Vertex Illumina Club

One last ?, how many pads are in the 48" vs 36"?

Thanks.

Like I said, 2 pads per foot, therefore 6 and 8 pads. Yeah, I know....duh! When we get excited, well,....we get excited. :wildone: Been there, done that.....a number of times.

I am using the 1200mm over a 1360mm tank and find this perfect. As my tank is quite deep (30+"), I have the SR260, which produces 30% more light. The fixture is 6" above the water surface and has wonderful shimmer. I couldn't be happier. When I calculate what I am saving in power and lamp replacement, it pays for itself in between 2-3 years, depending on how 'hot' I run it. Admittedly, we have expensive power costs in Europe, but still.
 
Like I said, 2 pads per foot, therefore 6 and 8 pads. Yeah, I know....duh! When we get excited, well,....we get excited. :wildone: Been there, done that.....a number of times.

I am using the 1200mm over a 1360mm tank and find this perfect. As my tank is quite deep (30+"), I have the SR260, which produces 30% more light. The fixture is 6" above the water surface and has wonderful shimmer. I couldn't be happier. When I calculate what I am saving in power and lamp replacement, it pays for itself in between 2-3 years, depending on how 'hot' I run it. Admittedly, we have expensive power costs in Europe, but still.

200 vs 260 dilemma

I am setting up 26" deep tank, in your experience, do you think SR200 will be sufficient for a mixed reef. Also can SR200 pads be upgraded with brighter pads in future? How more pads can be added to each fixture? I am looking to purchase 900mm fixture.

Sorry I am asking too many questions, I just don't want to buy the wrong light, and you guys have first hand experience with the fixture.
 
Oh, I'm with you on that. Best to check out what you need and compare. The SR200 series will give you about 180-200 par at 100% (all colours) in a 26" depth (fixture 6" above the water). Expect about 800 par near the surface. This is enough for most LPS and many deeperwater acros when placed on the sand. If you want to keep only reef top acros, then the SR260 would be the better first investment. In essence, it is the more expensive LEDs in the SR260 series that makes it more expensive. The electronics are almost identical and the body is identical.

Adding new pads is not a problem, as the software will read them in automatically. There are red auxilliary pads ready for the market and should be available this month at dealers (Australia apparently already has some). Violet is the next planned. These will allow you to further customize the spectrum.

I'm convinced the SR200 Vertex Illumina will be just right for you, but I always think of the future. New tank? Deeper? Only high light corals.

Did you see Rodney's PAR readings with the SR200? The tank is about as deep as yours .

Jamie

200 vs 260 dilemma

I am setting up 26" deep tank, in your experience, do you think SR200 will be sufficient for a mixed reef. Also can SR200 pads be upgraded with brighter pads in future? How more pads can be added to each fixture? I am looking to purchase 900mm fixture.

Sorry I am asking too many questions, I just don't want to buy the wrong light, and you guys have first hand experience with the fixture.
 
Oh, I'm with you on that. Best to check out what you need and compare. The SR200 series will give you about 180-200 par at 100% (all colours) in a 26" depth (fixture 6" above the water). Expect about 800 par near the surface. This is enough for most LPS and many deeperwater acros when placed on the sand. If you want to keep only reef top acros, then the SR260 would be the better first investment. In essence, it is the more expensive LEDs in the SR260 series that makes it more expensive. The electronics are almost identical and the body is identical.

Adding new pads is not a problem, as the software will read them in automatically. There are red auxilliary pads ready for the market and should be available this month at dealers (Australia apparently already has some). Violet is the next planned. These will allow you to further customize the spectrum.

I'm convinced the SR200 Vertex Illumina will be just right for you, but I always think of the future. New tank? Deeper? Only high light corals.

Did you see Rodney's PAR readings with the SR200? The tank is about as deep as yours .

Jamie

Perfect answer Jamie. I think I will start with SR200 and upgrade as needed. I will also check out Rodney's readings.

