LED question...

[TokiHacker]

Ok... So I just read the longgg thread on MH vs LED vs T5 and combination of them all and I am severely confused :headwalls:

I am looking at lighting for a 180g standard size. After talking to a few people I decided on getting 3 Chinese black box lights 165w 3w per led.

now. A reefer said rule of thumb is 72x24x3 / 16 if the tank size is 72x24x24

which is 324w. So that is what I needed to calculate by. I was originally going to do 3 Chinese black box 360w 3w per led.

can I get some clarification on this? I will be hopefully have SPS LPS SOFT and CLAM

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes 3 x 165W fixtures will be fine..

Oh wait.. I was the one that told you that already

 

[TokiHacker]

Yes 3 x 165W fixtures will be fine..

Oh wait.. I was the one that told you that already

Haha I know but I saw another reefer that had the 1000+watts and his sps was gorgeous!!! I wasn't sure if it was due to that. I just don't want to buy these and it not be enough!

 

[mcgyvr]

And frankly you probably won't even need to turn the 3 x 165 up past 70% or so..

Of course don't forget.. As your tank fills,etc.. you can always just add another one if you really think you need it..

 

[Kyle218]

You pay for what u get when u buy LEDs. Keep that in mind. U want them to last? Don't buy cheap "black box" LEDs.

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[Kyle218]

I am currently running these on my 220. They are very bright and have a great warranty.

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[rtparty]

I'm confused by the last two posts...Don't buy cheap black boxes but btw, I run "cheap black boxes."

Things that make one say hmmm...

 

[f3honda4me]

I'm confused by the last two posts...Don't buy cheap black boxes but btw, I run "cheap black boxes."

Things that make one say hmmm...

lol I'm with you on that one.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I guess to Kyle a $139 black box Chinese led fixture isn't "cheap"???

Oh, and Kyle, I want mine to last. But how long should they last? I've got a 5 year old $150 Chinese BB led that still works just fine.

BTW, the cheapest BB LED is probably the MarsAqua and it's not bad at all.

 

[timnem70]

Nothing wrong with any of them. Think all folks are saying and correct me if I am wrong that lighting is and always has been a personal choice. It may just be easier to utilize a warranty and or technical support with a "brand name" led. However, also remember that while ousting is a component, good water chemistry, knowledge and patience are paramount. Don't look at others 4 yr.old tanks and believe, "look at that SPS tank , it has black boxes and is beautiful". Can't see behind the scenes and there a lot more to it.
Hope this helps
BTW, I run a Kessil A360we with 2 ATI t5 bulbs as supplementation. It works great for me over my 35 cube.

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[timnem70]

HATE AUTO CORRECT. Should of been While lighting is an important part.

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