Opinions on LEDs?

[earthboy17]

There is SO MUCH info out there on LEDs, I'm not sure what to believe or where to start.
I've gotten good recommendations from Jess at Diablo, but I'm hoping to do some more research on my own.

Anyone have any educated opinions they would care to share?
Any links to research or reviews I could read?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[fingerwrinkles]

Tom, really it depends on what application / environment you're going for. I have AIs and really like them but the Kessils are great too. I'd suggest looking at the manufacturer's sites to get the tech specs, go to the LFS around here to see them in action (suggest Robert @ Neptune or Jess @ Diablo), and then do a little reading on the boards to decide what would be best for you.

 

[wes42079]

There are too many LED options out there.

I have heard that people are liking Reef Breeder's Chinese LED's. One fixture is made of 55 3watt BridgeLux LED's for $199. And there is another fixture of 55 3watt Cree LED's for $299.

There are also the Kessil's a150, a350 and a350w. I recently upgraded from my ATI 6x39w T5's to a single Kessil a350 for my 40 breeder. I recently added it, so I don't really have too much to say about it.

Then there are AI's, Radion's as well as DIY.

I suggest that you think about which corals you will be stocking, the dimensions your aquarium will be and do lots and lots of reading.

 

[wes42079]

Double post.

 

[rhaey]

I've been using LED lights for more than a year now and I'm happy with them. I built my own LED lighting system with the 10watts led I bought from ebay and rapidled powersupply with dimmer to adjust the output. So far my corals are growing and healthy. I using 3 navy blue led 10watts each and 4 20k white led 10 watts each. It cost me less than 200 to build.

 

[650-IS350]

I went with Kessils but thought about getting the AI's or Eotechs

 

[Reefer1225]

I have AI Sols and am pleased with them

 

[Dazed1]

I went with Kessils but thought about getting the AI's or Eotechs

Ditto. Only reason I was thinking of the AI's or ecotech was for the controller. As for the kessil, I've seen good growth for the last 2 months i've had it. I hear they may have something in works for it.

 

[Psionicdragon]

i use a custom build 50w and 30w full spectrum

 

[fastrd400]

I run Ecotech Radions. I was going to run a pair of Kessils but actually won a Radion in a raffle, so I just bought the second one. They are IMO the best on the market, however they are pricey. They are upgradable as the compant expands their technology as well.

The Kessil LED's are a great light. For the size the spread, spectrum, and light output are awesome.

The AI SOL's I originally was going to go with. I then found out the spread was only 18 inches, so I would need three of them. I then read in the forums that this fixture is missing some color spectrum and people are having to supplement them with T5's. That was somthing I was trying to get away from, so it pushed me to research the Radions and the Kessils much more.

 

[insomniac2k2]

I'd agree that unless you were going to DIY exactly what you want, Radions or kessil is the way to go.

 

[ugenezsn]

reefbrite xho

 

[s4chico]

I have been running AI's for a year now and I am very pleased with them. I am planning on getting a corner bow tank for my bedroom and I am thinking about trying a Kessil on it.

 

[earthboy17]

ok, that helps.
Price is a major factor (which would lead me to Kessil a350w over radion).
If I go with the Kessil, I break even after 3 years (over my t5s), so I think it makes sense. Just gotta scrape together a few bills.

Anyone want to buy a 120g frag tank (or regular tank)

Thank you everyone for your input.

 

[pcfish]

What about the new AI Vega that is supposed to be out soon list for about 100 dollars more the the Kessil a350w might be worth the wait.

 

[earthboy17]

$400 is already stretching my budget.
Any idea when the Vega is due out?

 

[pcfish]

Its supposed to be out sometime this month. Online stores aleady taking pre-orders

 

[Dazed1]

Online stores have been taking pre-orders before even the specs were out. AI is very bad with communication on stuff.

What sized tank is the light going on earthboy?

 

[D-Nak]

As others have mentioned, each LED fixture serves a slightly different purpose.

Here's a quick rundown (I chose these since they are the most popular off the shelf fixtures):

1. Kessil A350
PROS: best output of any LED if you're trying to simulate the look of a halide bulb since the LEDs are clustered into a matrix, which results in a nice, even shimmer. Blue and white are independently adjustable.
CONS: Manual control, thus no ramp up or ramp down capabilities (corals don't care about this, though some have mentioned that this possibly benefits fish). Must be hung at least 10" off the tank to get good spread (may not apply to the A350w - I haven't tested it).

2. AI Sol
PROS: Proven to be successful at growing coral, provides even coverage; can be controlled via controller such as an Apex; has ramp up/down; option to have stand-alone controller (wireless controller due out soon).
CONS: Must be hung about 12" above tank to get good spread; some don't think White & Blue (WB) LEDs provide coral with enough wavelength. The full color version of the Sol (AI Vega Color) is supposed to be released this month.

3. Ecotech Radion
PROS: RGB+W LEDs; works in tandem with Ecotech MP10/40/60; Full control of all colors via laptop-based app. Very good spread -- you may be able to get away with less fixtures than the AI Sol; 7" optimal hanging height so it fits in most canopies; has ramp up/down; one of the best output from a panel-type LED fixture, in terms of LED color disperson (less "mirror-ball" effect).
CONS: Minimal onboard control; no true remote control (yet, Ecotech announced web-based control capability) - laptop must be physically hooked into the master (but other units are wirelessly connected to the master); expensive per unit cost (though may be cheaper for you based on tank size).

I'm sure I missed something, but this should give you a good starting point.

 

[s4chico]

As far as pricing, don't forget to factor in the controller as an added cost to AI when comparing them to Kessil.