Returning and clueless about LEDs

[silverdust]

Hi, everyone. I was a frequent lurker, occasional poster to nr many years ago. I've had a few tanks in the past, always with PC lighting. PC was easy, I only needed a certain number of watts per gallon. LEDs are confusing...I'm planning to slowly start a regular AGA 10g reef, mostly softies and easy LPS but I'd like to have enough light to keep SPS if/when I decide to. My husband wants to build an LED set-up for the tank but I'm not sure which bulbs in which ratios to get. It seems that most use 4500K/6000K, 420nm, and 455nm but how many of each? How much spacing between bulbs? Where should I buy the bulbs? Is there a DIY kit that you recommend? I understand the optics part at least.

 

I am on a serious budget, as my hay-eating, manure machine of a horse takes most of my extra funds. Any and all input would be appreciated, but please, dumb it down like you're trying to explain it to your non-tech savvy mom. Thank you!

 

On another note, if I decide to just buy a light, would one of these: http://coralcompulsion.com/led/led-36w-14k-Full suffice for a 10g or would I need two?

 

Melissa

[Deleted User 8]

I would tell my mom to forget about figuring out all that jazz and to buy a pre-made light. Buy used as LED's last longer so it is OK.

 

She would immediately agree with me and get the notion of DIY LED light right out of her head.

 

You can still use PC lights too. HO T5 bulbs are quite nice and some like them over LED's.

 

Buzz

[evilc66]

Hi, everyone. I was a frequent lurker, occasional poster to nr many years ago. I've had a few tanks in the past, always with PC lighting. PC was easy, I only needed a certain number of watts per gallon. LEDs are confusing...I'm planning to slowly start a regular AGA 10g reef, mostly softies and easy LPS but I'd like to have enough light to keep SPS if/when I decide to. My husband wants to build an LED set-up for the tank but I'm not sure which bulbs in which ratios to get. It seems that most use 4500K/6000K, 420nm, and 455nm but how many of each? How much spacing between bulbs? Where should I buy the bulbs? Is there a DIY kit that you recommend? I understand the optics part at least.

 

I am on a serious budget, as my hay-eating, manure machine of a horse takes most of my extra funds. Any and all input would be appreciated, but please, dumb it down like you're trying to explain it to your non-tech savvy mom. Thank you!

 

On another note, if I decide to just buy a light, would one of these: http://coralcompulsion.com/led/led-36w-14k-Full suffice for a 10g or would I need two?

 

Melissa

 

Define "serious budget"? DIY is not always the cheapest solution any more, as there are a lot of Chinese import options that are becoming decent options, and can be had for a steal.

 

A pair of the PAR38s would work pretty well for a standard 10g, but they aren't for everyone, as they tend to create a different look than you are probably used to with PCs (spotlight effect with hard shadows versus soft even lighting).

 

Also, can you stop calling LEDs "bulbs". Bulbs have filaments. LEDs are just LEDs. Nothing more. (just a pet peeve)

[silverdust]

Buzz, I wouldn't be building it, my husband has offered but I'll have to tell him exactly which lights, etc. The dumbing it down is for me, so I can explain everything to him correctly. That said, I will definitely look for used - are there certain brands that you suggest? With used, you really have to know what you're looking for or you end up with something other than what you need.

 

Evil, should I just call them LED lights? Sounds weird but if that's right, then no problem. I never liked the look of my tanks under PC but I never needed MH lighting. As for serious budget, I would like to spend no more than $150, $250 would probably be my limit. I understand what you're saying about the affect - a few of the LFSs in this area run LEDs and their tanks/corals look great. Unfortunately, the lighting selection that they have for sale is very limited.

[evilc66]

Yup. Just call them LEDs, as that's what they are - Light Emitting Diodes

 

There are a number of fixtures in that price range that will do what you want, and then some. One of the cheaper options will be something like a Reefbreeders Value fixture ($179, 115W max, two channel manual dimmable, more power than you would ever need in a tank that small), a pair of PAR38s, or the upcoming AI Prime ($199, Wifi controllable, and enough power for that tank). There are some other options out there in your price range, but really, they don't offer the same bang for the buck.

