LED advice
 

Hi
I am looking into a LED fixture for my tank. Our electricity bill has really gone up so this decision may help significantly. Am I on the right track thinking my current fixture ( six T5s and Two 250 MHs) with a PFO magnetic ballast , plus running a chiller (1/2 hp with a 1200 GPH pump) would be using lots of power and what would you think by putting a LED fixture that could support my tank full of SPS. tank dimensions 4feetx3feet x2 feet. What sort of fixture do you suggest . Is this a direction that would really lower my electricity needs?

- Guess I need to know if Id be able to stop running my chiller and is LED efficient on electricity over T5/MH plus what type to buy.
Thanks for any help.
Brent

Ive switched to DIY LEDs and didnt run the chiller this year. There was about 7 days where the temp went above 82degrees in my tank. I had about 800w of lighting before and now im down to (300ish) and probably have twice the light/growth.

What's your budget? Not many fixtures that can spread 3 feet to cover front to back of your tank so might be looking at doubling up.

I run a 1/2HP chiller and with MH it ran much of the 12 hours my lights were on. Now with LED it's rarely comes on, but does once in a while. In BC the cost of power isn't huge, especially in short term when you look at the cost of covering your tank. With my lights, (AI Sol), you'd probably need 9 of them @ $400 each. Most single fixtures won't cover the width, so pendants would be needed, or 2 fixtures. The cost can be all over the place though, depending on what you go with for brand and design.

9 brad? I was thinking more like 6.

A couple fixtures to consider

6 x Sols or Vegas -> $2400-$3000 -> 432W-570W
2 x Sunbrite F-Series -> $2200 -> 480W
4 x Radions -> ~$2600+ -> 560W
2 x GHL Mitras -> $2400 -> 380W (might need three but two has enough spread)
2 x Vertex 260 -> $4800 -> 640W
2 x Vertex 360 -> $5800 -> 680W

Sorry, you're right. I was thinking 6' long, not 4. 6 units would do it.

thanks guys, My tank is set up with the bulk of the SPS under the MHs , in the center and back 1/3 of the tank with less light sensitive corals in the front 1/3 of the tank , all SPS are up on the rocks , clams LPS on the bottom mostly. would using one Vertex 260 fixture be enough, budget is a factor. Would I look at the 4 foot fixture for that model.
My electric bill has risen close to $200/month form what it was with this system, im thinking these main systems are the cause.

The bulk of that 200 isn't going to be the lights and chiller. You might save 30/month or so on the bill.
A Vertex 260 is nice, and I think one of the better units, but you can get decent LED for less cost. If you can afford the Vertex, then sure, but they're pricey!

keep diy in mind as well, no better bang for your buck! it could very well save you ~1200$. it does however require some creativity and hands on skills to make it look pretty.