tootsiedaisy
New member
I'm looking to supplement my MH with some actinic lighting thinking 48" reef brights blue or the 24 led kit from rapid. Thoughts?
Reef Brites or DIY LEDs
- Thread starter tootsiedaisy
- Start date
James77
Team RC
I tried doing a DIY LED blue strip with optics to cut glare and was dissapointed at the coverage and look. I have used both the regular and XHO ReefBrites and love them. I use a 36" on 4'x2'x2' 120g and it gives full coverage, you could easily get by with a 36" if you have a 48" tank.
tootsiedaisy
New member
Thanks Jim, really a 36" on a 48" tank my tank is also a 120 with center brace I was thinking the 48 but now you got me thinking you wouldn't have a pic of it mounted would you pm me and I'll send my cell #
greech
New member
I just went through this same decision and opted for a DIY 24" strip on my 36" tank. No optics and very little spill over. Saved myself $100 and I like the results ok but I somewhat regret not getting a pre-made fixture for aesthetic purposes. It was fun to build my own LEDs though 
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.tootsiedaisy
New member
If I go with the 36" should I go regular, Or go with the XHO reef brights
James77
Team RC
I've had both, and I am on the fence on if the XHO is worth it. The regular one looked great, but double the LEDs on the XHO did not get double the brightness, and just slightly more intense. It might add more supplement to halides though. For $100, it isnt bad, but you'd be happy with the regular one as well if you are watching a budget.
I think the difference in intensity is a little more noticeable but the XHO's do come with a heat penalty, they definitely get warmer than the regular ones. This isn't a huge deal but if you plan on running them in a closed hood it's something to think about.
