Lighting suggestions for newb

[habs247]

Thanks all - great help here.

The Kessils look great - just never considered them - they don't seem be as widely used as the other plug and play led solutions so I never thought of adding them to the list. The 350 "tuna" looks especially nice. Not sure how many I'd need - 2 or 3?

Considering the T5 route - anyone know if a 36" 6 bulb Tek light would do the trick on a 48" long tank? Or should I go 48" for sure?

Also I'm not completely against solder less DIY led kits - any recommendations going this route? The few I've priced out fast approach the cost of AIs.

The sunbrite looks like a nice option. Given that it's so new, however, there isn't a lot of feedback on its performance or quality yet

[The Grizz]

My DIY LED was in the neighbour hood of $2k, I would have needed at least 6 Radions and 7 - 8 SOL's for the 8'er so it was a no brainier for me.

[Reef Supplies]

Originally Posted by habs247

Thanks all - great help here.

Considering the T5 route - anyone know if a 36" 6 bulb Tek light would do the trick on a 48" long tank? Or should I go 48" for sure?

The sunbrite looks like a nice option. Given that it's so new, however, there isn't a lot of feedback on its performance or quality yet

You are much better off going with a 48" T5 instead of 36", small price difference.

SB USA has delivered 10 F-series in the US and there are great reviews. They love the craftsmanship and intensity of the light. One guy replaced his 3 x 250W MH with 1 x 72" F-series and he's running it at 75%, still finds it brighter.

Thanks,
Ray

[FitoPharmer]

Don't forget the AI sol's and DIY when you are comparing LED's

2x AI SOL = $800
LEDs=48
Controller=$80 option
Modular = Yes (3 LEDs per panel)

2x Radion $1650
LEDs=68
Controller= Yes
Modular= Yes (17 LEDs per panel)

Sunbrite f-series 48" $1100
LEDs=72
Controller= Yes
Modular= Yes (18 LEDs per panel)

Modular led 48" kit, no lenses, no dimming $609 +~$40 for fans and cords.
LEDs=84
Controller= No
Modular= Yes (2 LEDs per panel)

The main factors to consider with any unit: Initial cost, quality and number of LED's, repair/replacement/upgrade costs and ability, and control. For me control is a much smaller factor since I am still used to old fashion lighting where control was pretty much limited to actinic and moonlight timing. Being modular is much more important to me. It allows for upgrades as technology advances. But also if something breaks on this unit down the road, I want it to easily be replaced at a reasonable cost. I would guess that the larger amount of LEDs per panel jumps the replacement cost considerably. So if 3 LEDs die on a panel of 17 or 18, you are less likely to replace them. While a panel with 2 or 3 LEDs would be cheaper to replace if 3 LEDs went out.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by habs247

Considering the T5 route - anyone know if a 36" 6 bulb Tek light would do the trick on a 48" long tank? Or should I go 48" for sure?

If you're going the T5HO route, you have to go with full tank coverage - 48" fixture for a 48" tank
I love my ATI fixture