Looking at new LEDs

ortie001 · Feb 9, 2014

My girlfriend wants to move from her SOL Blues to a full spectrum light but doesn't want to break the bank. I've been reading for a couple weeks now and it seems the general consensus is, I don't HAVE to break the bank to get full spectrum. I can live with that because if she ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. My whole reason for posting is, I'm looking at some version of "Ever grow" lighting or Arctic-S026. Every once in a while I see people mention that these can be controlled to dim off of the Apex. Can anyone provide a link to how this is done? I kind of in my head can see how it would work, assuming the light dimmer is 10v, but I'm sure there would have to be a pot somewhere. Any links at all? Thanks.

Reefing Madness · Feb 10, 2014

Ron Reefman · Feb 10, 2014

As of today, and for the near future, you can't dim EverGrow or OceanRevive or Reef Breeders wit an Apex controller. You can turn them on and off, but you can't dim them. Sorry.

I understand OceanRevive is developing one, but last I heard it's still well off in the future.

rjcranor · Feb 10, 2014

I would go with the Reef radiance lumentec pro series. They are fully programmable.

KorL · Feb 11, 2014

How about upgrading the sol blues?

trido · Feb 11, 2014

I have three evergrow d2120's and modded them to work with my apex controller. I bought them from my LFS. My friend is currently working on figuring out how to hook the reef radiance lights up to the apex as well. It is possible.

iTzJu · Feb 11, 2014

KorL said:
How about upgrading the sol blues?

going to suggest the same! upgrade to Vegas or Hydras. it will cost about the same depending give or take but you will have the control you are looking for.

ortie001 · Feb 11, 2014

It's funny that you all mentioned that... I was reading some older posts on here and just saw that there was an upgrade kit to bump them up to Hydras. I really had no clue an upgrade hit existed. Since I got her the wireless module and the fancy controller months ago, I ordered the kit a few hours ago. She doesn't know about it so it'll be a nice surprise for her. She'll be happy because she will now be able to take all of her sticks out of my tank. Now I need to find an affordable solution for my new tank. I just don't think the 27" Razors are punching down the 27" height of the new tank. Not to mention the 8" off the top, for a grand total of 35". Guess I didn't quite plan this one out well.:neutral:

Thanks for the heads up.

KorL · Feb 11, 2014

ortie001 said:
It's funny that you all mentioned that... I was reading some older posts on here and just saw that there was an upgrade kit to bump them up to Hydras. I really had no clue an upgrade hit existed. Since I got her the wireless module and the fancy controller months ago, I ordered the kit a few hours ago. She doesn't know about it so it'll be a nice surprise for her. She'll be happy because she will now be able to take all of her sticks out of my tank. Now I need to find an affordable solution for my new tank. I just don't think the 27" Razors are punching down the 27" height of the new tank. Not to mention the 8" off the top, for a grand total of 35". Guess I didn't quite plan this one out well.:neutral:

Thanks for the heads up.

Once you complete the upgrade, use the leftover sol blue leds and have yourself diy project with them for your tank