So, looking to upgrade my system and I am looking into LEDs. Now my question(s) are where the heck do I begin. I've watched many videos on comparisons of different fixtures, read lots of information about LED fixtures and I'm still lost. I guess I just have a list of questions that fellow reefers can help me with...so here I go.
Color Spectrum?: I know a lot of the new fixtures have an almost "unlimited" color change possibility, but what colors really matter to the corals? Should I just go with blue and white lights or buy a fancy fixture with many different color options.
Degree of Optics?: I'm looking to get a tank the 48x24x16(Frag Tank) what degree of optics should I get and how will that selected degree benefit the corals in the long run.(And what about upgradable lenses for some fixtures)
How many fixtures to get?: Should I only be getting 2 fixtures or more for this tank.(I do have halides but would like to mix the LEDs and Halides together and have them run a completely different time settings) or even just work my way onto the LEDs.
LED Fixtures or Strips?: Should I buy a full on fixture like a Radion or AI, or go with reefbrite strips. Would strips grow coral just as effectively as a fixture would?
What fixture to really buy?: From personal experience what has everyone gone with that has bought LED and have had great outcomes with them(using them for more than a year)
OT: Dimmable T5s?: What about dimmable T5s would this be the same as getting LEDs that dim what's the benefit of these T5 fixtures such as ATI that can dim?
Do I need to get a fixture with dimming capabilities?: What if they don't dim will it hurt or "burn" the corals, or even create hot spots?
What wattage?: I see that there is 3w, 2w, and even 1w LEDS what's the big difference and should I go higher than 3w?
DIY Fixture?: What is the benefit other than $$$ wise for doing a DIY instead of buying a name brand fixture?
Please help me with this! I know this is A LOT of information to cover but this will benefit my knowledge and the knowledge of others also looking to take the path of going LED and of course benefit corals and the growth they receive. Thanks!
Color Spectrum?: I know a lot of the new fixtures have an almost "unlimited" color change possibility, but what colors really matter to the corals? Should I just go with blue and white lights or buy a fancy fixture with many different color options.
Degree of Optics?: I'm looking to get a tank the 48x24x16(Frag Tank) what degree of optics should I get and how will that selected degree benefit the corals in the long run.(And what about upgradable lenses for some fixtures)
How many fixtures to get?: Should I only be getting 2 fixtures or more for this tank.(I do have halides but would like to mix the LEDs and Halides together and have them run a completely different time settings) or even just work my way onto the LEDs.
LED Fixtures or Strips?: Should I buy a full on fixture like a Radion or AI, or go with reefbrite strips. Would strips grow coral just as effectively as a fixture would?
What fixture to really buy?: From personal experience what has everyone gone with that has bought LED and have had great outcomes with them(using them for more than a year)
OT: Dimmable T5s?: What about dimmable T5s would this be the same as getting LEDs that dim what's the benefit of these T5 fixtures such as ATI that can dim?
Do I need to get a fixture with dimming capabilities?: What if they don't dim will it hurt or "burn" the corals, or even create hot spots?
What wattage?: I see that there is 3w, 2w, and even 1w LEDS what's the big difference and should I go higher than 3w?
DIY Fixture?: What is the benefit other than $$$ wise for doing a DIY instead of buying a name brand fixture?
Please help me with this! I know this is A LOT of information to cover but this will benefit my knowledge and the knowledge of others also looking to take the path of going LED and of course benefit corals and the growth they receive. Thanks!
