WTB =< 300G Tank and LED lights

[web104tv]

I thought I would inspire everyone with my yearly or bi-yearly post (sarcasm).

Anyway, I'm in the market to upgrade my current 4 year old 120G acrylic tank to a 300G. I'm basically tired of looking at scratches and my tangs need some more fin room. Does anyone have suggestions for manufacturer or specs? I was looking at possibly a glass tank with starphire glass in the front.

The pendulum is pointed at glass right now, but acrylic still may be appealing because of weight.

I would like to gain opinions from Colorado residents who have tanks 300 gallons or more. I may go 400G.

I was also looking at purchasing some LED's from a chinese manufacturer, but still deliberating on this one. Anyone in Colorado posess LED's equivalent to 250 or 400 MH's?


Thanks for any input...

 

[reefsafe]

I have AI leds that are putting out 250 to 400 watt halide equivalents.

 

[stugray]

I have done a lot of LED builds lately with the CREE XR-E & the Meanwells.

I have even found some of those Chinese vendors you might be looking at but have been reluctant to make a purchase as they only accept Money transfers/ Western Union. They even Have 15K LEDS :-0

If you are interested, I would be willing to build a prototype, I just needed someone with the Drive to try the Chinese LEDs out & make an order.

I was talking a LOT with Furuier (sp.)

Stu

 

[Mmckibben]

I only have a 36 gallon, but i can help you make an LED system for that tank using CREE XP-Gs.

 

[SAZAMA]

starphire glass would be awesome, but after finding out that you can sand out scratches even in a stocked tank. I think i'll always choose acrylic... can't wait to see a build thread. what will it cost to build cree setup with around the same par as a mh. CHEERS

 

[stugray]

The cost for just 24 LEDs ( 12 white XP-G & 12 Royal Blue XR-E ) comes to about $250 in parts alone.
That gives you 2 controllers so you can dim the white separate from the Blue.

That is ~72 Watts which is basically equivalent to 200 watts of MH.

Stu

 

[murfman]

Interesting thread. I have an 8' long 300 that is 30" deep. I tried out two of those Chinese fixtures on my tank yesterday and am sold. I will be buying 3 of them, from a local, and putting them up over my tank. I was thinking that if I have any dark spots, I can fill them in with Par38s or even powerbright LEDs. There are 3 vendors of LED units in the Springs and one that I know of up your way. BTW, there is a 500 gallon acrylic on craigslist for $500, including stand. I think it is too tall though.

 

[The Grim Reefer]

I wouldn't waste my money on anything that isn't using 3 watt LED's. With 3" spacing I am getting in the 170's at the bottom of an empty 120. While that's plenty for what I am going to stock this tank with I would want closer spacing and optics on anything any taller than 24".

 

[Zooid]

Optics definitely make a huge difference and I'm going to space mine about 2 inches apart probably. (when I have a chance to do it)