Current setup or led switch??

[Saltgator]

After another ''need to replace my mh (250 x 3)'', I've been considering switching over. Here's my situation, love my MH, but it's probably the reason most switch from mh, the heat, evaporation on my DT, and they constant shift of the mh over 10 months of use. My fixture is an aluminum Hamilton fixture, 3 x 250 w/ 2 x 160w VHOs. This 6 footer is over my 8 foot 240. Enough light, but LEDs are so tempting just because of the colors, but dropping the $$ on at least 4 fixtures (name brand) would break this reefer's bank. I've considered DIY (nothing I want to really do for fear of possibly doing it something wrong and having to drop more $$ into fixing my mistakes) and considered the Tao tronics 120 Watt 2:1. I've spoken to a vendor or 2 and a few reefers like myself (gained a TON of knowledge, emailed vendors of R2R and really appreciated their hospitality) , but thought I'd ask the general audience on here they're suggestions. Many thanks.

Country boy using tapatalk on a HTC Evo

 

[Batt]

If you want leds DIY is good but its a pain . If your going with a fixture go with one that you can upgrade when a new on comes out ,like the AI or the radions there both fully upgradeable , that way you fixture can always be up to date with the newest leds, and you dont have to buy a new fixture when a new version come out.

 

[wysiwyg]

i also have the same lights you have over my 180g and have considered going led the initial cost upfront is alot but think of what you would save in the long run with your electric bill cost of relacing your mh vho lights. not having heat issues and evap any more. the led lights will more than pay for themselves in the first year alone. i am planning on making the switch within the next 5 mnths myself

 

[3Twinklets]

I switched and I love mine!

 

[Pappy]

I had a fellow reefer (one design) build my DIY for me. He designed it to replicate the radions and I couldn't be happier and the cost was less than half what it wouldve costed retail! My colors and growth are nothing short of epic!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Saltgator]

If you want leds DIY is good but its a pain . If your going with a fixture go with one that you can upgrade when a new on comes out ,like the AI or the radions there both fully upgradeable , that way you fixture can always be up to date with the newest leds, and you dont have to buy a new fixture when a new version come out.

Thanks. I'll look into that.

i also have the same lights you have over my 180g and have considered going led the initial cost upfront is alot but think of what you would save in the long run with your electric bill cost of relacing your mh vho lights. not having heat issues and evap any more. the led lights will more than pay for themselves in the first year alone. i am planning on making the switch within the next 5 mnths myself

Good deal. Keep me (or us) updated how it goes. Thanks

I switched and I love mine!

Thanks

I had a fellow reefer (one design) build my DIY for me. He designed it to replicate the radions and I couldn't be happier and the cost was less than half what it wouldve costed retail! My colors and growth are nothing short of epic!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Mike. Spoken with a few locals down here, but haven't asked any to build for me. I looked into the DIY kits, but still haven't developed the skills I need to build the fixture. I might poll my local clup for some builders :xd:. Have any pics or link to your build?

Brad

 

[gannmann9876]

I did a DIY 60 led kit for my 75 and it's not very hard. It is time consuming but It is cool to be showing people your tank a say "yeah I built the led fixture".

 

[gannmann9876]

The guy from reef led will answer any questions you have. They also have solder less kits.

 

[Saltgator]

The guy from reef led will answer any questions you have. They also have solder less kits.[/QU

Thanks.


Country boy using tapatalk on a HTC Evo

 

[Saltgator]

Anyone have an idea how many 3w on a DIY project I would need and what optics?

Country boy using tapatalk on a HTC Evo

 

[Pappy]

Here's a couple pics they're kinda crappy...

If you need formula or info on build pm onedesign because I know nothing other than they work unbelievably well!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Saltgator]

Here's a couple pics they're kinda crappy...

If you need formula or info on build pm onedesign because I know nothing other than they work unbelievably well!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mike, what's that in the middle of the fixture (looks to me as a controller, but my eyes can't tell)?

Country boy using tapatalk on a HTC Evo

 

[Pappy]

Yes sir special edition!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Saltgator]

Yes sir special edition!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice.

Country boy using tapatalk on a HTC Evo

 

[Steelerfan747]

You could always look into used fixtures or maybe t-5's. I have t's on mine and have no heat issues plus you can tinker and modify the color combos

 

[mrcoffee]

I would love to know more about the controller? did you make the entire thing buy it from a kit? What does it allow you to do with your LEDs just dim on and then off or does it allow you to do cloud and moon cycles?

 

[Pappy]

I got it top secret! The guy that did my fixture has a connection that won't do retail unless it's a group buy or something. It dims each heat sink separately. My blues come on, ramp up, them ramp down. Whites and greens do the same. It is basic but works awesome and the sunrise/sunset is beautiful. The tanks spectrums change like crazy and sometimes my tank is purple!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Saltgator]

I got it top secret! The guy that did my fixture has a connection that won't do retail unless it's a group buy or something. It dims each heat sink separately. My blues come on, ramp up, them ramp down. Whites and greens do the same. It is basic but works awesome and the sunrise/sunset is beautiful. The tanks spectrums change like crazy and sometimes my tank is purple!


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice!!!! Wish you were a bit closer, I'd love to see that transition!!!! On a side note, I haven't decided what to do about my light situation. I need to make a decision soon, the halides are loosing spectrum as we speak (yeah, I waited a bit too long this time throwing the led idea up) and my corals aren't happy!

 

[Saltgator]

After a ton of thinking and reading over PMs/replies/web links, I'm just going to hold off on LEDs (for now). I'm going to redesign my canopy and add better reflectors. Thanks for all ya'lls help and time. Searching for reflectors have begun,along with a bigger skimmer.

Brad

Country boy using tapatalk on a HTC Evo

 

[Saltgator]

OK.... I'm going crazy!!!!! My wife has spoken and she thinks I should go the LED route. This has come after a long talk of buying reflectors, radium bulbs, and ballasts to run them. Oh boy... the craziness has begun..... again.