Diy led reef light vs store brand

[Leoprime]

I have been really interested in diy projects and most recently led reef light is sparking my interest. So are diy lights as good as say a kessil or radion? Or is it better to just by a light from manufacture? Any feedback is appreciated as i have learned the hard way that the more research and experienced opinions you get the better your results are. Also pros and cons of both would be great. My only experience i have with any reef lighting is my marineland led light. So if manufacture light is the way to go suggestions would be awesome. The tank is 96x30x24 tall. Thanks in advance for all your feedback and advice.

 

[Davileet]

I would go with a Rapidled kit if I were you. Make sure you get a dimmable setup if you DIY.

 

[Aerixx]

I used a Chinese LED in my last tank and everything thrived, it's a great bang for your buck

 

[ravi197699]

I built DIY led and I have used all cree since prices for these led's came down from 11/pc to 2.90/pc and used Coralux storm controller and love the end product..

 

[Leoprime]

Awesome thanks for the feedback, i am trying to make the right decision so many ppl are pro metal halide or t5 , and so many others love leds so i think i will try a combo of them. Thanks again.

 

[perkint]

The only thing that is slightly difficult about DIY lights is getting the same finish as the off the shelf ones (and this is not too difficult if it matters to you). Other than that, anything you can buy off the shelf, you can make. And often with better LEDs (more light and less heat for less power). Some of the off the shelves even tell you exactly what LEDs they use, so copying or improving them is easy

And you can tailor the solution to fit your requirements - want a super powerful LED that still fits inside your existing hood? Easier to DIY than find an off the shelf, usually!

The price comparison varies - cheap end of the market, the off the shelves compare well, sometimes cheaper (but probably not quite as good as you'd build and certainly not as much fun!). But as you look to better LEDs, more colours, more control, less fans, etc, DIY starts to become potentially much cheaper!

Of course, there is one (potentially huge) drawback - your time! That's one place off the shelf will always win!

Tim