LED Help

[mcarroll]

They work but, there's room for improvement..

To be honest, I want something that is great for coral, apex controllable, and isn't crazy expensive.

not much better than my 165 watt Galxy Hydro's

I think you should try to have a better idea of what you want in your replacement light vs asking others and being told what is "better" in a random way like this.

It sounds like the only problem you had with your old lights was that they weren't Apex controllable.

Having automation like that on your lights usually has little benefit for the corals. Primarily it will give you things like storm modes and dimming sunup/sundown...things we like, but that corals do not seem to give one shred about. Not saying you shouldn't want or have them....just saying.

If "pressed" like that would you say there was anything else significantly wrong with your current lights?

Suggestions
I might suggest looking for a fixture that reflects the shape of your tank in the layout of the LED emitters. Your tank is long, not square or round. The light from all of the listed options is round, or close. Even the Maxspect (I have the 160w) and Kessil options work on this basis. So consider a strip layout like the Current Orbit Marine Pro and other fixtures like it.

 

[Mike Lemming]

I think you should try to have a better idea of what you want in your replacement light vs asking others and being told what is "better" in a random way like this.

It sounds like the only problem you had with your old lights was that they weren't Apex controllable.

Having automation like that on your lights usually has little benefit for the corals. Primarily it will give you things like storm modes and dimming sunup/sundown...things we like, but that corals do not seem to give one shred about. Not saying you shouldn't want or have them....just saying.

If "pressed" like that would you say there was anything else significantly wrong with your current lights?

Suggestions
I might suggest looking for a fixture that reflects the shape of your tank in the layout of the LED emitters. Your tank is long, not square or round. The light from all of the listed options is round, or close. Even the Maxspect (I have the 160w) and Kessil options work on this basis. So consider a strip layout like the Current Orbit Marine Pro and other fixtures like it.

Thanks for the help. I'm not in a pinch and need to get lights, I have 2 165 watt Galaxy Hydro's that work pretty good. Just, in my opinion, they don't have the best visual appeal. thanks for the advice, I'll keep this in consideration when looking to purchase the lights!

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Have you taken a look at the Photon V2s? If you are unhappy with the look of the standard black box fixture, I would recommend taking a look at the Photon 48-V2, it uses Cree LEDs, has 6 programmable dimming channels, and a 1" slim aluminum design for under $650 shipped.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Have you taken a look at the Photon V2s? If you are unhappy with the look of the standard black box fixture, I would recommend taking a look at the Photon 48-V2, it uses Cree LEDs, has 6 programmable dimming channels, and a 1" slim aluminum design for under $650 shipped.

Is it apex compatible?

 

[reeferfoxx]

Have you taken a look at the Photon V2s? If you are unhappy with the look of the standard black box fixture, I would recommend taking a look at the Photon 48-V2, it uses Cree LEDs, has 6 programmable dimming channels, and a 1" slim aluminum design for under $650 shipped.

I only asked for the OP but I cannot wait to win mine! lol

 

[915MANG]

Is it apex compatible?[/QUOTE

I have the Photon, and it pretty sweet. I think people have lights hooked up to APEX because they dont come with a controller. But The Photons come with Everything you need and then some. Hanging Kit, Tank Mounting Legs, Remote Control, Single Plug. I programed my lights sitting down, it was pretty nice! No need to hook up my heavy laptop either!

 

[915MANG]

Oh I didnt realize I watch your videos! C'mon MIKE! You already know what to get, then!

 

[mcarroll]

Just, in my opinion, they don't have the best visual appeal.

One more thought on this front since there don't seem to be any major issues....be aware you could be experiencing a little buyer's remorse if you're wondering (maybe subconsciously) if maybe you should have spent more on lights. Something all of us are more or less subject to.

 

[reeferfoxx]

One more thought on this front since there don't seem to be any major issues....be aware you could be experiencing a little buyer's remorse if you're wondering (maybe subconsciously) if maybe you should have spent more on lights. Something all of us are more or less subject to.

Buyers remorse on a product that costs 1/3 or 1/6th the price of other LEDs that actually work?

Buyers remorse would be spending $600 on one unit only to realize you need two or three!

The black box design works but it's a.. black bulky box that often times shows a disco affect that people think is unappealing. His idea in what is attractive is and will always be subjective. Meaning, what you like he may not like. But in the process it's best to see what he needs and then help find his options. It's weird to see you feed thoughts into this thread.

 

[Mike Lemming]

Oh I didnt realize I watch your videos! C'mon MIKE! You already know what to get, then!

HAHA I know what I want but, the wallet can only stretch so far! I can't get a baller light like you have!

 

[Mike Lemming]

One more thought on this front since there don't seem to be any major issues....be aware you could be experiencing a little buyer's remorse if you're wondering (maybe subconsciously) if maybe you should have spent more on lights. Something all of us are more or less subject to.

