Looking for Lighting (LED) advice

[fishotaku]

Hi,

I am newbie who is developing a 120g reef tank. I want to add easy to care for corals as I progress with the hobby, and maybe even more challenging ones if that goes well. Right now the tank is about 3 months old has fish and about 120 ibs live rock. My LFS has been great and whatever I choose I'll have them order it and install it. Right now, I am using loaner 2 bulb T5 to get started, but want to replace with a LED. I hear and read a lot of conflicting info about LEDs, and it has been hard to find reviews for them that don't have a commercial tie in. I am hoping to get some good advice here.

I'd prefer LED because:
- I like the shimmer
- I like the lower cost of ownership both in terms of build replacement and electrical usage.

My budget is somewhat flexible. I am prepared to spend at least $500 or $600 but could rationalize spending more too.

Two units I have looked at the reefbreeder Photon '48 and on the other end of the universe the giesemann AURORA HYBRID which would be a extreme end of my budget. But like I said I am finding it had to get a lot of recommended options here. (Basically I am leaning towards the Photon because the LFS recommends it, but I wanted to do some diligence which my LFS suggested I do). So here I am.

Thanks in advance.

 

[billdogg]

I really can't comment on either of those choices, but I can tell you my experience with mine.

After 21+ years using T12VHO on my 60g cube I switched to 1 AI Sol blue in preparation for an upgrade to a 120 (when I bought the second one). Before the switch, I was able to keep soft corals, and especially zoanthids, palythoas, and mushrooms with ease. I had several LPS, but none really flourished.

Now the 120 has been set up for 1 1/2 years. The AI Sol's are set to 45w/65b/65rb 12 on / 12 off. I banished all the soft corals to another system, because I really want to have a SPS dominated reef. IMHO, the color and growth of the variety of (mostly) SPS have been very good. A Maxima clam on the sand has at least doubled in size.

I would certainly recommend those lights to anybody. I recently bought a Kessil A360WE to replace those very same T12's because the ~25 year old Icecap660 finally died. I really like it so far. The color is easily adjustable from as blue as you would want to almost pure white. It does require a timer or controller - I use a lamp timer for mine.

Good luck on your search!

 

[fishotaku]

Thanks. The AI Hydra FiftyTwo LED Light. 52 LED seems price comparable to ReefBreeder's Proton 48. As anyone had experience with both? Thanks!