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Corals, Fish, and LEDs - O MY!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by ThyRaven, Mar 29, 2014.

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  1. Mar 29, 2014 #1
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    So have mentioned this multiple times on different threads that I am rebuild my 135 gallon display tank, swaping my 50 gallon sump for a 100 gallon pond tank, and maybe adding a 60 gallon pond tank for coral and mangroves.


    I plan to build a new stand as the 1/4 by 4" boards used on my current stand scare me so 2X4s are in order to cure my fright of my tank stand collapsing. I've already added braces to temporaily save myself from a heart attack.


    One I get the new stand built, the tank replumbed correctly and the sump switched out I need new lights before I even put water back into the system or all of my hard work cleaning up the tank was for nothing.


    I've been looking for LEDs. Cost savings over time just makes sense but the up front cost is going to kill me so I want to know 100% without a doubt I am getting the best set. My DT is split into 3 sections so I am going to need 3 pods.


    I've been looking at AIs, Maxspect Razor, and the Radions. I really really really need help picking out which one to go with. So please comment with horror stories, likes, and dislikes on customer service, programming, and how you like your choice pretty please.
     
  2. Mar 29, 2014 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    LOL Your're never going to find a "without a doubt" best set of LEDs. There's a reason that newer and better units are coming out every year. The industry is changing and still figuring out how to successfully light a reef tank so both the consumer and the corals are happy. Stick with something that is "full spectrum" and fully controllable. It's nice to be able to control each color channel so you can adjust the color to your liking.
    Best bet is to check out your choice lights over an actual tank. THen pick one that's in your budget and hope you like them over your tank. Just be aware everyone's results are different. What I have luck with over my tank could be a disaster over yours.
    If you want to check something out over a real tank I am running hydras over mine now. You are welcome to come check them out sometime.
     
  3. Mar 29, 2014 #3
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I've been looking at the hydras but just cant handle the cost for 3 units but then again none of the other units I've seen are any better when it comes to cost which is what hurts the most when looking at getting LEDs for my tank.
     
  4. Mar 29, 2014 #4
    Bigkel

    Bigkel Inactive User

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    Come down to Sea of Marvels and check out the Chinese LEDs Hung has over his tanks. They cost just a fraction of the big name brands. Now they're not fully controllable but they are dimmable and he grows pretty nice looking reef tanks under them.
     
  5. Mar 29, 2014 #5
    Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

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    +1 on the Chinese fixtures his tanks look great!
     
  6. Mar 29, 2014 #6
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    I guess the first question is what are you wanting to do? I still feel that Sps corals do best under mh and t5s. Things like chalices acans and favias can morph color under LEDs, most acans I have kept under LEDs turn orange. I do feel out of all the LEDs we have and have had at the dt
    Store, the hydras are the best bang for the buck, give the best spectrum allowing for a good color and growth
     
  7. Mar 29, 2014 #7
    Crystal formerly swcrys

    Crystal formerly swcrys Inactive User

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    I just bought a full spectrum 165 watt chinese light from ebay for 125 for my 40 breeder. I only plugged it in once and checked out over my cube when I first got it. It made the coloring of my corals really pop. I just took it to Kyle tonight to mount in the canopy he built me. I will be getting it tomorrow and painting the canopy. Should have it up and running over my tank by monday night. I will post some pics once I have it up and running. I stopped into Sea of marvels tonight to get some cycled water to put in my new tanks. Hung has simalr lights to what I just got. He was shocked when I told him what I paid for mine. Apparently he paid more for his. Mine also has the lenses as mine are a newer version. But just from the little bit of time I ran them to check them out I was really happy. And price made me even more happy.
     
  8. Mar 29, 2014 #8
    Jfalcons

    Jfalcons

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    I bought 2 Kessil 360we's in Feb for my 90 and are absolutely amazing! They are the most natural-looking light that I have seen. The shimmer is awesome and even get shadows in the sand from the fish swimming! My corals seem to be happy as well! Obviously just my opinion, but another option!
     
  9. Mar 29, 2014 #9
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    I also like kessil lights
     
  10. Mar 29, 2014 #10
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    The LEDs from Hung I heard were $250 a piece and it was great talking with mthomp yesterday when I made it into Coral Heaven. Amazing store for those in the Davenport area. I did like the hydras but still cant justify the cost. I am still doing research on easy to take care of coral for a beginner but will plan a year or two later and get into more of the exotic corals. For now I'd start with softies - frog spawn, kenya tree, etc

    I do want my tank to shimmer and shine. I want coraline algae to grow over my rock work. I'm working on a list of fish I'd also like to have in the tank. I'm also looking into getting a controller to help with temp, PH, and lighting controls. I really like the Reef Angel just dont like how long it takes to get one after ordering it but I hear they are worth the wait.
     
  11. Mar 29, 2014 #11
    Bigkel

    Bigkel Inactive User

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    U can get them cheaper than 250 on ebay! 250 will get you a pair of full spectrum, dimmable fixtures.
     
  12. Mar 29, 2014 #12
    Allen

    Allen

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    I too like my Kessil. But ring the same as everyone else...it's what you like and like was said earlier what might look good and work over one can be a train wreck over another.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  13. Mar 29, 2014 #13
    mikesams05p71

    mikesams05p71 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I just put a pair over my 120... $240 shipped for both. No complaints here. No way in hell the other leds are worth their price IMO. But I will say if you wanted nice lights I love the kessils color and shimmer. Just depends on how much you wanna spend. Personally I love these lights I got.
     
  14. Mar 29, 2014 #14
    Allen

    Allen

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    And in the end...he's right that's all that counts!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  15. Mar 30, 2014 #15
    Zoobie Bondurant

    Zoobie Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Reefbreaders is an excellent light and they are full spectrum. There is a lot of people here in desmoines that have them and as far as I have heard all love them. They will even let you order custom layout. They have great shimmer and have multiple platforms depending on what you want to spend. They have value units and they have photons which are the programmable ones. I have 3 of there lights on my 125 and have good growth with all my corals. The nice thing is they have a warranty from US because they are upgraded here on the east coast.
     
  16. Apr 1, 2014 #16
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Where did you get those Kessil's Mike?
     
  17. Apr 1, 2014 #17
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Need some opinion on these lights - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-COB-169W-LED-Aquarium-Lights-Full-Spectrum-LED-Coral-Reef-Grow-Fixture-3W/191092025917?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D21235%26meid%3D5897859172234346489%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D9374%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D201008798267&rt=nc
     
  18. Apr 1, 2014 #18
    mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    We carry the Kessils at the store
     
  19. Apr 1, 2014 #19
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Thanks mthmop, what do you have them listed for again? I was asking Mike where he got his and scored the 2 for $250 deal. I'd need 3 for sure. Might get a 4th one for the mangroves, not sure on that yet.
     
  20. Apr 4, 2014 #20
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    The hunt for LESs is over!!! Bought 2 AI SOLs tonight and mounted them over my tank. Looking for a 3rd one though.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
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