ATi PM to LED

[alpine75]

I have had my tank setup for about 3 years with FOWLR. When I setup the tank I purchased a ATI powermodule 8 x 54. Now I want to start the reef thing. So I am thinking about going LED. Saving some money on energy costs would help. Would I save enough money for it to make sense? Also since I would need all new bulbs I can apply that money towards the light( and not have to buy new lights in the future.)
I am looking at 3 different fixtures. The Radion G2 or Pro and the AI Vega. Budget being 2k or less. I would plan on selling the ATI. What would be a good asking price for the ATI on the used market?
For the people who have switched from the ATI to LED "“ are you happy you did it, do the corals look as good or better? Any feed back would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[TylerHaworth]

The 8x54 PM is as good of a fixture as you can have, a well proven growth AND coloration monster. The energy savings, etc will never equal/surpass the cost of purchasing a LED fixture.

If you didn't already have the PM I'd say weigh your options, but since you have the PM I say get some new bulbs and start the coral.

 

[GSMguy]

I'd say in terms of coral growth and color the fixture you have is ideal.

 

[wiz careefa]

Yup.. I would just use that fixture. I had the sun power and wouldn't hesitate too get another one for my next build

 

[Drae]

your fixture is an absolute BEAST! If your just starting to reef, use that fixture for sure for success from jump street imho. There's a learning curve with led (maybe an understatement) and none almost with t5's. I'd concentrate on animal compatibility, water chemistry and flow if I were you. No need to spend the cash when you have the best t5 lighting money can buy already. imho t5's are going nowhere for awhile, they're here to stay. Good luck

 

[alpine75]

I like what you guys are saying. I live in SoCal. Elec rates suck. Every month now i reach the highest tier. So I wonder if LED's could save me money over the long run and with the savings of not having to replace lights every year.($200).

 

[TylerHaworth]

You're gonna have 250w or so of LED to be equivalent to your 432w of t5... 180w for a few hours a day is negligible even at crappy rates.

 

[rtparty]

I like what you guys are saying. I live in SoCal. Elec rates suck. Every month now i reach the highest tier. So I wonder if LED's could save me money over the long run and with the savings of not having to replace lights every year.($200).

How long are you running your lights each day?

Also, water pumps drain the most electricity. They run 24/7/365. Look into replacing those first if you're worried about electrical usage.

 

[chadfarmer]

I like what you guys are saying. I live in SoCal. Elec rates suck. Every month now i reach the highest tier. So I wonder if LED's could save me money over the long run and with the savings of not having to replace lights every year.($200).

I did the same as u to save money, 2 different led system not happy with and lost 900 when reselling leds, I could have bought a lot of replacment bulbs .

 

[aandfsoccr04]

You have the best t5 fixture on the market. I would keep that and try your hand at keeping a reef and see how it goes.