427HISS
2500 Club Member
Hello everyone, I had several tanks back in the 90's, gave it up and now we're getting back into it.
If you're curious you can read about me in my profile.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member.php?u=32775
I have a few threads asking advise on tanks, lighting, controllers etc, but I decided to just start a new tank build thread, so it doesn't get so confusing. :tongue:
I think the best way for us to discuss my questions is to hopefully, stay on one subject at a time, rather that several at once.
The mixed,... reef tank will go into the living room wall again, next to the flat screen TV, and have great access behind the wall as the "fish room".
The first question is the lighting.
I do not want MH because of the heat nor a chiller. I realize the LED's are new for us reef keepers and every year there will be advancements, so I want a system I can upgrade as time goes buy, rather than buy a new system.
This time I want a mixed reef including SPS's, computer controlled for LED lighting, pumps, doser's etc....
The big issue is with LED lighting. I want the correct intensity & spectrum for the corals, not just my eye pleasing colors. There are several company's that are popular with us reefers like Ecotech, but I feel their too expensive for what you can get from others. I'm hoping,,,,,to buy a Apex (or similar) controller, but they are also expensive. The great thing about these are they can control everything, even wave making, so you don't have to buy separate electronic and pay more in the end anyway.
I have the same metal hood that I built for 4-VHO's. I made a pulley system so I could raise & lower the hood when working in the tank, so if I can get a fairly simple DIY kit to save money, that's fine. I hate electronics, but will give it my best shot. I spoke with the owner & member here, "Reef LED Lights" and says his kit is very simple to install. Or, buy a ready made system.
http://reefledlights.com/shop/phoenix-reefspectrum-p47-retro-kit/
Reading about other members LED's and my researching on different company's systems, I've come down to the top 4 or so. Even though EcoTech has great lighting, I think the cost is too high. There are so,... many variable's about what lighting is best to suit our tanks, but I want to state that I'm trying to do what's best for the corals, not just what looks pleasing to my eye's.
Some say only white & blue are needed, others say white, blue, green, purple, red, etc.... full spectrum and where to place the different colors and how many ? What Kelven, 10, 15 20 ?
Please let me know what brand you have, apx. cost and why you chose them ?
Thanks,
Kevin
If you're curious you can read about me in my profile.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member.php?u=32775
I have a few threads asking advise on tanks, lighting, controllers etc, but I decided to just start a new tank build thread, so it doesn't get so confusing. :tongue:
I think the best way for us to discuss my questions is to hopefully, stay on one subject at a time, rather that several at once.
The mixed,... reef tank will go into the living room wall again, next to the flat screen TV, and have great access behind the wall as the "fish room".
The first question is the lighting.
I do not want MH because of the heat nor a chiller. I realize the LED's are new for us reef keepers and every year there will be advancements, so I want a system I can upgrade as time goes buy, rather than buy a new system.
This time I want a mixed reef including SPS's, computer controlled for LED lighting, pumps, doser's etc....
The big issue is with LED lighting. I want the correct intensity & spectrum for the corals, not just my eye pleasing colors. There are several company's that are popular with us reefers like Ecotech, but I feel their too expensive for what you can get from others. I'm hoping,,,,,to buy a Apex (or similar) controller, but they are also expensive. The great thing about these are they can control everything, even wave making, so you don't have to buy separate electronic and pay more in the end anyway.
I have the same metal hood that I built for 4-VHO's. I made a pulley system so I could raise & lower the hood when working in the tank, so if I can get a fairly simple DIY kit to save money, that's fine. I hate electronics, but will give it my best shot. I spoke with the owner & member here, "Reef LED Lights" and says his kit is very simple to install. Or, buy a ready made system.
http://reefledlights.com/shop/phoenix-reefspectrum-p47-retro-kit/
Reading about other members LED's and my researching on different company's systems, I've come down to the top 4 or so. Even though EcoTech has great lighting, I think the cost is too high. There are so,... many variable's about what lighting is best to suit our tanks, but I want to state that I'm trying to do what's best for the corals, not just what looks pleasing to my eye's.
Some say only white & blue are needed, others say white, blue, green, purple, red, etc.... full spectrum and where to place the different colors and how many ? What Kelven, 10, 15 20 ?
Please let me know what brand you have, apx. cost and why you chose them ?
Thanks,
Kevin
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