lighting.. halide questions

[shellygirl55]

So, its finally time to upgrade

I have a 120 g reef set up with fish and coral. I used to have a great lighting set up the guy from the lfs sold me and set up. Well, a couple of months ago. ..poof! Smoke came out of the top and it died...

Anyway, have been borrowing lighting from the lfs, but need to buy one. The old lighting was metal hallides with t5 s..anyone know of a good place to buy something similar? I think its cheaper online, but there are so many options! Anyone know of good brands and or sites that are ok to purchase from? Also any advice on specks? I have a few hundred to spend before hubby freaks, so cost effective is also good....thanks!!

 

[San Raphael Catfish]

Going halide again or LED?

 

[shellygirl55]

I honestly dont know... I kniw leds are supposed to be best, but arnt they thousands of dollars? Ibdint get that big of a budget unfortunately. ..any ideas?

 

[kwandrsn]

Just an option but you can replace ballasts and stuff in the bad unit. Or buy the stuff to make your own there are plenty of diy YouTube videos

 

[San Raphael Catfish]

150.00 with shipping -- Taotronics model on Amazon. 130watt both blue and white with separate cords. I plan to get a second.

For 50 dollars more you can get the dimmable model.

2 year warranty

Should easily fit in your budget. Plus save you on electricity and bulb replacement.

SRC

 

[kwandrsn]

150.00 with shipping -- Taotronics model on Amazon. 130watt both blue and white with separate cords. I plan to get a second.

For 50 dollars more you can get the dimmable model.

2 year warranty

Should easily fit in your budget. Plus save you on electricity and bulb replacement.

SRC

+1 I've heard a lot if good reviews on them

 

[San Raphael Catfish]

There is the blue.

There is the top with 3 fans and 2 switches.

 

[shellygirl55]

Wow that is affordable! So I am going to sound really dumb for a sec cause I know nothing about tthese. ... how many would I need? There is different colors? Take is a custom 120 but a 48" light fits over the top... its deep though

Ahh I will jst attach a pic, I am not making sence.








Like will one set work for me? Do the grow all the corals?

Lol thanks again

 

[San Raphael Catfish]

Nice tank. Really nice tank. They are specifically for corals. That is a big tanks. You might get away with 2 because there is 120 degrees (angles) of light they put out.

 

[Robert_ellis]

Love the way the rock is set up.

 

[shellygirl55]

Thanks so much!! I appriciate it! See how ive got the lights now? Lol one perpendicular to the other... i did that when my mh blew..lol

So i looked it up on amazon, is this the correct one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0099MB8VK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360305573&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

 

[oyf709]

How tall is your tank?
I do have a CREE fixture that can provide pretty good PAR at 36" deep (fixture is 3" above water level.
Here is the full reading.
3" 3000(Off the chart)
6" 2047
12" 753
24" 316
32" 230
36" 200

Here is what the fixture looks like
Also here is few pictures of couple of my client's tank shot.

Here is what it looks like with his "Taotronic" You can compare to the first picture.

Here is another person with 3 fixtures on his 48", I suggested him not to get 3 fixtures but he want to match the "brightness" of his 2x250W MH ( LED doesn't look as bright as MH but it provides a lot higher PAR)

Here is the feature comes with the wireless controller

Features:

• Wireless receiving module with wireless controller
• 2-channel capable
• Active- & passive-cooled using internal temp probe and cooling fan
• Automatic day & night circulation
• Programmable night time length
• Sunrise/Sunset/Moonlight
• Cloud Simulation
• Lunar Cycle
• Dimmable 0 – 100%
• Exterior light compensation mode

LED:

• Cree XPE Blue 3 Watts x 4
• Cree XPE Royal Blue 3 Watts x 12
• Cree XPG Warm White 5 Watts x 2
• Cree XPG Neutral White 5 Watts x 6

Oh and you can check out the light in action on Youtube by searching "Pharos LED"
The price for 2 of them with controller is $848 (Free Shipping). I do carry other lower cost fixture but since someone already provide you a value option, I just think I should provide you a alternative.

The light also can be place on top of stand as well but sold separately.

 

[San Raphael Catfish]

Thanks so much!! I appriciate it! See how ive got the lights now? Lol one perpendicular to the other... i did that when my mh blew..lol

So i looked it up on amazon, is this the correct one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0099MB8VK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360305573&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

That is the one I own. Some would rather have the dimmable model. I am planning to get a second.

 

[shellygirl55]

Whoooo hoooo! I am getting the leds suggested... ordered today can't wait! ! Had my " fish guy" come out and he thinks I need 5 strips. .what do you all think about that?

Also he was talking about adding other color bars to it to mske stuff really pop? ? Any one know anything about that?

 

[mr_X]

Strips of LEds? I'm not sure you are making the right decision. Please post a link to them.

 

[Launig]

I got a small strip from Drs. Foster and Smith. Wanted to try the LED. It does add another dimension of color.
Still not sure how I should have the timers set for the blue and white lights, tho. The strip is manual switch with dimming capabilities. Thank you