What LED do you prefer?

JimSWreef · Sep 10, 2015

I am getting ready to move my tank to a new home and am changing my 29g reef tank to a 40 gal breeder tank. I am looking to do a new build and would like a good light system that would be good for all types of corals. I don't want to spend my first born for a light set, but I want something good looking and reliable.

The tank is 36"Lx18"Wx16"H

Thanks

What do you suggest? And what is its price point?

steelheader.262 · Sep 10, 2015

What is your price point first so we can suggest a unit to fit your budget.

Im currently running Kessil and love them.

JimSWreef · Sep 10, 2015

I am willing to pay if it is worth the light. I would like the 3-500 range.

bayoupr · Sep 11, 2015

I am running Kessil's also and love them.

TheEngineer · Sep 11, 2015

Kessil guy here too. On that tank, you'd probably wind up with two A160. One A360W is made for 24x24". The A160 is 18x18" (if memory serves)

jared graves · Sep 11, 2015

What kind of coral will you be keeping the most of?

RMS18 · Sep 11, 2015

I have AI prime, very happy with it. The built in wifi and mobile app are great. Also allows for future software upgrades and features. Some say it is under powered but at the same time it's one batch of leds. I have 1 unit on a 30 gallon and have pars from 120-200 and I'm still not at fully power yet. You would need 2 maybe 3 if growing sps.

Z06-Hec · Sep 11, 2015

Fathom Hyrda Series. They speak for themsleves
http://fathomled.com/products/hydra-series/

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

jared graves said:
What kind of coral will you be keeping the most of?

Sps and lps with a few softies

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

Z06-Hec said:
Fathom Hyrda Series. They speak for themsleves
http://fathomled.com/products/hydra-series/

Very interesting... Would prob need 2 correct?

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

icecool2 said:
Kessil guy here too. On that tank, you'd probably wind up with two A160. One A360W is made for 24x24". The A160 is 18x18" (if memory serves)

Thank you been looking at these too.

jared graves · Sep 11, 2015

JimSWreef said:
Sps and lps with a few softies

Are you more interested in growth or color?

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

Prob growth due to purchasing frags

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

Is there one good for both?

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

I use the current orbit currently. Lol. It hasnt been horrible, but would like to upgrade. Was looking at the orbit pro as well

jared graves · Sep 11, 2015

In that case I would recommend a combo of 2 kessil 160we tuna blue lights with either one or two Chinese box led light. Led lights are placed over the tank wile the kessils come in from the front corners. The Chinese led lights imo provide great growth at the sacrifice of color wile kessil lights are the opposite. I have been running my tank with this light combo with amazing success! If you buy your kessils in a two pack on eBay I believe it is $450 and you can buy a single Chinese box led for $80 or 2 for $140 I think. I am on my phone right now but I can provide links to the eBay items later if your interested. It would be stretching your budget a bit but well worth it imo given the fact you can now provide light from 4 different angles into your tank

glweek · Sep 11, 2015

I had a 40b and ran two kessil 160's with 2 39w t5 coral plus bulbs. Great color and growth.

JimSWreef · Sep 11, 2015

jared graves said:
In that case I would recommend a combo of 2 kessil 160we tuna blue lights with either one or two Chinese box led light. Led lights are placed over the tank wile the kessils come in from the front corners. The Chinese led lights imo provide great growth at the sacrifice of color wile kessil lights are the opposite. I have been running my tank with this light combo with amazing success! If you buy your kessils in a two pack on eBay I believe it is $450 and you can buy a single Chinese box led for $80 or 2 for $140 I think. I am on my phone right now but I can provide links to the eBay items later if your interested. It would be stretching your budget a bit but well worth it imo given the fact you can now provide light from 4 different angles into your tank

That would be great. Thanks

jared graves · Sep 11, 2015

glweek said:
I had a 40b and ran two kessil 160's with 2 39w t5 coral plus bulbs. Great color and growth.

That's a great option too I just feel kessils can't get the growth most of us want without getting extra lights

Z06-Hec · Sep 11, 2015

JimSWreef said:
Very interesting... Would prob need 2 correct?

probably.
The area covered is on the side, specs for light.
I have some used for sale used but would not sell just 2.
look around though if you like them you can find them used.