Choosing the best LED fixtures

Tim92G · Feb 11, 2013

I am starting a 55 gallon mixed reef, and I'm researching, looking for the best dimmable/programmable LED fixtures. This is for a mixed reef, and I want to keep SPS across the entire length of the tank, so I figure I need 2 for 48 inches. My budget for lighting is about $1,000. I'm in college and saving for a car right now, as well as saving for student loans, so I can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on lighting alone. From what I've read the Radion Pro is one of the best out there, but I would need two of them which would totally break my budget coming in at over $2000. So far I've narrowed it down to the 20 inch Maxspect Razor, the Maxspect Mazarra P, the AI Vega, the Orphek cannon, or the custom modified chinese black box LEDs like Reefbreeders.

bigfoot86 · Feb 12, 2013

The Razors are a good choice at a fair price. They incorporate the newer Cree XT-E leds.

that novice guy · Feb 12, 2013

Take a look at kessil 350 they're really nice and they look slick

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nytegti · Feb 12, 2013

I know, I know, chinese=cheap garbage to most people, but I've got multiple local club guys using fixtures such as these and are having great growth. They don't have the full ramp up & lightning modes, but for your $ you can't beat them!

that novice guy · Feb 12, 2013

Well i think all of thos lighting effects and other things are not needed i have read where the lighting had made fish jump and being very stressed out but have you heard of aquastyle i think its called i will look

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that novice guy · Feb 12, 2013

Aquawasher that's it ya look into then

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that novice guy · Feb 12, 2013

Made by eshine

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jedimasterben · Feb 12, 2013

If you're already considering the R420R as an option, I would jump on it. Two 20" models will run you $800ish.

If you want to spend less, ReefBreeders value fixtures are an option, as well, but they've got some new stuff up their sleeve, so depending on your time frame you might hold back a bit.