Is this halide idea viable?

[naptalene]

Hi,

I currently run a DIY CREE LED fixture on my 100L SPS nano system. Keeping low temps was the goal and the small size made it very cost effective. I have had good growth and colour so I'm not scared of/have a dislike of LED. Years ago I had a tank with 150W DE halides with T5 supplements and preffered the visual look of it.

A good friend started getting glass etc. for a much much bigger tank and is no longer pursuing it so I'm the new owner of the glass etc

Tank size will be 150cm(L)x60cm(B)x50cm(H) - (60"x 24"x 20")
Water line will most likely be at 45cm (2" from glass top).
Tank is for SPS.
I have been given multiple T5 bulbs that are ideal but replacement costs are worrying me.
I don't really have easy access to the 10K- 20K halide bulbs locally and want to ensure that this system will be viable for a few years so I don't think those bulbs are an option.

I started re-reading LED threads and the current trend for DIY is a serious cree warm white chip with the blue, Red etc. supplementation for the photosynthetic growth spikes. If I had to do that it will cost a crazy amount to get decent, uniformly spread lighting.

Then I suddenly remembered my old tank with the halides. I can get cheap halide fittings and 4000K - 6000K bulbs and wondered if I can use LED strips to hit the main growth wavelengths?

Is it viable or a complete waste of time?
My assumptions are the following:

1. Halides running in the 4000K - 6000K are good for growth but not great to look at.
2. I will be able to get the LED RB etc. bright enough for a more pleasing look (kill the yellow without frying the sps)
3. 150W DE Halides should be good for a relatively shallow tank.
4. LED wattage for decent coverage will get pretty high anyway so power is comparable.
5. Heat from the light units will help keep the heater off but the possibility of overheating.

Any input is greatly appreciated. This is part of my sanity check on running costs, so if the approach is unsound I'll be more than happy to rather drop the tank size and go that route.

 

[Pife]

I'd just get some Phoenix 14k bulbs.

 

[naptalene]

I'll have to import bulbs and fixtures to RSA and i don't think it's viable for a long term solution unfortunately.

So this is a workaround if it's viable.

 

[Biglurr54]

EBay pulserite 14k bulbs. Cheap decent color. Add rb leds. I did 14k 150 halide with 12 rb leds. My issue is i have too much light and I can't dim the halide. It's on a 60 gallon cube. 24x24x24. I have happy sps at the bottom.

 

[Biglurr54]

Here's the tank and the fixture

 

[naptalene]

That's pretty much my idea! I'll check the e-bay option out. Are there any of the "UV" leds on there? The bigger two in the middle.

How's the heat for you?

 

[Biglurr54]

So the bigger two are semi led rb. I have those for moon lights. There are 4 uv leds but three burned out already. I haven't replaced them because it too bright as it is. Heat isn't a huge issue. I have glass tops for when it's cold and screen top for the summer. I have no fans or chillers but I fill my ato a lot when I have the screen top on. I'm currently building this light x3 for a 180 build. My reef friends call it the coral cooker because it grows them quickly. The leds color them up nicely too.

 

[Biglurr54]

EBay has good cheap reflectors too.

 

[Biglurr54]

Stevesleds is a fantastic source for rb leds, uv leds, and heat sinks for leds. I am going to switch to their heat sinks for the new build and add the uv back. Make sure your using a magnetic m81 ballast for the halide.

 

[Biglurr54]

You'll never go back to t5 or manufactured led units.

 

[naptalene]

I'm not keen on manufactured leds as I feel they up the price too much based on dimming and design. Many of them are truly beautiful pieces of art but I can't bring myself to pay the premium.

You guys reckon halide bulbs are gonna be available for a few years to come?

 

[Pife]

I'm not keen on manufactured leds as I feel they up the price too much based on dimming and design. Many of them are truly beautiful pieces of art but I can't bring myself to pay the premium.

You guys reckon halide bulbs are gonna be available for a few years to come?

For decades.

 

[Aslam Abraham]

I'm not keen on manufactured leds as I feel they up the price too much based on dimming and design. Many of them are truly beautiful pieces of art but I can't bring myself to pay the premium.

You guys reckon halide bulbs are gonna be available for a few years to come?

Hello Naptalene, I am using a double ended 150 watt halide and 2 t5's in an Aquamedic oceanlight on my fragtank.
I know you intend using a halide led hybrid unit.
I can tell you the halide throws out alot of heat, especially in South Africa.

 

[naptalene]

Hey aslam

On 400L do you think it will actually help keep the tank warm as opposed to overheat?

 

[naptalene]

Where are you getting your bulbs and what Colour are you running?

 

[Aslam Abraham]

The halide will definitely heat up the water.

Hey aslam

On 400L do you think it will actually help keep the tank warm as opposed to overheat?

 

[Aslam Abraham]

Where are you getting your bulbs and what Colour are you running?

Presently running a blv nepturion 14k bulb.
Purchased from the lamphouse.
This bulb burns yellow.
You can get the aquamedic 16k bulb in South Africa.
This bulb burns more pleasing to the eye.