Eshine Options

[HurricaneCaleb]

Working on changing from my 75 to a 125 and wondering about lights. I plan on keeping mostly softies, zoas, and anemones for the clowns. I contacted Eshine and they gave me 2 options:

1. 3 units of the new CREE 60W, blue and white can be adjusted separately.
2. 2 units of the CREE 48x3W, set sunset and sunrise simulation.

Is anyone running any of these setups currently?

Is the additional cost of CREE over Epistar & Bridgelux worth the 15-20% penetration, efficiency and lifespan?

What is more important, adjusting the intensity or sunrise/ set simulation?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[yh1185]

I have a 40b, and chose a 48X3w instead of 2 60w's because of the cost and the sunrise/sunset controller. I'm still waiting for the lights to be shipped, but i figured i'd give you my thought process to help you out.

Even though the 48X3w doesn't have dimming like the 60w setup has, i was told the controller could basically act as the dimmer. So the decision was between manually dimming the 60w every day or have a controller do the dimming for me.(i'm lazy so that was easy) I chose to go with the Cree over the bridgelux because for the price difference, i'd rather have the extra penetration. I figure with LED's being so new, and still so much information to learn, it is better to get more then less, especially since your tank is probably much deeper then mine. Just my 2 cents.