led lights help

[ggreene66]

So im currently building a 125 gallon reef. I want to start with led lights but have no idea where to start. leds seem so expensive and I jus want to get it right and know more before I purchase some. what kind and how many would I need for a 125 gallon? ive been reading and im just so lost when it comes to leds. really looking for a lot of advice.

 

[CReyes350]

In my personal experience it boiled down to what I could afford... I was pretty much tired to buying MH and T5 bulbs for my combo lighting so I took the plunge on some pre-owned AI Sol Blues. I went with the Blues because a few of my buds were already running them on their systems and the lights looked AWESOME... plus, I couldn't even afforded used Radions and I couldn't find any pre-owned Hydras

I love my Blues and since I installed them my corals have responded well. I have two lights over a 48" long system (each light is about 12" and I have a 12" rail between my lights). If you went with an AI lighting system, you'd probably need 3 to 4 lights? Depends how much coverage you're looking for.

 

[Holyassasin]

Well my local reef group donated a complete setup to me, with LED lights for a 40B. All my corals love the LEDs and really open up! I really recommend you get them, I find them way better than T5s.. even though I'm running T5s on one of my smaller aquariums, which is a 10g nano.

 

[Bgsutton]

I run 3 AI Sol Blues on my 180. While I know 4 would look better, the 3 seem to be working great and my corals continue to grow. Keep in mind the cost of the LED's are initially more, but you'll save money every month on your electric bill, will have a lot less heat and you won't have to replace the bulbs every 6-12 months.

 

[Holyassasin]

Yeah not sure what LEDs I have but its 120W Blues/White and has 3 fans on it, not as hot as my T5s, you won't regret buying LEDs.

 

[ggreene66]

Thanks for all the replies and advice guys. So where is the best or cheapest place to get leds? Ive been loomkng at them on ebay and their selling for pretty cheap but dont really have a brand name on any of them. Im assuming their possibly cheap and dont work but idk

 

[CReyes350]

I bought both of mine from this site from fellow reefers. $240 for used Sol Blues is average... sometimes its less or more... I would look for units under a year of usage. Sometimes you can also find units that people bought new but never installed. BUT you need to wait till after 50 posts (I think) to see the "Used Equipment and Dry Goods Selling" section

 

[ggreene66]

Ok. Thanks. That being said anyone selling any used led lights lol? Also i have a canopy on my 125 and dont really wanna mount my leds from ceiling. Anybody have advice or suggestions on mounting led lights inside my canopy? Tried to google this but no luck.

 

[D0GFISH]

I just picked up 3 Ocean Revive T247 fixtures for my 125. So far I'm amazed with the value and ease of upgrading later as we learn more about LEDs and better LEDs become available. The company seems very eager to answer questions and make customers happy.
Like every LED tank I've seen I think it would benefit from a full spectrum T5 bulb to supplement. Whichever LED you buy make sure you start at low intensity and build it up over months.

 

[ggreene66]

Where did you get them from and how much?

 

[D0GFISH]

Where did you get them from and how much?

I bought them direct from Ocean Revive and they retail for $200 each.

 

[sillygoose]

I have 3 AI super blue sols on a 180. I would love to get another (Memorial day sales??) but my corals are growing very well even with 3. I have to keep reducing the intensity because my colors are still washed out. It's getting better with time.

I would advise you to skip any lights that are unbranded because there are a lot of cheap knockoffs. They will still cost you lots and you won't have quality assurance. Good luck.