E shine systems LED coverage question

[BigAirHarper]

I'm setting up a 57G rimless with the usual footprint 36"x18". I'm Trying to decide if I should get their 48x3W 4G Cree led fixture with solar simulator (24" fixture) or 2 of the 60W Cree classic units (15" each). I was hoping to utilize the solar simulator and only have to hang one fixture. You guys think it will be enough coverage if I hang it high enough? Thanks for any advise.

 

[yh1185]

I'm in the same boat as you...I have a 40b(36x18 footprint) and i'm leaning towards the 48x3w. I've talked to the eshine people and they suggest 2 of the 60w cree(better coverage), but i like having the solar simulator, so i don't have to keep manually turning the lights on and off and so on. I was told that with the 48x3w and 90 degree optics i should be ok. I figure with this setup, anything that require more light can just go in the center, and the things that require less light will go towards the edges of the tank. Also, you get more LED's with the 48X3w, so i figure that somewhere there has to be better penetration or coverage. Also in terms of pricing, 2x60w + shipping is slightly more expensive then the 48x3w Cree with controller. If you want the pricing that i was given, shoot me a pm. I think i'll be ordering by the end of the day.

 

[BigAirHarper]

Yea your train of thought is just like mine. I want that simulator and the cost is roughly the same like you said so....I was thinking 90 degree optics as well and I think if we hang the fixture high enough we should be alright. Let me know what your order total comes to, I have received pricing as well and would like to compare. I need to order these lights fairly soon as I hope to have my tank up and running by the end of the month.

 

[jgsalwater]

I'm setting up a 57G rimless with the usual footprint 36"x18". I'm Trying to decide if I should get their 48x3W 4G Cree led fixture with solar simulator (24" fixture) or 2 of the 60W Cree classic units (15" each). I was hoping to utilize the solar simulator and only have to hang one fixture. You guys think it will be enough coverage if I hang it high enough? Thanks for any advise.[/QUOTE

Two 60watt Crees will work just fine on my 55g. Instead of using a more complex solar simulator I simply use four cheap mechanical timers, since my 60 Watt Crees have 4 separate dimmer-on/off controls; an I phase in the lighting, ending up keeping one blue on for a moonlite. Check out my home page.

 

[BigAirHarper]

Yea I've used the timers before to phase lighting back when I had MH/T5 combo on my 120, I just like the idea of being able to automatically adjust intensity throughout the day using the solar simulator. Nice looking tank setup btw.