LED advice

[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.

[sphelps]

If you're on a budget the vertex is certainly not the fixture you should be considering, seems strange that's the fixture you would consider over other options being the most expensive. I also don't think one fixture will give you good results even if with your coral layout. One vertex is $2400 while two sunbrites are $2200, having two fixtures will allow full coverage plus you can run the back at a lower output. 6 sols or 4 radions would also be a better than one vertex, both are only $200 more than the single vertex at $2600 for the set.