Regards,
PK
 
Jamie,

Are the new red and violet auxiliary pads all reds and all violets or are they interspersed with the blue and white leds on each pad? I have an all SPS tank that's 20 inches deep. Would it be an overkill to get the SR260? If I were to get both the red and violet pads, I would have to take out 2 pads from the original fixture to make room. Right?

Thank you so much for always answering questions on here and to the point.

David
 
David,

it's always a pleasure to help.

The auxilliary pads will be extras that sit between the basic pads. At the moment, they are uni-colour, the red with 4 LEDs. As the others are developed, they may vary, but I've not heard enough to know for sure. Four LEDs makes a nice cluster.

With only 20" depth, you will be fine with the SR200 series, which is rated to 24" as the optimal depth and can be pushed in both directions. Of course, the SR260 would be usable, just one would run it with less power to get the same effect. One of the reasons I think one should consider where they may be in 5 years. It will handle tanks up to 100cm deep (40"). Plus, In Europe, power costs are soaring and a major consideration when purchasing new lighting. MH lighting systems have become extremely expensive to run in the last 5 yeas or so.

Jamie

Jamie,

Are the new red and violet auxiliary pads all reds and all violets or are they interspersed with the blue and white leds on each pad? I have an all SPS tank that's 20 inches deep. Would it be an overkill to get the SR260? If I were to get both the red and violet pads, I would have to take out 2 pads from the original fixture to make room. Right?

Thank you so much for always answering questions on here and to the point.

David
 
Jamie,

Once again.. THANK YOU for all your insight! You are definitely doing Vertex a favor with your posts on the forums...

Your answer to David's question now has my gears turning once again... if the add on pads are meant to fit between the main lighting pads... where does the wiring come in? Has this fixture already been built to accommodate the extra (although extremely small) power load? How do the new-in-between-pads get wired in?

I'm sure you'll be schooling us non owners how the original pads are "wired" in too.. if there are even wires used.

Thanks again!
 
Actually, the solution is pretty cool, as it is visibly wireless. The fixture has a sealed circuitry and the pads are designed to screw right into the correct current source, thus making contact. No soldering, not open wiring and makes it easy for the owner to do this him/herself. It really is well though out. The built-in hardware/software will prevent any overload and there is a bit of 'top' in the current supply to allow for these extras. I don't know all the details, but I thought the whole thing was just brilliant. One can really have some control over the fixtures future. Frankly, I have a cupboard filled with old fixtures (for emergencies). I think this has now come to an end and I need the cupboard space!

Ciao,

Jamie,

Once again.. THANK YOU for all your insight! You are definitely doing Vertex a favor with your posts on the forums...

Your answer to David's question now has my gears turning once again... if the add on pads are meant to fit between the main lighting pads... where does the wiring come in? Has this fixture already been built to accommodate the extra (although extremely small) power load? How do the new-in-between-pads get wired in?

I'm sure you'll be schooling us non owners how the original pads are "wired" in too.. if there are even wires used.

Thanks again!
 
I have the first generation 200 model and would really like to replace few pads with new 200 or even 260 pads. Are individual regular pads available now?
 
I have the first generation 200 model and would really like to replace few pads with new 200 or even 260 pads. Are individual regular pads available now?

I don't know, but I would contact Vertex in Canada, as they would have the latest infos. One would expect the SR260 pads to be possible, but I don't know of they can be mixed with SR200 pads. Interesting question, actually. If I hear anything, I'll let you all know.
 
hey is anyone using the illumina marino strip as a primary light?

looking at upgrading to LED's once this set of t5 bulbs are due to replacing. Debating if 2 of them will be needed on a 48Lx18Dx16H set up

This is a SPS tank with mostly monti's and birdsnests and a few acro's... and some clams
 
Vertex

Vertex

Hi guys.
Here are some pictures of my Elos tank.I had a ATI 8*54 watt powermodule before I changed it to a 200 Illumina and a 50/50 blue royal blue Illumilux.
I am extremly satisfied with them..:inlove:

Sorry about the poor quality on the photos,I used the camera on my Iphone.

Best regards Stavanger,Norway
 

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I got mine from J&L but Premium Aquatics already has these in stock.
They have a sponsor forum here you can ask them there.
 
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