Opinion on light options

[Reefer831]

I am looking for a light to put on my 38 gallon Nuovo… Going to be doing mainly just Zs and Pz and Other softies… My question is this… I am trying not to spend a ton of money on the light so I'm looking for something used and have found really good deals on A.I sol's (mostly from people upgrading) but Most of those have the older non-wireless controllers… But is that really an issue with the sol cause it still needs to be plugged in? I am confused about this controller being called wireless but not really being wireless.. what is the deal? Also what is the difference between the older non-wireless and the wireless(simple) controller? And my last question is would you go with the cheeper sol over the expensive vega or radion? Most people I have talked to said that the sol and vega are very similar.. Or are the vega and sol that much better that is a must-have? This Tank I am doing on a lower budget because it is just going to house my softies kind a like a frag tank just for them... So I'm trying not to spend any more extra money then I need to.

 

[ReefLEDLights]

I am looking for a light to put on my 38 gallon Nuovo… Going to be doing mainly just Zs and Pz and Other softies… My question is this… I am trying not to spend a ton of money on the light so I'm looking for something used and have found really good deals on A.I sol's (mostly from people upgrading) but Most of those have the older non-wireless controllers… But is that really an issue with the sol cause it still needs to be plugged in? I am confused about this controller being called wireless but not really being wireless.. what is the deal? Also what is the difference between the older non-wireless and the wireless(simple) controller? And my last question is would you go with the cheeper sol over the expensive vega or radion? Most people I have talked to said that the sol and vega are very similar.. Or are the vega and sol that much better that is a must-have? This Tank I am doing on a lower budget because it is just going to house my softies kind a like a frag tank just for them... So I'm trying not to spend any more extra money then I need to.

If your on a budget have you considered DIY?

AI is a good light but I dont think they specifically Bin their LEDs. Thus people upgrading.

Most Chinese Fixtures will cost you more in the long run if you can get a used AI Sol for less than $175 I would go that route. They will grow coral. The LEDs are Cree XP-E and are more efficient than most of the Imports sold on ebay

If your considering a radion its a good light but there are other more cost effective options.

Bill

 

[Reefer831]

Thank you for the info… But I'm not really on a budget just not trying to buy the most Expensive equipment avaiable for this tank if that makes any sense lol... That's why I'm going to the used route... To tell you the truth I'm not really into any DYI equipment.. Nothing against it just not my preference... If I could find a used AI for 175 I wouldn't even ask any questions cause at that cheep I would be happy.. But most of the used sol's I have seen have been about 250-300 and then you need a controller... So at that price it's not much more for a vega or radion but from what I have heard they All are about the same effectiveness.. So I don't really understand the reason to upgrade to a light that works about the same ...abd the main thing I couldn't figure out was about the controller… What is the difference between the GEN one and gen 2 AI controller?

 

[ReefLEDLights]

No Worries DIY is not for everyone but offers the best parts and most flexibility.

$250-300 is way too much for 24 used XP-Es.

I've seen the Radion on tanks your size and with LPS and softies its a viable option.

I'm sot sure on the controller AI but think the later versions would be APEX Ready.

PM sent on different options.

Bill