How much should I expect to pay for an LED fixture?

[Dream2aReef]

I must say you get what u pay for as far as LEDs go we are running AI sol's and love them we use the super blues all Cree LEDs and give off a great 20k look we have a total of 7 units on several tanks gives a great spread. We run at about 65% power with lights 18" off the water. Can pick up cheap used. A lot of ppl what the newest and greatest but I love my Sol's frist pair we bought still going strong 4 years later never had a single led go out and if and when they do can pick up replacement pucks cheap.

 

[Florida reefer]

Thank you, I'm pretty confident that I'm gonna do LEDs this time. I wonder if I need one that can recreate sunrise/ sunset.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Thank you, I'm pretty confident that I'm gonna do LEDs this time. I wonder if I need one that can recreate sunrise/ sunset.

You don't NEED it, but it's a nice feature if you can get one that allows that much control.

 

[Dream2aReef]

Most LEDs that use a controller now have that function built in

 

[ReefLEDLights]

You don't NEED it, but it's a nice feature if you can get one that allows that much control.

I like to offer my corals a natural lighting schedule. Also I dont like to freak out the fish but let them gradually wake up and go to sleep.

That said a sunrise and sunset is important.

Corals also only need a few hours of strong light for photosynthesis. During this "High Noon" period I like to give them much more than they need so the SPS develop pigments to reflect this extra light. Having a controller this simulates this lighting schedule really helps simulate the natural environment. It also offers energy savings as your lights are not running full for 12 Hours a day.

Bill

 

[Florida reefer]

I hear you both. It sounds pretty expensive. Does anyone know of a controller that can be used to simulate everything. By everything I mean phases of not only sunlight, but also moonlight and changing current (using multiple pumps on timers)?

 

[Dream2aReef]

Apex does all

 

[ReefLEDLights]

For a simple lighting control we use the Storm Controller as it has 6 channels with 256 levels of PWM dimming.

The Apex has 4 analog channels which dim down to 10%. Given the efficiency of the 5 watt Cree LEDs at low current this is about 15% for a lowest setting.

I have the APEX on my personal tank and do like the eb8 and feeder

Bill