LED advice

[bkelly]

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

[Milad]

Originally Posted by bkelly

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.

[sphelps]

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.

[Aquattro]

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.

[sphelps]

9 brad? I was thinking more like 6.

[sphelps]

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

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by sphelps

9 brad? I was thinking more like 6.

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

[bkelly]

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.

[Aquattro]

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!

[claymax]

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.