1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

chiller ???? or leds

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by daalbers, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. daalbers

    daalbers Well-Known ReefKeeper

    562
    Ratings:
    +24 / 3 / -0


    I no that leds cost less to run but at $2000 i can keep my mh light that i have now and get a chiller for $500 so im trying to find out what everyone else thinks save my money for leds or buy a chiller and keep my current light also is this a good chiller and is it really as quiet as they say thanks all i have 90 gal mixed reef with two 250watt mh and four t5 ho



    JBJ
    MINI Arctica Chiller 1/5 HP


    [​IMG]

     
  2. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    buy the leds you will save alot of money in the long run. and leds wont cost $2000 2 or 3 AI led lights would be plenty over a 90gal 3x$400=$1200 and a controller is another $100 so $1300 max or you can build your own led fixture for half the cost
     
  3. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    +1   There is a return on investment in the long run for the LEDs.  Not on the chiller; that will only continue to cost you more and more money. 
    That being said, Sone recently mentioned that while LEDs give great color to your corals for viewing, some corals grew better under halides (while others grew better under LEDs).  He's going with a mix.  That may be an option for you.  You can reduce the number of halides that you run and supplement with LEDs.  This would reduce the up-front cost and also reduce the amount of heat introduced into the tank by the halides.  Just another option to consider.
    --AJ
     
  4. Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
    Ratings:
    +145 / 1 / -0
    I love my LEDs.. since switching from MHs my chiller never kicks on and the evaporation has dramatically dropped off so I don't have to run a dehumidfier constantly either. I'm not sure you could do a DIY fixture for half of an AI anymore. When I built mine last summer I think I built it for a bit less than half the cost of equivalent AIs but since then AIs have had their price cut in half. At this point I would probably recommend going with AI over DIY since you would get a nice finished product with cool storm effects ready to go.
     
  5. kyro

    kyro Inactive User

    160
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I to suggest AIs. LEDs have multiple benefits to both your wallet and aquarium...a chiller doesnt.
     
  6. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    def LED and over a 90 2 would be suffeciant. you will also have your money back in 1-2 yrs in savings on bulbs alone.
     
  7. daalbers

    daalbers Well-Known ReefKeeper

    562
    Ratings:
    +24 / 3 / -0
    all right sounds like i will be doing AI lights i will start with 2 and see how well it works if i need to i can allways get more i was going by there web site it said 4 lights and thats a hole lot of $$$
     
  8. MXC207 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    634
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    2 AI's is all you need for a 90 gallon. I have them and highly recommend them!
     
  9. daalbers

    daalbers Well-Known ReefKeeper

    562
    Ratings:
    +24 / 3 / -0

    MXC207
     how did you mount them did you buy the mounting rails or put them in a canopy
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.