Ready to jump from halogens to LEDs. I could use some objective advice. Tank is FOWLR, 5 feet deep, 10 feet long 4'front to back(1500 g). Concerned about getting decent light to bottom. Stores that carry these brands assure me they will do the trick. Don't entirely trust their motives. How many would I need to give the tanks proper lighting given above dimensions? Would love to hear from anyone with experience with these brands. Thanks...
Kessil vs EchoTech LEDs??
- Thread starter barrysalt
- Start date
mcgyvr
New member
Well... its a fish only tank.. the amount of light YOU want is 100% up to you..
Will any decent LED give you light 5ft down.. sure..
Is it going to be "enough" light.. Well thats your personal preference..
Choosing one with tight optics will/should help penetrate further..
The manufacturers you spoke of all publish "par" graphs which will show spread and PAR at certain heights.. you can extrapolate for deeper tanks if needed..
I would think that with a potential large purchase that any local store will let you purchase 1 and try it out and even return if needed..
Heck.. head over to amazon and pick up a $100 165W galaxy hydro or mars aqua reef led light and see how you like that.. Whats $100 with the cash you would drop on kessil or ecotech..
You might find those work just great (and they do) and I just saved you hundreds of dollars..
Will any decent LED give you light 5ft down.. sure..
Is it going to be "enough" light.. Well thats your personal preference..
Choosing one with tight optics will/should help penetrate further..
The manufacturers you spoke of all publish "par" graphs which will show spread and PAR at certain heights.. you can extrapolate for deeper tanks if needed..
I would think that with a potential large purchase that any local store will let you purchase 1 and try it out and even return if needed..
Heck.. head over to amazon and pick up a $100 165W galaxy hydro or mars aqua reef led light and see how you like that.. Whats $100 with the cash you would drop on kessil or ecotech..
You might find those work just great (and they do) and I just saved you hundreds of dollars..
JaimeAdams
PMASI
That would save thousand of dollars not hundreds.
Personally I would look into Orphek lights with a 5 foot depth. If I was set on LED.
With a tank that size I would go with Metal Halides. The new Reef Brite hybrids look really nice.
Personally I would look into Orphek lights with a 5 foot depth. If I was set on LED.
With a tank that size I would go with Metal Halides. The new Reef Brite hybrids look really nice.
Do you plan on keeping any type of coral or anemones? If not and you can hand these leds up really high. Leds actually would be a great option Kessils will give you and great shimmer ( looked for used ones ). Most other led units though will give you a better spread/coverage. Have you thought about any of the cheap eBay led units. With your being a fish only then that might be your best route to save a ton of cash on them and spend the savings on other stuff.
Thanks for the feedback...I already useo 400 watt Halogens (four over each of two same size tanks)--but between the heat and cost of bulbs each year, I think switching to LED's is the way to go. Not to mention the ability to custom blend light values and colors and shimmering effects!
Now I'm just trying to figure out which light--EchoTech or Kessil. I'm sure they are both great lights, and they will do the job even at 5 foot depth. Either XR30 gen 4 by EchoTech, or Kessil's A360 Tuna Blue narrow. Has anyone out there used either of these at depth? Suggestions??
Buying used on eBay may not be my best course, even if in the short run I'd save some bucks.
Now I'm just trying to figure out which light--EchoTech or Kessil. I'm sure they are both great lights, and they will do the job even at 5 foot depth. Either XR30 gen 4 by EchoTech, or Kessil's A360 Tuna Blue narrow. Has anyone out there used either of these at depth? Suggestions??
Buying used on eBay may not be my best course, even if in the short run I'd save some bucks.
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