LED advice

bkelly · #1 11-18-2012, 10:19 PM

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 · #2 11-18-2012, 10:22 PM

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 · #3 11-18-2012, 10:40 PM

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 · #4 11-19-2012, 12:17 AM

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.

Reef_Geek · #5 11-20-2012, 02:56 AM

I just added a second light to my 36 x 18 x 24

These are the Innovative Marine 92 watt dual spectrum tablet Skkye Lights. Got this brand because I found one unit used online for only $220. Got the other one new in town for $525... dollar cost averaging made these cost $372.50 a piece... just a little less than AI sols

nrosdal · #6 01-14-2013, 04:22 AM

Brent,

I saw that you sold that beauty of a t5/mh fixture you had.

What did you end up going with for a new fixture? or did you figure out that you could put in a skylight upstairs and just buy a bunch of mirrors?

bkelly · #7 01-14-2013, 04:32 AM

I got a vertex 260 3 foot LED, im happy with it just concerned for my corals as they adjust plus trying to figure the expert mode programming. coverage seems good for my 4x3 tank area