Lighting help...

[Wd40]

Ok so I'm building a 42" x 28" x 20" sps tank..
Stuck between a used 10x39w ati powermodule ($600)
Ati led powermodule ($1300)
Or a set of used ai hydras for ($650)

Don't know which I should go for or if it's even worth the extra $$$ for the led powermodule.
I don't know much bout leds at all that's why I'm asking. I'm a MH guy but would like to get away from the heat and electrical bill a lil...

Thanks

 

[blackthunda77]

If you want to go the tried and true way and be able to keep anything from A-Z id go with the t5's.

 

[rovster]

LED hybrid FTW. Had I know of it before I bought my radions, would have gone with that. I would definitely stay away from the hydras, unless you wantto use 3 or 4 of them. JMHO.

 

[nick12881]

What's the LED hybrid ?

 

[Bandomo]

I heavily considered the new ATI Hybrid for my new build. Theres a couple reasons why I decided against it...

1. Not upgradable. Thats a lot of coin to drop on a fixture that can't be upgraded in the future to the latest and greets technology. Sure T5's are tried and true but thats only half the fixture. LED's are changing at such rapid speed that who knows what around the corner.
.
2. Not modular. What happens when you want to upgrade? You'll be forced to sell your fixture and re-purchase one that is size appropriate for your new tank.

3. Low resell value. Most hight end equipment in this hobby have a relative low re-sale value. Instead of being able to buy/sell modules to meet the needs of a new tank, get prepared to take a large hit when the time comes to sell. Oh, and prepare yourself to take another large hit when the time comes to buy again!

With that said, if I didn't have the Radions sitting in the closet from my previous tanks, I probably would have gone with the Hybrid. Reason being is that I'm 100 percent sure that I wont be upgrading in the near future. Also, I enjoy playing with new technology and completely understand that the fixture will be worth half its value the day I purchase it.

 

[rovster]

I disagree Jovany, I find that most good high end stuff holds its value. Its the cheap stuff that gets even cheaper quick. Just look at the resale value of ecotech, geisemann, ATI, profilux, tunze, etc. I think they hold their value very well. Just my opinion.

I think the ATI hybrid is a beast of a light, and not sure you could do any better. Honestly, if I was to design the light of my dreams, it would be an LED/T5 hybrid, only difference I'd use mostly blue and UV leds, and use the T5 for the "white".

 

[Bandomo]

You're correct Danny, certain things hold their valve better then others. Vortech MP10/MP40's and Tunze pumps are a good example. The best items that have the highest resell value are those high end items that were purchased USED, not new. Pumps, ATO, and other nicknacks are an exception and hold decent resell value even when purchased new. High end Light fixtures, Elos tanks, Bubble King skimmers, and a couple others are a different beast. I'll give you an example..

I purchase 2 Radions, one new for $750 when they first came out and the other one used for $400. Todays current market yields between $325-$400 for a used G1 Radion. If I were to sell, I could care less about taking a $100 hit for the used Radion. But the hit on the Radion that was purchased new is going to sting a little. It'll be roughly a $400 hit.

No question about it, the ATI Hybrid is definitely a beast of a fixture. If my Radions don't treat my SPS as good as I'm hoping, I'll definitely be switch to the Hybrid. Time will tell.

 

[rovster]

Don't get me going on the Radions. I bought 3 gen 1's 3 months before they announced the release of the Gen 2's. I ended up upgrading to pros, and they still have not been fired. Soon though. That said, the Radion example is different, because there is a "newer" model. Elos tanks hold value, Mitras LEDs hold value, even BK skimmers hold value pretty good. Things that have been replaced with the latest and greatest, best examples are Gen 1 radions and AI Sols, are dirt cheap now.

 

[Wd40]

Thanx for the input guys... And ur right on the upgrading thing. The only thing is I just downgraded..lol.. So I don't think I'm wanting to upgrade anytime soon!