LED Light Fixture Recommendation

sphelps · #1 09-09-2011, 05:16 PM

Budget?

Cliff · #2 09-09-2011, 05:18 PM

I really don't want to skimp on lighting, but I don't want to buy the most expensive out there either.

I'm looking for something $1000 or less.

If my budget is off, let me know

sphelps · #3 09-09-2011, 05:43 PM

Your budget is off in terms of what I would consider decent fixtures with the wattage you're looking for. For example the Metis CRP2 would probably be enough for your tank but still 100W short of what you're asking for and that fixture is close to $2000. Same deal with vertex fixtures as well. Even a DIY project with that many LEDs is going to go over $1000.

Now there are cheaper alternatives that use lower end LEDs and lack some controllable features but I don't know much about them, personally don't think I'd recommend any of them but we'll see what others have to say.

lastlight · #4 09-09-2011, 05:44 PM

2x250w.

I'm sure you've seen these older diodes... they're quite massive but they're proven and you'd only need two =)

ponokareefer · #5 09-09-2011, 05:47 PM

For that price, I would look at modularled.ca's 4 foot tank DIY package. It includes 72 LED's which should be more than enough. I have the exact same size of tank as you and just did a tonne of research and found their package to be the best for my needs. There is some DIY involved, but no soldering which is what I wanted to avoid.

You will not be able to get a fixture in that price range for your tank. You will need at least $1600 to get a fixture for your tank that has no DIY involved. Some of the options are: Vertex Illumina 200 or 260, Maxspect Mazzara, Orphek, AquaIllumination Modular, and the new Ecotech Radion

Madreefer · #6 09-09-2011, 06:06 PM

I really like the idea of the Ecotech Radions. But it says it is comparable to a 250W MH but also that 1 unit is for 40G. In my case I would need 3 of them. I really dont want to spend that much. Any thoughts on how just 2 would work? I've been PMing with another member who has some Ebay lights and they are just over $200/unit. Much cheaper than the "predicted" $825 Radions

Cliff · #7 09-09-2011, 06:19 PM

Looks like I need to increase the budget

I'm going to look into the brands you guys have recommended

Thanks

msjboy · #8 09-09-2011, 06:28 PM

eshine just brought out cheaper leds... have a look at this thread from reefcentral.com:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2009776

the washer lites are around $150 for a 48" one... compare that to the former 60W ones at $185 which is good for just a 24" square area.
( new usa beta site is eshinesystem.com )

msjboy