Frag tank lighting help?

[Bluephish13]

I am about to setup a 20 gal frag tank (30x12x12) reverse light cycle. I was curious what would be some good options for lighting this? Will be used for everything up to sps.

what are the good lower priced led units?

thanks

 

[iamwrasseman]

aqua illuminations nano sol $275 ish

 

[cardiffgiant]

What's your price range, and how sensitive are you to adding watts? I've seen a couple of smaller used t5 units go for good prices. I've also seen some really nice deals on used halide pendants on the main forum.

I priced out a 24 bulb rapidled build with bulbs configs similar to the radion and AI vega for around $250.

 

[iamwrasseman]

i prefer a unit with a controller and also to be backed by a stand up company with a guarantee thats why i mentioned the AI unit .

 

[cardiffgiant]

I agree on AI. When I researched the nano's for my 20 long I read a few comments suggesting that you would need 2 to cover the footprint. At that price, it's worth considering a single AI vega with a more diverse spectrum.

I've also heard some very good things about the Kessil A150W and A350.

 

[iamwrasseman]

there are quite a few to choose from for sure

 

[DCBB]

Look on eBay to get an idea

 

[Bluephish13]

iamwrasseman there are quite a few to choose from for sure

I see that now.

I def want to go led. I replace 6 ati bulbs on my main display already and bulbs are just as expensive in 24" inch sizes as 54".

I would like to keep it to one unit for the frag tank.

The AI units are very nice, but for the money makes me want to invest that $400 into a led kit setup for my main tank.

How many sol's would it take to light a 90gal sps tank?

The sol nano seems reasonable at 299$ if i only needed one.

I need to do some research!

 

[Dapg8gt]

Evergrow 55wx3 D120. Fully Dimmable you can custom order your spectrum and come with a 2 year warranty(china). I got one shipped to my door for $175 and love it. If you dont mind ordering a Chinese product I think this is a good option. I have had one for a little over a month and really like it. It has 26 RB 25 mixed whites and 4 violets. Has been running at 40% and the corals responded well to it in the frag tank. I found out about it in the " Chinese LED" thread here on RC. SPS I have are growing pretty good under it and the zoas love it.

You would only need one to light the tank..

For American I would say AI for the price point the radions are prob superior but they are expensive JMO. A friend has three sol blue and his tank looks awesome. Only really anemones and LPS but they are thriving.

Just my .02

 

[cardiffgiant]

if you're leaning towards the AI nano, this guy has one for $250 shipped

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2203211

 

[Bluephish13]

pulling hair trying to decide on one!

I am between a rapid led 24 bulb, and the sol nano blue, or still maybe a sol blue

I like that the sol nano has 3 colors and all 3 are controllable separately. With controls on the fixture.


Does the regular size sol have dimming controls on the fixture like the nano?or is the controller needed?

What rapid led setup do you guys like? I think i like the puck style grouping better on the AI better that the individually spaced of the rapid led.

I also seen a 12 bulb par 38 bulb on the rapid led site with cool and soft white leds. Would one of them do anything useful?


Thanks

 

[Bluephish13]

Been to arc twice now to look at the ai units. The Ai nano is small....But it sounds like most people keep the levels low. I will be suspending the light so i could raise the light as high as i want and turn the intensity to 100 if needed to get better spread?

Anyone with thoughts on that?

One AI nano 359$ with base controller. Thats about my limit i want to spend. 299$ with out controller since i do not really need it.

I could get slightly 3 day used sol with no controller for 375$, but that would be kind of useless for me running at 100% all the time.

Two 12 bulb mixed color par 38 from rapid led. 178$+ shipping(no dimmer) Blues and whites can not be dimmed separately.

Not really sure a final price on a rapid led build with dimmer, 24 bulbs $250-300$. One positive is being able to add some colored leds.

What would you guys do?????

Im going to drill the frag tank now, so i hope i get some more input while i am gone......