Best Ebay Chinese LED light value?

[olemanwinter]

Setting up an 120 gallon 4x2x2 mixed LPS and Softie tank. No SPS.

 

Already has an existing 4x54w 48" T5HO fixture the previous owner was using.

 

I want to buy some Cheapo Ebay LEDs to AUGMENT the existing T5's. I just want to add a little bit of "pop", a bit of shimmer, and a little bit of par value just to err on the side of too much light for LPS.

Again, SPS is not a concern for me.

 

The system needs to be:

 

1) Dimmable

 

2) Usable with a Timer

 

3) Easy to use/instal (no DIY)

 

MAX BUDGET: $150

 

PREFERRED BUDGET: $100

 

I found the following:

Programmable, Timer, Dimmable 48" fixture 108w of 3w LEDs - $99 shipped

http://tinyurl.com/pmhphdq

 

2 LED banks (165w EACH) manually dimmable, but apparently to way to "sunrise/sunset" and timer not included. $153 shipped. Would put me over budget to make them work like I want (if I even can)

http://tinyurl.com/oermt4p

 

1 of these in white and 1 in blue with only 1 wireless dimmer and power supply would be 70 watts total and $112 shipped.

http://tinyurl.com/qfeetxf

 

 

I'm really torn here. The first one is the best value. decent light per $ and built-in timer and dimmers. Light #2 is by far the most light per $. AND FULL SPECTRUM, but doesn't include a wireless dimmer or programmer/timer. I don't know how to even add those things or how much it would cost.

 

The third light is not very good light per $, but is cheap and could be scaled up more in the future (they are connectable).

 

Does anyone else have any suggestions or links for me? I wish I could find something half way between the first and second listing. A little less total light out put than #2 but with the features of #1 and a cost in between them.

[evilc66]

The second option is the only one you should even consider. The first and third options are both underpowered and the color quality is crap, with the first fixture being of pretty low quality.

 

The second option has power suitable for the tank you have, and the full spectrum LED layout will give you the best results at displaying your corals

[olemanwinter]

The second option is the only one you should even consider. The first and third options are both underpowered and the color quality is crap, with the first fixture being of pretty low quality.

 

The second option has power suitable for the tank you have, and the full spectrum LED layout will give you the best results at displaying your corals

 

Just a reminder, this is to AUGMENT T5. I think there are lots of people keeping LPS and softies under T5 only. So, any addition of LED should be more than "suitable".

 

Of course, I want the best value, but I get the impression you are kind of misunderstanding the task at hand. It's about more than just Watts/$ for this project.

 

I recently found this fixture as well.

 

Less watts than #2, but still full spectrum, includes a sunrise/sunset controller and is roughly the same price. Claims to add 100 par at 19" depth with light 3" above the water.

 

http://tinyurl.com/npqqnuo

 

I know you are an LED guru, I remember that from way-back, so I respect your opinion, but I want to make sure you understand this is NOT the primary lighting for the tank.

[evilc66]

Sorry. Missed that

 

Seeing as that is the case, any of them could work. I would still avoid the first option though. They really aren't a good quality fixture. They are sold under various brands including Marineland, Beamsworks, and Odyssea, and they all suck.

 

The new one you linked to is interesting. Lot's of good LED colors in there, but I still can't understand why they insist on using so many different high CCT whites.

 

My original answer is still a valid one if you wanted to flip the primary light source and use the T5s as the supplement. It's becoming and increasingly common approach as some still feel that LEDs just aren't quite there as far as color goes, and the T5s fill in the gaps.