equipment questions

[rgentry123]

So, I'm in the planning phase on an either 180 or 220 gallon tank, There are a lot things that i would LOVE to have for the tank but realistically can't justify spending the money for if there is a better alternative. The main two things being power heads and lights.

I'm seriously consdiering going with the Jebao WP40 instead of the vortechs MP40 but wanted to know if there were people with experience with them before buying. In the long run it doesnt do me any good to go with the jebao's and then be disappointed and end up shelling out the money for the vortechs in the long run anyway.

The other thing i'm debating on is lighting - now i know i want to go LED but i'm just not sure what direction to go. I would LOVE to have the Ecotech Radions, but i would end up needing 3 i think and thats just going to be a huge expense. I'm thinking about the Kessil 350W pendants, but would i need supplemental lighting with these? It seems as though there is only a single LED diode(or bulb, or whatever the heck you call it) so i have to imagine it's only going to be either a daylight (10k color) or actinic. Am i correct in this assumption? i dont want to buy three of these and then still need to buy supplemental lighting as well to give me the color i want. Any alternatives are GREATLY appreciated. I also feel like i've seen some talk about other LED brands that are substantially cheaper, but just dont carry the big names. I feel like i've come across these in the used items for sale forum and even on ebay. Anyone have experience with those?

THANKS!

 

[rgentry123]

No thoughts?

 

[Dmorty217]

I have a 220g and I have a closed loop and a MP60... The MP60 doesn't ever get turned on. The closed loop is run by a Reeflo Hammerhead with penductors that pump out around 30k gph. I'm sure people are going to say a CL is not cost effective but I will gladly pay 20-30$ a month to run it nonstop. As far as lights go I have 3 RapidLED onyx fixtures and I love them. I also have a Radion gen 2. The Radion is very functional when hooked up to the reeflink but I think for the $$ that the RapidLED fixtures are a better buy

 

[Finland]

I'm seriously consdiering going with the Jebao WP40 instead of the vortechs MP40 but wanted to know if there were people with experience with them before buying. In the long run it doesnt do me any good to go with the jebao's and then be disappointed and end up shelling out the money for the vortechs in the long run anyway.

The other thing i'm debating on is lighting - now i know i want to go LED but i'm just not sure what direction to go. I would LOVE to have the Ecotech Radions, but i would end up needing 3 i think and thats just going to be a huge expense. I'm thinking about the Kessil 350W pendants, but would i need supplemental lighting with these? It seems as though there is only a single LED diode(or bulb, or whatever the heck you call it) so i have to imagine it's only going to be either a daylight (10k color) or actinic. Am i correct in this assumption? i dont want to buy three of these and then still need to buy supplemental lighting as well to give me the color i want. Any alternatives are GREATLY appreciated. I also feel like i've seen some talk about other LED brands that are substantially cheaper, but just dont carry the big names. I feel like i've come across these in the used items for sale forum and even on ebay. Anyone have experience with those?

THANKS!

I am using a couple Jaebo wp40's on my 180. I am really happy with them. For the cost, you can't beat them. They are relatively quiet and move a ton of water.
If you are looking for a lower cost LED, you might want to check out ReefBreeder leds. I have 2 photon32's and am pretty happy with them. The sps are growing good and maintaining their colors. I ran halides for years and made the swith about 6 months ago. Only thing I didn't like was the coverage. I added a couple t5's for supplement and that took care of it.

 

[drej424]

I use tunzes on my tanks and they've been great. I've had them for about 7 years now. I use MH on my reef tank and T-5s on my FOWLR. I tried LEDs on part of my reef tank for a while, but some of my corals started dying! Now I'm back to MH only. The only drawback is the high electric bill.

 

[rgentry123]

Awesome, thanks for the help guys.