LED lighting

[daddycadi]

I'm sure this topic has been thoroughly talked about before, but I am just now in the market for LED lighting, so I wasn't paying attention. I'm considering 3 aquaillumination fixtures for my future 215 gal build. Minds not quite made up yet. Would appreciate some advice and/or input on good fixtures, especially those with experience. I have a mixed reef and will be adding a lot more SPS in the 215. I am poor so price is a definate issue but I want a good quality product. Thanks for any guidance.

 

[koddyVT]

What are the dimensions of the 215 gallon? I have two AI Sol fixtures on my 75gallon. You may need 4 fixtures instead of 3 to sufficiently light a 215 gallon. The Vegas look nicer than the Sols but are more expensive (of course).

 

[xcorallusx]

you will need more than 3 ais, id say 5-6 if you want to do a sps tank, there are cheaper fixtures that are made for larger tanks, id check out the apollos. If you plan that route you could get 4 and they are the same price as the ai's.

 

[koddyVT]

I agree with checking into other fixtures as well. Make sure whatever you get they are dimmable or else you're asking for trouble.

 

[eengmd]

I have 4 radions going over 72 x 30. I will post a par meter readout for different areas of my future tank in about a month. I think 5-6 AI sol seem about right for SPS.

 

[koddyVT]

Here is the recommended number of modules required to light specific areas:

http://support.aquaillumination.com/entries/459049-tank-recommendations

I personally think they tell you that you need more modules than you do but I agree with Tim and Eugene...it is more than likely going to take you at least 5-6 modules to light a 215gal for SPS.

I'd keep an eye on the Sols' prices (if you are set on AI) because since the Vegas are coming out they really should lower the Sols. I haven't heard that they will, just something to think about. I inquired about upgrading the Sols to Vegas and AI wants to charge you $250 per module to upgrade....what a rip off.

 

[daddycadi]

Good info on that link! Looks like 6 it is. I have a 6ft tank with two dividers across the top. I would like one fixture per open area without one over the dividers. Think I'm going to look into some other options as suggested. I looked at the appolos and it looks like they don't use Cree LEDs (if that's even important). Gonna do some more research. Suggestions still welcome. Thanks for the guidance

 

[daddycadi]

Looks like the Apollo has gotten some good reviews tho!! Also claim 1 fixture for up to 30 in

 

[WillM]

I just bought 2 D120s off of Aliexpress. They were really cheap, but look to be pretty well built and the diodes are Bridgelux. They are dimmable, but it's not like you can really use that feature since it's just a rheostat dial to dim them, and I love my corals but I'm not standing there in the morning and at night for an hour twisting the knob. The blues and whites are on separate drivers. I use them with a timer with the blues coming on first (for 12 hours) and the whites coming on 2 hours later (and staying on 8 hours). So far pretty happy. There's a pretty huge thread about them titled "Chinese LED Lights" if you want to research them more. If you want to see them in person send me a message and you are welcome to come over and take a look. I have a couple of large tanks (240G and 230G) that I need to light and will probably be going this route for them as well.

 

[daddycadi]

just ordered 2 dimmable apollo solar blasts and a full apex controller. gonna run them on my 120 as im still planning/ building my 215. will order more fixtures accordingly when i need them. looking forward to putting these to use and stepping into the world of LED lighting!