Vertex Illumina LED

[Borderjumper]

Originally Posted by Youngster Dan

Why do you want to change? Just for fun?

pure animal magnetism my friend.. That light is wicked sexy

[Ron99]

Lack of UV is not really an issue for coral growth but may play a role of some sort in colouration. The jury is still out on that but I can tell you my corals are growing well and looking good under LEDs. I have other concerns about this fixture but that has all been discussed ad nauseum in other threads so I won't go into it here again.

What are your tank dimensions?

[Borderjumper]

One tank is 48x24x 21deep with 2 400W lighting and one is 48x24x16 deep with 1 250w lighting

[abcha0s]

This wouldn't be my first pick for a LED fixture. Seems like it is all marketing hype and LFS talk. Personally, I'm not that impressed.

I really like the Pacific Sun fixtures.

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by abcha0s@conceptaquatics

This wouldn't be my first pick for a LED fixture. Seems like it is all marketing hype and LFS talk. Personally, I'm not that impressed.

I really like the Pacific Sun fixtures.

but on the other thread you said...

Originally Posted by abcha0s@conceptaquatics

I admit to being skeptical when I invested in LED, but let the great debate be over. LEDs are completely and totally ready for full blown SPS systems. My corals have grown more in the past 60 days under LED then they did in 6 months under 250W MHs. The colours are great, the polyp extension is great, the overall health of the system is great.

Now, I confess that I am also supplementing Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium in a much more controlled fashion that I previously was. This is undoubtedly why I am seeing the increased growth, but it still proves that LEDs can and do grow-out beautiful coral.

I completely love the sunrise, sunset and moon effects. It really adds value to my viewing time. The fish are well aware of the light cycle and will act differently depending on the time of day. The dusk cycle inevitably triggers the mating instincts in a number of my fish. The energy in the tank at dusk is incredible.

For what it’s worth, I have zero regrets. None what-so-ever. These lights were one of the best purchases that I have made for my tank.

I have the 6’ Vertex Illumina 260 on a 300G tank (6’ x 3’ - 27" deep) open top.

would you have taken the Pacific Sun fixtures over the Illumina?

[abcha0s]

The important thing here is time lines. I made my original assessment back in October of 2010 and I stand by it. At the time, the Vertex light used Phillips Luxeon Rebels and Pacific Sun was using Cree XPE and XPG. The Pacific Sun lights also had T5 supplemental lighting.

Here is a comparison chart for the Vertex lights:


Source: http://www.masns.ca/forum/showthread...4865&pid=45054

I've done a lot of research into LED fixtures. I've discussed the technology with more than one manufacturer directly. There is no golden rule for what works, but in my opinion, the combination of 3W Cree XPE and XPG LEDs is the minimum requirements for keeping SPS. The original Vertex Illumina 200-P just wasn't what I was looking for.

I don't think I've ever said anything negative about Pacific Sun. In fact, I still think they are a fantastic lighting solution.

The Vertex 260 Illumina was the game changer and became the standard to which other manufacturers are measured. Pacific Sun holds it's own and for many people it is the right solution.

Honestly, I am happy to recommend either solution.

- Brad

(Why did we bump such an old thread?)

Originally Posted by phi delt reefer

would you have taken the Pacific Sun fixtures over the Illumina?

At this point no. I love my Vertex light and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[Bblinks]

Vertex has a built quailty that Pacific sun just can't compete. trust me on this. I really like the t5 and led concept, but without supporting it with good built quality, it really doesn't matter how great the concept is. Vertex is supposed to come out with new cree led chip for the vertex illumina series which incorporate red and green leds to enhance the color spectrum. I am waiting to see what they come up with before I make my final decision.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by abcha0s@conceptaquatics

There is no golden rule for what works, but in my opinion, the combination of 3W Cree XPE and XPG LEDs is the minimum requirements for keeping SPS.



- Brad

Don't tell that to all the people that are using XPE?XPE, Luxton rebels, ect to keep SPS probably more of thoes systems that there are for the XPE/XPG combo.

Steve

[don.ald]

Originally Posted by Borderjumper

One tank is 48x24x 21deep with 2 400W lighting and one is 48x24x16 deep with 1 250w lighting

so this light will be on another (new) tank. right?

[Ron99]

You may want to wait for more reviews regarding even PAR coverage front to back with wider tanks. Might be an issue with a 2 foot wide tank like yours. I guess it might also depend on your aquascape and location of corals/clams etc.

Pacific Sun units are pricey. Most have no optics and the version with optics is even more expensive.