You could be right! The lights I have weren't too expensive and like you said, I wonder if I should have spent a few more bucks and gotten something better?!

 

[Mike Lemming]

Buyers remorse on a product that costs 1/3 or 1/6th the price of other LEDs that actually work?

Buyers remorse would be spending $600 on one unit only to realize you need two or three!

The black box design works but it's a.. black bulky box that often times shows a disco affect that people think is unappealing. His idea in what is attractive is and will always be subjective. Meaning, what you like he may not like. But in the process it's best to see what he needs and then help find his options. It's weird to see you feed thoughts into this thread.

I've been looking at the Kessil's because it seems like they have the best visual appeal and seem to do well with coral. Ryan from BRS uses them on his office tank so, I would assume that they are good if her uses them, especially with every other light at his finger tips. And, I'm pretty sure they are using a kessil/T5 hybrid on the BRS 160..

 

[Kai]

I'd go with 2 Radion XR15w Pro's and install the 80° TIR Lenses.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I think Kessils are debatable. Seems a lot of people supplement T5's or halides for SPS coral. Unless you are running LPS only.

 

[Mike Lemming]

I think Kessils are debatable. Seems a lot of people supplement T5's or halides for SPS coral. Unless you are running LPS only.

It's a mixed reef, more softies and LPS but, a few SPS. Planning on getting more SPS in the near future and that's one of the reasons for the thoughts on getting new lighting.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Keep in mind too, you have to consider light spread. Shimmer is nice for you but creates a lot of shadowing, especially on SPS coral.

 

[najer]

Go pacific sun, I have the hybid so mostly T5s, anything that can run the Bali program, your corals will love it as far as led can do., imo.

 

[jeremy.gosnell]

I personally like Ecotech's Radion pros - they are what I have over my tank, and I settled on them after owning quite a plethora of light fixtures. For the features offered, the Kessil AP700 is very high priced, IMHO. I saw a demo of one shortly after they were released and while they're nice, I didn't feel they were worth the high cost. However, I really like the Kessil 360w lights. They can be a bit of a challenge due to their mounting structure, but from a quality of light they are hard to beat. I favor Ecotech's lights because they are compatible with Ecotech's battery back-up and the Ecosmart software is hard to beat from a reliability standpoint. The 360w's don't have a wireless, remote controlled (via cloud or web) option which is a set-back for some. They do however have a driver, which utilizes a color screen. Another light I would look at is Orphek's options. I took a hard look at replacing my Ecotech's with Orphek lights not long ago. They've pioneered some neat stuff, but they are professional grade lights and carry a professional grade price.

 

[mcarroll]

Buyers remorse on a product that costs 1/3 or 1/6th the price of other LEDs that actually work?

It's not strictly about price.

Back in the heat of the PC boom (90's) you really had to force yourself to stop shopping once you bought a computer.

Didn't matter what you spent or bought - three weeks later (or sooner) there was something else on the market that would have you questioning your purchase.

I think you could say that "buyer's remorse" is what happens naturally when you keep shopping for a thing even after you already purchased the thing.

Worrying if you missed a key feature, or got the best deal, etc.

I dunno who said this, but it was someone before me and I like it: "Worry is a misuse of imagination."

I have definitely been there!!

You could be right! The lights I have weren't too expensive and like you said, I wonder if I should have spent a few more bucks and gotten something better?!

Exactly. You're just worrying!

Getting more experience with your light and using a light meter should be all you need going forward.

Having a light meter is the only way to act rationally with your lights because it gives you actual data.

A lux meter is the cheapest light meter you can get - $free or cheap. And they work.

Everyone should have one of these, at minimum. (A PAR meter is wonderful if you have the budget....don't go without a light meter though.)

 

[Mike Lemming]

It's not strictly about price.

Back in the heat of the PC boom (90's) you really had to force yourself to stop shopping once you bought a computer.

Didn't matter what you spent or bought - three weeks later (or sooner) there was something else on the market that would have you questioning your purchase.

I think you could say that "buyer's remorse" is what happens naturally when you keep shopping for a thing even after you already purchased the thing.

Worrying if you missed a key feature, or got the best deal, etc.

I dunno who said this, but it was someone before me and I like it: "Worry is a misuse of imagination."

I have definitely been there!!



Exactly. You're just worrying!

Getting more experience with your light and using a light meter should be all you need going forward.

Having a light meter is the only way to act rationally with your lights because it gives you actual data.

A lux meter is the cheapest light meter you can get - $free or cheap. And they work.

Everyone should have one of these, at minimum. (A PAR meter is wonderful if you have the budget....don't go without a light meter though.)

Thoughts on what brand is worth buying?