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LED lights

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by nlandgraf, Feb 8, 2011.

  1. Feb 8, 2011 #1
    nlandgraf

    nlandgraf

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    Who are the top 3 manufacturers for LED lights? I am seriously considering making the switch.
     
  2. Feb 8, 2011 #2
    JB Marion

    JB Veteran Reefkeeper

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    Aqua illuminations is probably tops... After that there are a bunch of them that I'm not that familiar with... More ever day it seems like.

    -JB
     
  3. Feb 8, 2011 #3
    Big John

    Big John Inactive User

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    +1 on AI, Marineland is also coming out with a line.
     
  4. Feb 8, 2011 #4
    iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

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    AI is also an Iowa company with an employee as a club member. You'll get great service if you should need it, but the reality is that they just work.
     
  5. Feb 9, 2011 #5
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Vertex has the Illuminata line and Pacific Sun LED has several lines. I consider those two and AI to be the top 3. After doing a ton of research, I went with AI myself. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

    Two other popular brands are Maxspect and Evolution LED (distributed by Reefkoi).
     
  6. Feb 9, 2011 #6
    nlandgraf

    nlandgraf

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    I've heard great things in on GIRS about AI lights, but I went to RC to do some reading to get an unbiased opinion (I know a lot of people support AI because they are based in Ames.) After reading this thread on Reef Central I am more impressed with AquaIlluminations than ever! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1841197

    Slovan, you have a 135/150 gallon tank, correct? How many AI units did you go with? What are your personal thoughts about the fixture (light coverage, coral growth, etc)?

    It looks like it may be time to sell some equipment to fund a light purchase. Craig's February special really caught my eye!
     
  7. Feb 9, 2011 #7
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I am using them on my frag tank. So far, nothing is dying and coloration is really good. You are welcomed to come look at it for yourself so you can get an idea of what they are like. As far as coverage for my main display, I would do 2 minimum and go 3 to 4 to avoid shading.
     
  8. Feb 10, 2011 #8
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    I didn't know they were in Ames. Cool!

    I'm popping for a 2x2x4 120g from Seascapes though the Feb deal. How many would I need and what size? Reefgeek has so many to choose from, hard to tell what I would need. Still it looks like it will cost me a buttload (up front)
     
  9. Feb 10, 2011 #9
    Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

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    Those marineland LED's look like junk! IMO
     
  10. Feb 10, 2011 #10
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    Oops....wrong thread...
    yeah they don't look that great, even the double-bright.
     
  11. Feb 11, 2011 #11
    tgauger

    tgauger Inactive User

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    actually the marineland leds arent too bad... I have a "reef capable" fixture over my small office tank. Definitely not the AI, but if someone wanted just a simple economical (read: cheap) led fixture they are not horrible...
     
  12. Feb 11, 2011 #12
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Bud, my tank is 4' long just like your 120g and I would use at least 3 to light your tank although 4 would be ideal.
     
  13. Feb 11, 2011 #13
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    Thanks Sone. I take it this tank you speak of was not the one on the tour? Just saw the rimless tank.

    Going with 3 fixtures would seem problematic because of the center brace. But just to clarify, which fixture exactly are you talking about? Like I said, reefgeek has so many to choose from and all the pics look the same.
     
  14. Feb 11, 2011 #14
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Nope, it was the same tank you saw on the tour.

    I wouldn't buy the system they sell on Reefgeek. Regardless of the number of modules you put on your tank, you'll probably want the 48" rails. You can buy all the parts separately so that's not an issue.

    How wide is the center brace in the new tanks? I am envisioning a 1.5"-2" plastic brace. If that's the case, it shouldn't be a problem at all.
     
  15. Feb 11, 2011 #15
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

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    yeah I think that's right. I might be doing DIY, looking into that. Only thing I can think of is that I wouldn't be able to have the built-in moon cycles and other cool stuff. But really upgrading to LED vs T5HO is the main thing, the other doodads and gizmos I can do without.
     
  16. Feb 11, 2011 #16
    Gered

    Gered Experienced Reefkeeper

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    When I was going to setup a 120 Joe from AI said two would suffice as they out out a 2 ft square of light.
     
  17. Feb 11, 2011 #17
    Kona Boy

    Kona Boy Inactive User

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    FWIW, I have to vote for the Orphek PR 156 or 156W, if you can get them.  I'm not a light expert, but from what I have read, AI units are really cool for their dimming programs, but LEDs don't last as long if dimmed, which is why I like the Orphec.  It turns off and on banks of lights instead of dimming each light.  Worth a look at ayway...
     

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