Help me spent 3k on LEDS

[reefkeeps]

Torn between the following lights for my 150 gallon 5 foot tank. I'm replacing two 250K MH....

• What option would you pick & why?
• Is 48inches going to be enough?

Option one

Vertex Illumilux II 48" Marino Blu Modular LED Strip

$449.99 * 5 = $2249.95
50-50 Royal Blue, Blue

Option 2

Vertex Illumina 260 Advanced LED Fixture

http://www.blueworldaquariums.com/prodimages/lighting/led-fixtures/illumina-chart.jpg

48 inch Price: $3,149.99



Option 3



Sfiligoi Genesis

320w - 6 White Modules(72 LEDs), 2 Blue Modules(24 LEDs)
Measures 19.75" x 48"

Sale Price: $2,880.00

Option 4


GENESIS T5 8x54w T5 + 3 LED Module

-Forced ventilation with speed adjustable fans.
-Size: 2.75"x20"x47.5". T5 lamps not included.
Sale Price: $2,385.00

 

[Acrotrdco]

48" fixture for 60" long tank? I don't think it'll cover your entire tank, your tank's left and right would be too dim for anything.

Besides, is it a mixed reef or SPS dominated tank?

You could go with 5x AI Sol (one for each 12") but that'll be over your budget or 3x G2-160w / 2x G2-230w which is within your budget.

 

[ArmanS]

I think a 48" fixture is perfectly fine.. especially one of those top of the line fixtures? Not considering DIY? Much cheaper and can get way more LEDS for that price. And the SOL Fixtures made by AI are really great.. you would be fine with 4.

 

[reefkeeps]

I agree with you on the DIY but I can't make a fixture that I would be happy with. The AI is the same issue, once you hang them they don't look very nice. I should have mentioned I don't have a way to hide them and I have a rimless tank.

 

[Acrotrdco]

I agree with you on the DIY but I can't make a fixture that I would be happy with. The AI is the same issue, once you hang them they don't look very nice. I should have mentioned I don't have a way to hide them and I have a rimless tank.

Interesting, I also have a rimless tank also using LED, and this is my FTS if you haven't seen it before

 

[SoLiD]

I'd go 5 AI SOL Super Blue's with the AI 60inch rails and maybe construct a Black Acrylic shell for it...

 

[reefkeeps]

Interesting, I also have a rimless tank also using LED, and this is my FTS if you haven't seen it before

I've seen yours many times but none of the pictures show what the lights look like on top of the tank, they just show the tank. That said, I do like how the tank looks!

 

[reefkeeps]

I'd go 5 AI SOL Super Blue's with the AI 60inch rails and maybe construct a Black Acrylic shell for it...

Well, that's an idea I had not thought off, of course I would need to find someone who could do that.....


Does no one like the LEDs I posted above?

 

[Midnightsun]

Main difference is one is half leds and the other is all leds. What I like the most on a the all led system is the ramp-ability if that is a word. Then there is the option or running at X intensity which gives you so much more flexibility. Going dimmable led you cannot have too much light and IMHO it mimics nature far better than just gong from 0-100 in a flash. Obviously I am recommending the Vertex. Then again I just bought the Vertex 24" so I am partial. :celeb1:

 

[notclear]

Torn between the following lights for my 150 gallon 5 foot tank. I'm replacing two 250K MH....

• What option would you pick & why?
• Is 48inches going to be enough?

[Option 3



Sfiligoi Genesis

320w - 6 White Modules(72 LEDs), 2 Blue Modules(24 LEDs)
Measures 19.75" x 48"

Sale Price: $2,880.00

For Option 3, I think you may find that not enough blues!

 

[SoLiD]

Vertex are nice but The AI's are the only one's that can be legally supported in the US because of patent infringement issues. I looked into the Vertex but the over all flexibility of the Aqua Illumination SOL Modules is why I went with them. If I get a bigger tank then I just buy a bigger rail and add more modules. Any how... It's ultimately your decision.

FYI, to make an acrylic shell should be pretty easy for novice working with acrylic since it won't be holding water and just for aesthetics. But I'm sure that a person in your local area could also help out. There has to be a ton of acrylic guys in Florida.

 

[reefkeeps]

For Option 3, I think you may find that not enough blues!

I was concerned about that as well....

 

[reefkeeps]

Main difference is one is half leds and the other is all leds. What I like the most on a the all led system is the ramp-ability if that is a word. Then there is the option or running at X intensity which gives you so much more flexibility. Going dimmable led you cannot have too much light and IMHO it mimics nature far better than just gong from 0-100 in a flash. Obviously I am recommending the Vertex. Then again I just bought the Vertex 24" so I am partial. :celeb1:

I'm a huge fan of dimming, all of the items above have that feature, it's also the only reason I didn't include the Maxspect...

 

[reefkeeps]

48" fixture for 60" long tank? I don't think it'll cover your entire tank, your tank's left and right would be too dim for anything.

Besides, is it a mixed reef or SPS dominated tank?

You could go with 5x AI Sol (one for each 12") but that'll be over your budget or 3x G2-160w / 2x G2-230w which is within your budget.

Mixed but 90% SPS, my blue face may make it 100% some day =)

The Maxspect G3's might be an option as they are expected to be dimmable but I haven't seen a release date on them....

 

[Midnightsun]

The Maxspect G3's might be an option as they are expected to be dimmable but I haven't seen a release date on them....

Everything I have read so far indicates manual dimming only. Do a google search for "maxspect G3"

I also contacted Maxspect regarding G3 availability and it sounds like early spring.

I also own a Maxspect G2 110, nice unit but which it was dimmable and able to run off a 1-10V supply signal.

 

[Anemonebuff]

Less than $3000.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_835_541&products_id=3505

 

[reefkeeps]

Less than $3000.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_835_541&products_id=3505

Yes, and if the had a nice looking fixture I would be all over it... No other feedback on the ones I picked above?

 

[mapn4reef]

I was concerned about that as well....

You can configure that light with 4 white modules and 4 blue modules for a small up-charge. I'm seriously considering the Genesis, I'm waiting on answers to a couple questions from Aquatics Elite. I love the Vertex, just too much $$$ for the 260 model, 200 probably be fine though.

It ultimately will be between the Sfiligoi or the AI fixtures. The individual modules of the AI is a BIG advantage...get a bigger tank, just add a fixture or two...If I deside to go smaller, I could use 2 over a smaller tank and 1 over a frag tank...just very flexible options with their approach...I like Euro engineering and styling, being half German myself...but the AIs are USA made too...I like to see more high tech products produced here...

 

[reefkeeps]

I purchased the Pacific Sun Metis, as soon as I get it online I'll provide a review....