 

If you could swing it, I'd say go for one of Nano Box Reef's Duo fixtures. It's one of the best looking and best performing fixture on the market today, and built by none other than our own Dave Fason. Every fixture is custom and hand built, which does bump the price up, but I don't know of anyone that isn't happy with his product. It is way out of your budget though.

[Halo_003]

 

If you could swing it, I'd say go for one of Nano Box Reef's Duo fixtures. It's one of the best looking and best performing fixture on the market today, and built by none other than our own Dave Fason. Every fixture is custom and hand built, which does bump the price up, but I don't know of anyone that isn't happy with his product. It is way out of your budget though.

 

This, though for a standard 10 gallon you can definitely get by with just a mini tide at 250, or $300 with a controller.

[CrazyEyes]

If you're looking to only spend $200 or less than a reef breeder light really is hard to beat, you could probably build something for about the same price but if you're going to build a light you want to build it right. If you can shake the extra cash the nano box fixtures are awesome.

[CronicReefer]

You should take a look at a product called Aquasun by E.Shine Systems. They make some high quality lights and are very well priced. You just have to wait for shipping from china if you have the patience.

[evilc66]

This, though for a standard 10 gallon you can definitely get by with just a mini tide at 250, or $300 with a controller.

A 20" long tank is really pushing it for a Mini Tide.

 

You should take a look at a product called Aquasun by E.Shine Systems. They make some high quality lights and are very well priced. You just have to wait for shipping from china if you have the patience.

I don't know if I would take that over the Reefbreeders Value fixture. Sure, the Aquasun has built in timers, but the spectral output pales in comparison to the Value (Aquasun is only white and blue, while the Value is full spectrum).

[CronicReefer]

A 20" long tank is really pushing it for a Mini Tide.

 

I don't know if I would take that over the Reefbreeders Value fixture. Sure, the Aquasun has built in timers, but the spectral output pales in comparison to the Value (Aquasun is only white and blue, while the Value is full spectrum).

aquasun contains violets and reds...but as far as PUR output Aquasun gives you all that you need.

[Horerczy]

I wouldn't touch that aquasun with a ten foot pole.

 

First red flag: Bridgelux dual core violets do NOT exist.

 

Regardless of the red involved those lights will not put out as good of color as a full spectrum build.

[HM3105]

So I would say I was in a similar position when I returned to the hobby roughly a year ago. LEDs were completely new to me and I started out with a PAR38 which I really enjoyed. However, Evil is completely right (as usual) you'll end up with some odd coverage and even in my small tank (a Spec V) I have some coverage issues.

 

Roughly 4 months ago I upgraded to a larger tank and went completely DIY. It was pretty easy but there is no way I saved any money doing it that way. With the amount of money and time I spent on my DIY I could have bought a nice light but I believe my particular light is more powerful then the pre-built options in the same price range. I think that is the option to keep in mind, you won't save money but you "might" be able to built a better quality light.

 

There are nothing but raving fans for Nano Box and Dave's lights are amazing. You can customize the colors and everything. There is a thread here with all kinds of examples of orders in progress.

 

If the Nano Box Duo is out of your reach, and you're up for some DIY consider using the Nano Box LED pucks. The link for these is here. They are $60 a piece and like Evil said you'd need 2, so right off the bat you're running $120 without the other parts you'd need to finish. I think the quality of light you would have using these will be hard to beat for the price point though and I think you could do it for $200.

 

just my two cents.

[TristanC]

Keep watching the hardware classifieds, there have been some really good deals posted there.

[silverdust]

Thanks for all of the input guys. Right now I'm leaning towards a Reef Breeder's Nano-Lite or the Nano Box pucks. The mounting legs for the RB fixture look awkward though and mounting from the ceiling is not really an option as we are in an apartment. The NB Duo is something I will keep in mind for the future - definitely out of reach at the moment.

 

I noticed that no one mentioned the Build My LED fixtures. Is there a reason? Thank you.

[evilc66]

BML fixtures aren't a bad option, but they are a little on the spendy side for what you get. A single fixture can do what you need over a 10g, at least for the time being IMO. If you aren't dealing with sps a lot, then you should be fine with a single strip.