Buying a new light setup... But what?

[h8z2luze]

I've tried to do research on led's and stuff it seems to be all over the board. I need to either get a new fixture or Atleast get a new bulb for my MH pendant. But it's just a 175w screw in type. I'd rather upgrade but not sure what to get. I've been looking at the taotronics and rapid led fixtures. I don't have the budget for a radion or kessils. It's going over a 46g bowfront mixed reef tank. What do you guys suggest?

 

[fort384]

I think a single dimmable Taotronics fixture would do well and provide at least as much PAR at depth as a single 175W MH.

There are some LED fixtures out there that are a bit better than the Taotronics in terms of control and optics - you could probably build a much better fixture for a bit more than the Taotronics, or look at something like the AI Sol or Vega. What is the top end of your budget, and do you have DIY electrical skills?

 

[EriksFish315]

I would highly recommend spending the extra few dollars and go with the aqua illumination vega or a similar fixture. The money you save by not having to replace bulbs pays for itself.

 

[fort384]

I don't think there is a significant advantage of "must haves" is the AI fixtures vs. taotronics. And I say that as an AI user. The biggest benefit are the installed optics which make the AI fixtures more powerful. Obviously the controls are much nicer as well but that is a "nice to have" vs. a "must have".

 

[Terrance]

Consider reef breeders value fixture. Very similar to tao tronics except there is more colors and there is a 2 year warranty. These are the simple LED out there. I am sure there are many other basic LED fixtures out there that does not have all the bells and whistles if they are not important to you.

 

[fort384]

Consider reef breeders value fixture. Very similar to tao tronics except there is more colors and there is a 2 year warranty. These are the simple LED out there. I am sure there are many other basic LED fixtures out there that does not have all the bells and whistles if they are not important to you.

Yes, good call! I have heard good things lately about these fixtures. This is a another good budget option.

 

[AquaRick]

for an extra $40-50 the reef breeders value leds come with quieter fans, a bit more powerful optics, and customer service right here in the US.

 

[h8z2luze]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Great info. Ill look into the reef breeders ones.

 

[Terrance]

Update us in the future. I also have a 46g, so I would like to see the results.

 

[h8z2luze]

Will do. It will be after the new year gotta save for christmas.

 

[h8z2luze]

These do look alot better than the taotronics.... and cheaper!!


reefbreeders

 

[Terrance]

Yeah its the one we are referring. I emailed them and got some pics of those fixture hanging over a tank. I will upload them once i get home.

 

[h8z2luze]

Sweet! Thanks!

 

[Terrance]

 

[h8z2luze]

Looks good. Pretty white though?

 

[Terrance]

I'm not even certain how much each channel was dimmed.