What Lighting Do You Run

[fishntyme1]

I have been running an AI Sol Super Blue for 4-5 years now. I like it and get great results from it. Only issue I see is that it creates shadows. So as the corals grow the under side of SPS "fade" away. I have never had this issue with PC's or T5's.

I would like to get into an LED T5 hybrid or maybe add a T5 retro kit. I don't have a canopy but could build one for aesthetic reasons or just get a nice fixture but they are dang expensive. What T5 retro kits are available anymore? I only need a double set up to attach one lamp to each side of AI unit.

 

[82ndengineer]

This is the exact reason I still prefer T5 and halides. More even distribution of light. Leds are coming along but I have yet to see one that does not have this issue to some extent. You'll be happy with adding the T5's. Hamilton makes some retrofits or you can piece your own together.

 

[frogg21]

I felt my LED's lacked reds/orange so I added t5 retrofit to diy LED's, .. finally happy with it all. Still think nothing beats halide if $ / heat aren't factors.

 

[fishntyme1]

I have a 150W pendant that I might just switch back to. Who makes "color true" lamps these days? I like 16-20k colors but have seen some 10k's look like 15k's. Just hate the cost and frequency of lamp changes.

Plus the cost savings on LED vs MH really isn't that much for me. I run my AI at full power. So an extra 60 watts per hr.....eh......

 

[SkullV]

I currently run LEDs and I'm not happy with them. I've run radions, razor, Chinese black box, par38, AI, etc. and I'm never happy with them. My favorite setup and what I would run if my girlfriend didn't like the look of the Razor fixture would be a T5/LED hybrid.

 

[kjonulak]

I build my own led fixtures. I use CREE LEDs with MeanWell supplies. I can space my LEDs on the heatsink as needed to minimize dark areas. I can also add lenses to control light angle. I use a combination of UV's, blues, royal blues, whites, reds and greens. With the MeanWell supplies I can use a controller to control intensity, Kelvin temps and sunrise/sunset cycles. I've only used LEDs so I can't compare coral growth and color to other light sources.

 

[David1025]

I run the kessil tuna blue the 350 on a small cube 20x20x20 I love the shimmer and some colors pop but I do miss the mh/t5 combo

 

[SnoopyDaPimp]

I run the basic Current USA LED on my FOWLR tank and Rapid LED on my reef tank.

 

[Kolkri]

I have whatever lights come in the lid of my 29 coralife.

 

[HowManyClowns]

AI Hydra on reef and ecoxotic stunner strips on my breeding system

 

[Kalen]

Al hydra 52 on a 30 cube not happy with them. On my 125 I'll be running ati t5 and reefbrite led combo.

 

[Honda_6]

I started with t5s, then was convinced to changed to kessil LEDs. I was not happy at all switched to 250w Radium, now not one complaint. The kessil worked great on my lps but could never sustain an sps colony without adding t5s or way more LEDs.

 

[tcamos]

AI Sol Super Blue. I've had them for years and even though AI has created some super awesome tremendously adjective worthy lights I've found no reason to switch since the result I'm getting from my current lights is so go.

 

[azjohnny]

I have 3 Reef Breeder Super Lux over a 180 gal FOWLR, there is some shadowing. If the shadowing bothers you add more lights or remove the lenses this will give you a wider spread

 

[AZBigJohn]

When I bought my large aquarium I went with Kessil A360's. I love the shimmer, and they have more than enough intensity. I wish there was a little more color adjustment with them (you have blue/white control only) but other than that personal preference, I like them a lot.

 

[mikluha]

I used to run T5 and MH. Switched to LED and pretty happy.
Chinese black box LED from eBay. Added DIY UV and deep blue LEDs.

I found lower light and heavy feeding provide better results for me. I feed fish few times a day. Corals are fed twice a week. I run white/red channel at about 50%. LPS colors are much more intense. SPS are ok (most likely, they would prefer more intense light but nobody complains)

I use the same black-box-chinese-led lighting for my planted tank and plants bubble with oxygen.

 

[fishntyme1]

Could possibly be spread or angle of lenses. Think the AI super blues came with 40* and 70* lenses. But its the shadowing underneath that's the problem not the spread or in the corners. Will probably retro some t5s.

Time to built a canopy..........

 

[fishntyme1]

Sounds like an advertisement, lol. Can you post some non macro shots of your tank? Maybe I might have to contract a build from you.?

I build my own led fixtures. I use CREE LEDs with MeanWell supplies. I can space my LEDs on the heatsink as needed to minimize dark areas. I can also add lenses to control light angle. I use a combination of UV's, blues, royal blues, whites, reds and greens. With the MeanWell supplies I can use a controller to control intensity, Kelvin temps and sunrise/sunset cycles. I've only used LEDs so I can't compare coral growth and color to other light sources.

 

[kjonulak]

Sounds like an advertisement, lol. Can you post some non macro shots of your tank? Maybe I might have to contract a build from you.?

I no longer do builds. The Chinese fixtures undercut my pricing, plus when I moved I sold off some of my equipment I used to build fixtures. I would be happy to design a fixture for you. I can recommend where to buy parts, etc.
Didn't intend it to sound like an advertisement.

 

[fishntyme1]

Just kidding around with the ad statement. to bad you don't build your own anymore. China builds just don't last. I know people will disagree bc parts are made mostly from there but its also quality and specs that the manufacturer is under from the buyer.

For the cheap china lovers: You think a Samsung TV is better than a Daewoo? I know they are both Korean...... You get the point.... I hope.? If not, Is any OEM part for your car better than any other aftermarket part?