastyle make sure you have them switch out the cool whites for the neutral whites (4500k) and mix in some true violet (not UV), reds, and cyane/turquoise. Great posts about color choices and setups using aquastyle kits. www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=289940&st=740 |
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Post by oceangirl2009 on Sept 3, 2012 11:14:50 GMT -5
I don't have any objections to building one as my dad has offered to help, but I'd much rather have a plug n' play system. Those ReefBreeder systems are intriguing, are there any advantages to building one that I would get in one of their systems? I'm looking at this one: (I currently have softies and LPS, but I'd like to add some SPS and maybe even a clam) www.reefbreeders.com/96_watt_value.html |
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Post by scoobnoob on Sept 3, 2012 14:36:48 GMT -5
I got a kessil you'd need 2 pendants or the larger 350 tuna, there have been a lot of negative reports on the larger ones. I hAve the 150 w and it's amazing the light it puts out for it's size they also run bluer so if you order 10k expect 14, if you go 15k expect closer to 20 they are expensive but I feel mine was well worth it
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Sept 3, 2012 15:08:36 GMT -5
Got any pics of the Kessil over your tank?
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Post by Lance on Sept 4, 2012 0:04:16 GMT -5
Love my Radions
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Post by ryansweatt2004 on Sept 4, 2012 6:41:12 GMT -5
They look really clean over your tank as well Lance.
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Post by oceangirl2009 on Sept 22, 2012 8:51:56 GMT -5
So I purchased a unit from Reef Breeders. It is a dimmable 96W unit with heat sink, fans, reds, blues, whites, UVs, and green LED's, and 90 degree optics for $230. It has been up and running for a week now so I can't say too much in terms of growth yet, but I can say my corals seem to like it and while I'm still acclimating them to the light (running at about 50% right now) the light is still bright. This cost about as much as it would to build one and it comes with a 2 year warrantee.
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