Originally Posted by Rice Reef (Post 769669)

Hi all,
I am now planning a second tank and thinking about trying the Mitras. It may be a bit early but I'm looking for some real user reviews on these lights and not sales pitches please.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by sphelps (Post 769916)

The spread is huge on these fixtures, you could cover my tank with two fixtures (64x32) but I feel three is better number given the depth (32) and the demand required for an SPS dominant tank. There's a picture of a 40" x 40" tank with a single fixture given complete coverage. I'm not going to reconfigure my fixtures for a demonstration, too much work would be required in regards to mounting given some limitations I have on space above.

I think I've mentioned color blending a few times now. In regards to comparing to T5s, not sure it can be done. They are completely different and offer more similarities to Halides than T5s. The lack of optics and larger spread design does reduce spotlight and shimmer effects compared to other LED fixtures so perhaps the Mitras is what you're looking for but maybe not. If T5s are really what you like then why not run T5s?

Originally Posted by sphelps (Post 769922)

In regards to the price of these units, if it was too high the demand wouldn't exceed the supply. Simple concept. The price isn't cheap and it's not for everyone but there are plenty of people who would easily justify the cost, the value is there.

Originally Posted by Rice Reef (Post 769926)

Thank you for your input. I don't think you will need to reconfigure your lights. I will look for the 40x40 tank and that should help my decision on the light placement down the road.

I agree with you on the LED where they resemble more halides and lack the richness (colour) that t5s emit. I have considered running a tank with just t5s but after considering the costs LED is a better choice. Perhaps the Mitras would be a better. Again, thanks.

Originally Posted by apexifd (Post 769918)

thought you had no space for a second tank.

Originally Posted by sphelps (Post 769929)

I'll save you the trouble :biggrin:
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...K70_8913Sm.jpg

I think the richness you describe is totally a matter of opinion. Personally I think a tank lit by T5s alone doesn't look very good at all in person but they photograph better than any other due to even light distribution. However the shimmer and contrast is way better in person, much more natural and the light focuses on the coral better.

Originally Posted by sphelps (Post 769929)

I'll save you the trouble :biggrin:

Originally Posted by Rice Reef (Post 769932)

I don't.... But I may find a spot in the garage... The second tank would be a holding tank for frags and when they are ready I can put them in the main display... It will also be my " insurance policy" in case if any of the corals die off... Cheaper than having to buy them all over again.

Originally Posted by apexifd (Post 769942)

I know someone started a frag tank just for that reason. and he filled the frag tank with all new frags instead.