Fixture on 75 or 90

[psychofishy]

After being away for 2 years I understand there are a lot of people that have (upgraded?) to LED lights.. I have read numerous topics on the subject, but as always people have different opinions.
- stay with T5 or MH, proven to be working, LED will still change a lot in the next couple of years.
- go to LED, cheaper upkeep and nice color spectrum.


I'm somewhat lost... I'm very much in favor of "cheap upkeep" but at the same time I want what's best for my future tank.

What are your opinions? What would be a good fixture for a 75 or 90 Gallon tank?


rapidled does have my attention with their new ONYX fixtures, i've been told 2 of them would be fine for a 75 or 90, and they're relatively inexpensive.

http://www.rapidled.com/onyx-by-rapid-led/


Thanks!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

personally- I have no experience with LEDS but many otheres here know about them.

GOOD LUCK

 

[davidpesce]

I'm running a DIY led rig and have for about 1.5 years. Love it and wouldn't switch to any other.

That being said, I'd steer clear of non-dimmable rigs because you will not want to run them at full power (at least initially).

With dimmable you can also do a sunrise/sunset effect.

 

[psychofishy]

David,

can you describe your DIY LED's some more? what type? Any pictures? what type of corals do you keep? how many Leds?

Thanks!

 

[davidpesce]

David,

can you describe your DIY LED's some more? what type? Any pictures? what type of corals do you keep? how many Leds?

Thanks!

Some missing images (not sure why, but I'm guessing it's because I moved the albums around), but it's got all the info:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977367

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

LEDs offer some clear advantages if you try to make the decision "by the numbers". They are able to create correct spectra (arguably they are TOO flexible from a spectral perspective) and intensity is no problem if sized correctly. There are no lamp replacement costs and the fixture will probably last longer than your interest in the hobby.

Switching to LEDs is like switching anything else on your tank from one technology to another. There will likely be some bumps road. Some corals may not "like" it or may shift in color or growth. Since you're starting a new tank this will be less of an issue, but it still applies as you add livestock - if you get an orange cap from someone, it may be pink in your tank for instance.

Also LEDs are clearly rather different than MH or T5 in terms of the actual implementation. The fixtures are often smaller and slimmer. Some people like this, others do not. LEDs typically create very strong "shimmer" effect and very sharply defined shadows, given their highly laminar output (especially compared to T5). Again, some people like this, others do not. David mentioned dimming, which is a two edged sword - you get almost infinite adjustability - again, some people find this frustrating ("all I did was try to make it look a little whiter but instead I bleached all my SPS") while others like it. In the end it's a very personal choice and there's no single right or wrong answer.

Commercial vs DIY is a whole separate argument...

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

LEDs offer some clear advantages if you try to make the decision "by the numbers". They are able to create correct spectra (arguably they are TOO flexible from a spectral perspective) and intensity is no problem if sized correctly. There are no lamp replacement costs and the fixture will probably last longer than your interest in the hobby.

Switching to LEDs is like switching anything else on your tank from one technology to another. There will likely be some bumps road. Some corals may not "like" it or may shift in color or growth. Since you're starting a new tank this will be less of an issue, but it still applies as you add livestock - if you get an orange cap from someone, it may be pink in your tank for instance.

Also LEDs are clearly rather different than MH or T5 in terms of the actual implementation. The fixtures are often smaller and slimmer. Some people like this, others do not. LEDs typically create very strong "shimmer" effect and very sharply defined shadows, given their highly laminar output (especially compared to T5). Again, some people like this, others do not. David mentioned dimming, which is a two edged sword - you get almost infinite adjustability - again, some people find this frustrating ("all I did was try to make it look a little whiter but instead I bleached all my SPS") while others like it. In the end it's a very personal choice and there's no single right or wrong answer.

Commercial vs DIY is a whole separate argument...

 

[NirvanaFan]

I couldn't be happier with my DIY rig over my 75g tank. I don't have many corals in it, but it is certainly growing my mangroves like crazy.