Getting back into the hobby

[scubadan206]

All seem appropriate. I would upgrade to the Kessil 360 controllable if you go that rout. Still stick to companies with good service and products with modularity. Last thing. Buy American.:thumbsup:
My suggestions.
Daniel. :wavehand:

 

[GLHFriends]

Welcome!
You may want to look into Reef Breeders. It is my understanding that they pretty much swap some optics, adjust a few things and slap a 2 year warranty on the Chinese LED lights. I am currently growing LPS and softies under mine. They also have a "value" fixture.
Thanks

http://reefbreeders.com/photon-series/

 

[Bent]

Wow those are nice!

 

[Bent]

Started my build!

Follow it here:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2408472

 

[DrBoxedWine]

Keep in mind that with Kessils you'll need 2 on a 4' tank. I hear great things but just to toss that out there.

 

[Bent]

Thanks! I'll remember.

For now I'm going to stick with my power compacts until I can save the cash for the kessils.

 

[DrBoxedWine]

Wise move. That's what I'm doing too, so it must be

 

[sponger0]

Thanks! I'll remember.

For now I'm going to stick with my power compacts until I can save the cash for the kessils.

Or you could find some used T5s halides until then. PCs IMO arent really worth it.

 

[scubadan206]

Keep in mind that with Kessils you'll need 2 on a 4' tank. I hear great things but just to toss that out there.

Yah that's the "line of sight" thing. You can get away with 2 on a narrow tank, but another option is 4, 250 model on a basic timer to get a good spread. Still looks good with only 2. You would probably get more shadows than you would be happy with. Daniel. :wildone:

 

[DrBoxedWine]

I think the shadows you're talking about are a very personal thing. I've seen 3 A350s on a 210, and didn't really notice any shadowing at all. I don't doubt it's there, but it didn't bug me to the point of even noticing (and i stood there for 15 minutes looking at this tank at the LFS). The single point light source is what a lot of people like about the kessils. I think a little shadowing is a pretty cool effect (i did notice it with the fish when they were lower and closer to the sandbed).

However, this illustrates the need to really see them in person. From what i've noticed, once you get into the high end of the lighting, it really is personal preference.

4 on a 55 gallon seems like extreme overkill to me, haha. Once you're spending $1200-$1600 to light a 55g, i'd start looking at radions.

 

[scubadan206]

You're correct sir... Just an opinion. When I was looking for new lights last year, I considered both these lights. I went with the Radions for the purpose of getting more coverage. I like them both. As far as 4 lights on the tank, I was referring to the older model Kessil. Most places have them for $225. These are only 25, 30 watts. Something like that. Probably not enough punch for todays demanding corals. Maybe go midgrade, with the 350? They're even on sale right now.

Does anyone else get the feeling the lighting companies have something up their sleeves? Radions on sale, Kessil 350 on sale. Kessil 360 discontinued on several sites? Vortech is hinting that the reeflink will be the key to all their "soon to be released" products. Sounds fun, if not expensive.

HEY!! BENT!! Sounds like you could get some great stuff second hand within the year from all the people upgrading soon.

Daniel :wildone:

 

[DrBoxedWine]

I've thought the same thing, and I didn't even put together some of the things you said. I'm thinking we may see some new stuff around MACNA. At least I really hope so since I live in Denver and will be going. That's why I'm holding off on the 360s, I think they may either drop in price soon or there will be a new model out in a few months. And that's a good point about the 250s, you'd get a good spread. I REALLY like the Radions but I feel like they're just over my price point. I also love the aesthetics of the kessil units themselves. I feel they really add the look of the tank being so small and sleek. Since its going in the living room, appealing to the Mrs is key, and why I'm not going with a massive reefbreeder unit.

 

[Bent]

Or you could find some used T5s halides until then. PCs IMO arent really worth it.

I already have them. They are free and worked fine for certain species that I kept years ago. I'd rather not dump any more money into something that's only temporary. Id rather put that cash towards something else.

I'm really considering selling my AR-15 to fund this....

 

[sponger0]

How is this temporary???