LED Lighting Help

straightrazorguy · #1 02-18-2014, 06:30 PM

I have a couple of 2 yr-old Maxspect Mazzaras Series P hanging over a 3 ft-long 55 gal tank. It's a mixed tank with some SPS and some LPS and zoas. Yesterday I lost a whole channel on my Mazzaras, and I could not revive it. I contacted Maxspect with questions and haven't heard back.

I feel like I'm at a crossroads: the Mazzaras have been quite troublesome for me, and depending on what the bill comes up to, I may decide to cut my losses and go for a different LED system altogether. But before doing that, I'd like to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum. After some research I'm looking at:

- 1 GHL Mitras 6200 module ($ 1000-1200 US)
- 1 AI Hydra module (do I need 2?) plus an AI controller ($590 + $ 79 for the AI Controller + $ 40 for the hanging Kit= $ 709 US). Will I need 2 modules, though?
- 1 Orphek Atlantik module ($ 900 US). The problem is I don't have an Android device and if I buy one I add another $ 140. Let's say $1040 US.

I'm not happy with Orphek for not allowing any device other than Android to control their stuff. I'm not happy with AI for going away from ReefKeeper (so you have to buy their controller!). The Mitras look like the best option.

Anyway, these are the systems I'm currently looking at, unless Maxspect comes through for me. Any ideas/recommendations?

Magickiwi · #2 02-18-2014, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by straightrazorguy

I'd like to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum.

That won't take long

I've ordered the Hydras for my tank. Four bulbs and now a ballast in seven months and I am cutting my losses. I have a four foot long tank and Ray from reefsupplies.ca advised I'd only need two fixtures. So I'd probably go with two if I were you. $590 must be for the Hydra 52's, which you may not need depending on the depth of your tank. If you're @24" or less then go with the normal Hydra's for $438.95 from Ray.

You can get the module to control these fixtures from a Neptune controller but I'm not sure about the reefkeeper. I have a Neptune controller but went with the AI Wireless Director because it is designed to work with the AI lights and is $40ish cheaper than the Neptune controller.

straightrazorguy · #3 02-18-2014, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magickiwi

That won't take long

I've ordered the Hydras for my tank. Four bulbs and now a ballast in seven months and I am cutting my losses.

I don't understand Kiwi; you are cutting what losses? Not the Hydras, I hope....

Magickiwi · #4 02-18-2014, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by straightrazorguy

I don't understand Kiwi; you are cutting what losses? Not the Hydras, I hope....

You're right, that's not very clear is it? I meant with my Metal Halide fixtures. I love the color etc. but really hate the fixture I have. No night lights, much less a moon cycle and burning through half the cost of the LED fixtures in replacement bulbs since I got it up and running was starting to boil my blood. (No, I'm not touching the bulbs with my fingers etc. the fixture just sucks) Losing one of my MH ballasts on Saturday was the last straw.

Upgrading my metal halide fixture to something I could live with would cost as much or more than changing to LEDs so I thought I'd give the Hydras a shot.

blueyota · #5 02-19-2014, 01:05 AM

I know its not on your list but just picked up a ecotech radion gen2 and love it.. one of the best moves I made.

It has all the time,intensity and colour control you could want its really quiet and has storm mode which can be wireless with your vortechs (if you have them) and create waves with your lightning storm.

I did look at pretty much the same fixtures you mentioned above and chose the radions for the colour control

you would only need one for your size tank but I would recommend the Gen2 or 3 as there intensity is a little higher then gen1 if you end up considering the radions

thats my 2 cents....