Led lights for a 90g

Semaka · #1 04-14-2012, 04:30 AM

so I am in the process of building a 90g reef tank. Just placed an order on a 48/18/24 main with a 40g sump.
Now my main dilemma is lighting.
I would like to go with LEDs. My budget is around 1500 but if I can bring it down it would allow for a nice controller :P.
I have narrowed it down to two options (don't be shy to suggest some other thing): 3 module Mazarra P series (the whole set would be 1534) and the other one is the Sunbrite F series (48 in long for 1099).
From the technical specs the sunbrites use older generation 5w XPG cool whites with XPE for the other channels. While the Mazarra use XMLs with some XPGs. Now bearing in mind that I'm a complete newb when it comes to saltwater aquariums/lighting are the Mazarras worth 400$ extra?.... would the sunbrites impede coral growth or limit my options as far as coral species go?

Which would you pick? do you have better options? point them out. Sry if there's a LED thread on these lights and I missed it.

Nano · #2 04-14-2012, 04:32 AM

welcome to canreef, have you thought of DIY Leds?

Snaz · #3 04-14-2012, 04:39 AM

DIY will save you tons of money and you well get the exact combination of emitters you want.
http://www.aquastyleonline.com This is where I bought mine. Love em.

isaac1 · #4 04-14-2012, 04:44 AM

Not sure your location but if ur in or around edmonton i suggest going to red coral sea i beleave its called off fort road the owner showed me led set ups a bit pricey but defently has the best led displays and set up in edmonton

Semaka · #5 04-14-2012, 04:48 AM

No I did not bother to look into it. At this point I'm no where near versed enough to build one. The actual building is not the problem but this being my first tank it is hard to know what I need, what I'm going to like and what is going to work. I just felt that if the Sunbrites were decent enough I would buy those and eventually when I would be "old enough to feel ways about things" I might build a LED strip. At this point I thought it would be much safer to just buy one ready made.
out of curiosity how much would it cost to build an equivalent 48'' led strip?

fishytime · #6 04-14-2012, 04:49 AM

two AI sols would be more than adequate for your tank and would come in at around $900 with the optional controller.....that would save you some coin.....and ya, welcome to canreef

Semaka · #7 04-14-2012, 04:54 AM

Thx

I guess i should provide some more info. I would like something that would allow me to grow the majority of corals.
I did not look into the AI sols. Are they enough to cover the whole tank 48/18 ?
How would they stack against the other two?

Cade · #8 04-14-2012, 05:01 AM

Welcome!

Yah the most popular LED's seem to be Ecotech Radions and the AI Sol.

I have a 90 and if I had your budget I would perchase 2 Radions, you would never regret it.
But if i didnt feel like spending $1600 + hanging kit + shipping I would go for the AI's and Im sure I would never regret that either, I have spoke with many happy owners of those lights.

Some people may say that 3 AI's are necessary but you can always start with 2 and see how you like it.

Good luck and Im jelouse of your LED's whatever you choose.

troni · #9 04-14-2012, 05:04 AM

I definately suggest DIY modular led is a sponsor of the forum check it out. They also have apex controllers 15% off. If you don't wanna do diy they 2 most talked about are radion and the ai sol. Good luck.

burgerchow · #10 04-14-2012, 07:00 AM

I would wait til next week and check out the release of the new Kissel A350 led spotlights. Been doing a lot of research on the current A150, and they seem pretty impressive. You would probably only need 2 units for your . I will be replacing my MH with a pair of A350s as soon as they're available. The only led that can closely replicate MH, including the tank shimmer