LED Advice Needed

dalton3474 · Sep 9, 2012

Hello,

Been out of the hobby for awhile. I am a halide guy so can someone tell me what LED lights I should look to purchase for an aquarium that is 125 gallons with dimensions of 48" (length) x 30" (width) x 20" (tall). I plan to grow SPS corals and some LPS. Any solid advice would be greatly appreciated!:smile:

Poseidon · Sep 9, 2012

Hi Dalton, welcome to R2R!

Those are some really cool dimensions, do you plan on lighting the whole tank evenly like with T5, or are you planning more varied lighting? I ask because LED's give so many options. I have a tank 36x24, but I chose a light that will give me areas for SPS, AND LPS or other low light corals.

dalton3474 · Sep 9, 2012

Hi Poseidon,

Thanks for responding. The aquarium is rimless so I planned on suspending the lighting. I wanted to spread the lighting evenly; however I should consider your lighting scheme by allocating the appropriate amount of light according to the coral demographic layout. I normally would of integrated (2) 400 watt 20K Ushio bulbs plus several T5 actinics but the high heat, chiller factor, and electrical costs are not worth it. . If LED's are working out good for hobbyists I am in for sure..

Poseidon · Sep 9, 2012

I am pleased with my light so far for sure! So far my tank, with a basement sump, draws less then 250W (not counting heater) while operating, in large part due to the new LED light that draws only 88W at full power.

I opted for a light with red and green LED's as well, I like the look better. I looked long and hard at the AI sols, and they certainly work, but tanks lit by them looked cold to me. While shopping check out the Ecotech, the AI Vega, and a few of the other options out there from Reef Breeders LED Fixtures and Apollo LED, both are sponsors here, along with LEDtric and others.

I would be right there with you on the halide/T5 combo a couple years ago, now I see the LED as a very good option.