stmhon Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 G'day. I'm wanting to replace my T5HO setup with LED but all the threads and topics are too confusing for me so I'm just looking for a recommendation. Tired of replacing bulbs every 6 months. The tank is 30" long, 12" deep, 11" wide. I'm currently running 4, 24" giesman T5HO bulbs. Tank is filled with softies and some SPS. Would 2 of the par38 lamp setups be sufficient? Or would it be better to just go with a fully made fixture? If so what are peoples recommendations? I would prefer to have dimmable options with moonlighting effects. Thanks for any suggestions. Cheers. Link to comment
cf21 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 2 par38s would barely cover you. 3 would be your best bet if you went that direction. I have 2 over my 24g nano cube and love them. There is no moonlight so I just bought one and rigged it up to get that effect. A fully made fixture would probably be your best bet. By them time you buy 3 bulbs and make a fixture with a moonlight, it will probably come out to be about the same cost. THIS would be a great fixture for you. It can handle anything you throw at it, and then some. It's a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. It also is dimmable and has the moonlight and the dusk/dawn feature that you are looking for. I'm not sure how much your looking to spend, but a diy fixture would also be an option. Link to comment
Adam_T Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 A single AI SOL Blue will not cover your entire tank. Mounted at its highest recommended mounting height of 12 inches above water level, it only covers 24x24. I would recommend 1 of these: http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-224/24...Retrofit/Detail OR http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-54/24-...mium-LED/Detail The first one is plug and play (no soldering of any kind) and the other is a DIY kit where you have to solder. You would need to buy a heatsink and a fan to cool either kit, but then you are all set. 80 degree optics for your tank would be more than enough (don't go smaller...like 40 or 60...no go!). Link to comment
stmhon Posted October 16, 2011 Author Share Posted October 16, 2011 Agreed with the AI Sol. Too small. DIY is my least favorite option right now, but maybe. I know in general these are not the best but what about the marine land reef led fixture? http://www.marineland.com/sites/marineland...d=3430#tabs-Ask Would one fixture be enough, or should get two to gaurantee coverage? They would only be 2 inches above the tank. Thanks for any more input! Cheers. Link to comment
cf21 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Marineland leds are terrible. Whatever you do, don't go that direction. You'll regret it if you do. They aren't powerful enough. Link to comment
Adam_T Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Yea, the PAR levels on their "Reef Ready" LED lighting is like...200 right below water.....and go down about 2 more inches and PAR is at 100. Pretty bad. Link to comment
Trick Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Since your tank isn't very deep i think the AI would be large enough. Just hang it higher. You could also get two AI nano fixtures (600$). Link to comment
stmhon Posted October 17, 2011 Author Share Posted October 17, 2011 I don't think I would want to hang it higher, the light would bleed too far out for my liking. What about 3, par38 bulbs? I'm pretty sure I can rig up my own fixture for those for next to nothing so the cost would just be the bulbs for me. Around $300 I'm guessing. I have an led moonlight strip, so I don't really need dimmable options. My only question is whether that is sufficient enough lighting for a take my size? Also, anyone know where to order those bulbs in Canada? Thanks. Link to comment
Bishop Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I don't think I would want to hang it higher, the light would bleed too far out for my liking. What about 3, par38 bulbs? I'm pretty sure I can rig up my own fixture for those for next to nothing so the cost would just be the bulbs for me. Around $300 I'm guessing. I have an led moonlight strip, so I don't really need dimmable options. My only question is whether that is sufficient enough lighting for a take my size? Also, anyone know where to order those bulbs in Canada? Thanks. I'm guessing your tank is a 20 long. I use 2x Par30 60 degree bulbs on mine, 3 is really the best idea though. Rapidled custom lighting is gonna be the best light for the money if you dont mind a little DIY work. I use PVC pipe for my fixture. It holds the cord to the bulb very well. Would look good wrapped too. Link to comment
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