So what LED setup would Replace my 2x250MH?

Scribe · Oct 3, 2013

So I'm getting close to taking the plunge into the LEDs. I currently am running 2 x 250 mh with Pheonix 14 k bulbs. And two T5 actinics. It a mixed 90 gallon reef with a 40 gallon sump. I'm not opposed to DIY especially if it will help with the cost, but I don't want to cut corners either. If I understand correctly there are dimmable options, this is something I would like. Maybe it is all of them...I'm kind of a rookie when it comes to LED technology. If I could replace all my current lights with the LEDs, that would be great, since I think T5s have been finicky. I'm going to keep reading up, but I thought I would throw it out to you all, the true users. Thanks for any info you can offer.

IBEW41 · Oct 3, 2013

2 radion gen 1 or 2 will be ok have them over my 120 great light

_Alex_ · Oct 3, 2013

I have been using 2 Apollo solar blast dimmable units over my 4' 120 and had Sps growing at 30" under the light. They have there own controller now so don't have to buy a apex for them. But radions would do the job as well as I have a g2 over a 40b.

But for most overall options DIY is the way to go, but can be confusing with all the different options. My msg reefledlights and see of point you in the right direction. Or I'm sure some others will pitch in here

-Alex-

1.0reef · Oct 3, 2013

a 4 cluster Razor, DIY is best if you can do it, nano box, or a reefbreeders if you have a tighter budget.

Balistikb · Oct 3, 2013

I am selling 4 rapid led Dimmable onyx that are only five months old.

Scribe · Oct 5, 2013

So I'm guessing I need two radians over and 90. Torn between going for two radians or a DIY. Seems like a significant difference in price for sure....just wondering if the money is worth the difference in lighting quality. I obviously have to read up on this a little more. I appreciate all the different recomendations...gives me a lot to compare.

gcrawford · Oct 5, 2013

Reefbreeder Photon 48. I have one on my 120 and one on my 75. Love these and so do my corals.

1.0reef · Oct 5, 2013

Scribe said:
So I'm guessing I need two radians over and 90. Torn between going for two radians or a DIY. Seems like a significant difference in price for sure....just wondering if the money is worth the difference in lighting quality. I obviously have to read up on this a little more. I appreciate all the different recomendations...gives me a lot to compare.

A good DIY is much better than a Radion, go DIY IMO.

Ron Reefman · Oct 6, 2013

What is it about the Radion that makes you willing to spend $1300 or more when an EverGrow IT2080 or ReefBreeder Photon48 will do the job for less than $500?

greg 45 · Oct 6, 2013

Don't waste your money on Pacific Sun . A company that doesn't stand behind there product. I have three burnt out 4 x 150 units. Do plenty of research before purchasing , there are new models coming out daily . Try to find someone with the lights you are interested in and go see there tank that's up and running.

TrishW · Oct 6, 2013

reefradiance.com offers a two year warranty managed in house on Evergrow IT-2040 and has their own brand of lights as well. If affordability is important you might want to check their site. I don't have my lights yet but other people are loving them.

mcarroll · Oct 6, 2013

Take the amount of money you'd need to spend for a Radion setup.

Compare that with the (e.g.) Maxspect Razor and see how you like what you have left over to spend on more coral.

And just to help with perspective on what "expensive" is, a DIY build of GU10 bulbs should run you $250 or less. It happens to be both the least expensive and easiest to build DIY rig I'm aware of. Downside is that it has no dimming...but you don't have that now, so...

It's hard to get a bad LED fixture about like it's hard to get a bad skimmer these days. Are a few extras (which are not performance related) worth a 1000% price markup? Maybe, but that's a heck of a premium in my book.

The Maxspect matches up on your feature requirements and I predict you would be happy with it. DIY is another good option. I would consider both, as well as the other alternatives suggested here.

-Matt

bigfoot86 · Oct 6, 2013

Yea have to agree with mcarroll on this one, I own two of the 120w Maxspect Razors and they are just awesome and totally sufficient lights. Costs way less the the Radions which I'm so happy I did not purchase. Saved a lot of money.

TrishW · Oct 6, 2013

Those Maxspect 120s are some awesome looking lights. I couldn't find info on the warranty period. Do either of you know what it is?

Balistikb · Oct 6, 2013

The thing about LEDs are you have so many choices.

Flatbrook · Oct 6, 2013

Scribe said:
So I'm getting close to taking the plunge into the LEDs. I currently am running 2 x 250 mh with Pheonix 14 k bulbs. And two T5 actinics. It a mixed 90 gallon reef with a 40 gallon sump. I'm not opposed to DIY especially if it will help with the cost, but I don't want to cut corners either. If I understand correctly there are dimmable options, this is something I would like. Maybe it is all of them...I'm kind of a rookie when it comes to LED technology. If I could replace all my current lights with the LEDs, that would be great, since I think T5s have been finicky. I'm going to keep reading up, but I thought I would throw it out to you all, the true users. Thanks for any info you can offer.

Reefradiance.com is defiantly worth a look.

pickupman66 · Oct 6, 2013

I replaced my halide with a custom fixture but left my t-5 in. I didn't turn them on for a year though. I added them back a few_ months ago and love the look. Now that I've just purchased a new reef radiance fixture I may have gone that route had they Been available at the time.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 4

ReefLEDLights · Oct 6, 2013

Scribe said:
So I'm guessing I need two radians over and 90. Torn between going for two radians or a DIY. Seems like a significant difference in price for sure....just wondering if the money is worth the difference in lighting quality. I obviously have to read up on this a little more. I appreciate all the different recomendations...gives me a lot to compare.

The Radion is a good light but is pricey. If you DIY you can do better by choosing individual Bins of LEDs at close to half the cost. If you choose dimmable drivers you can have close to the same controllability with the APEX controller.

If you DIY I would go the solderless route. With the BJB Solderless Connectors you can cut the assembly time in half and at any time swap out or replace a LED within minutes.

Bill

darrend · Oct 7, 2013

check out vertex. I put the sr260 on my 125 replacing my 3x250 and they rock!

Scribe · Oct 11, 2013

So many options. I was thinking the rations just for the fact. That they sound like high quality lights. I really like the dim able option. Guess what I want is something that will let me simulate dawn to full sun to dusk. Surely not afraid of DIY. I've redone all the electricity, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms...etc in our house. As long as its not gas I'm not intimidated. Thanks for all the info. If you all have any pictures of your lights DIY or not your recommending over your tanks I'd love to see them.