Help With Picking Lighting Fixtures, Need Advice/Help

Danroth · 04/24/2012, 06:34 PM

After a lot of thought, and looking into LEDs, checking out prices, and what I'd need to do I think I'm going to hold off for awhile & go for something more proven and more in my price range, at least to start out with. I've decided to go with MHs & I'd also like to have 'Moonlighting', so am looking at models that offer both. When LEDs become a little bit more affordable & have more information I will likely switch out.

Having said that, I'm doing a 90 gallon, and am wondering if this: http://www.aquacave.com/IceCap-48-Re...ure-P2633.aspx would be right size/setup for a tank I plan to keep SPS/LPS in. I know I can probably do my DIY less expensively, but I like the look of this, the fact it has it's own cooling system and it's a single unit, it's got moonlighting built into it, and such. I know it's ENOUGH light, I just want to make sure it wouldn't be TOO much? This is the 48" model, for the full length of my tank -- would the 36" be better?

I'd want to try to install this inside a canopy, if it's possible. Has anyone tried these particular IceCap models? They look pretty sharp, but I know looks aren't everything. I'm presuming that any 'prebuilt' MH fixture that has built in cooling is going to need airflow from the canopy - that I can do, leave the back open for that, if that'd work?

If anyone else has any good fixtures they'd suggest, I'd be happy to check them out as well.

kingevil · 04/24/2012, 06:42 PM

not sure what you mean by 'proven.' high quality leds have been working flawlessly for a lot of people.

Danroth · 04/24/2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingevil

not sure what you mean by 'proven.' high quality leds have been working flawlessly for a lot of people.

Probably poor choice of wording on my part. What I meant is that there is more information on them available, and when the industry/manufacturers see there is a demand and begin moving over to the market. There's a lot of 'is this going to work' or, 'these are the LEDs I've chosen', or 'look at my fixture' stuff around everywhere on this forum, other forums, and the internet. But it's more examples, and shoptalk, and I frankly can't parse it. I'm not a DIY person. I'm not a lighting tech/geek or analyst. There is some information out there, yes, but for me it's not enough that I could find. It's still 'new', expensive to start out, and just not comparable to the wealth information/examples of MHs or T5's both in LFS and online to make an informed decision for my tastes. If I'm shelling out $2000+ for lights, I need to know I'm going to love it. And I know I'm impressed with MHs.

I'd rather pay $800-900 for something that I know I'm going to like, I know I'll be happy with, and then maybe a few more years down the road when LEDs become more prevalent make the switch then. I could change my mind again before I make the final commitment down the road, but for now, I'd like to find a good fixture that incorporates MHs and Moonlighting and go with that.

So, anyone who can suggest those fixtures, as well as what length/size I'd need for the 90 gal (I know I'd need 2 250W 14K MHs, and that's what I want to go with in the fixture) would be very helpful to sort through choices.

Crkbaby · 04/24/2012, 10:07 PM

That is a good fixture for what you are doing. I would definetly place it about 8-10 inches above the water on a 90. Also lps don't require crazy light make sure you place them near the bottom if using those lights. Leds are nice but there are so many on the market and they will be a bigger cost up front vs one overtime so that is up to you. MH are my favorite looking and really do a great job. Not to mention a nice led fixture to light that tank would run close to 1200 at least and that is scary as hell if problems to arise. There is no right or wrong that's just my 2 cents on it.

RocketEngineer · 04/25/2012, 07:40 AM

FYI, IceCap went out of business so I wouldn't buy a fixture from them. The IC660 design was acquired by CoralVue (maker of the Reef Octopus skimmers and Water Blaster pumps) when they hired the original designer of that circuit. The CoralVue660 and IC660 are actually the same design just built under two different brands. If you have a bad IC660 or IC430, you can mail them to CoralVue for repair.

LEDs are still quite pricy to start but the savings comes over the long haul. With a T5 4-bulb fixture, you are paying ~$90 a year in bulbs. If you kept the 90g for 5 years, that's $450 in bulbs. Given that LEDs use less electricity, this also contributes to the tipping point. In the end, its mostly about what you're after. When I did my 75g build, I went with T5 because I knew I was going to upgrade in the future as well as already owning the ballast. For the 125g upgrade I have in the works I will be using a DIY LED setup because I intend to keep the tank for a long time.

I would be hesitant to go with MH for a 90g simply because most T5 setups can match MH for that depth tank. I feel that the heat produced by most MH setups is more problematic than the extra light they produced. While LED may be more expensive than MH initially, the same long term savings apply but even more so given electrical usage.

Lighting is a personal choice and a wide ranging topic. Figure out what you are attempting to accomplish, pick a type of lighting to do that, then go with a fixture made by one of the name brands with good ratings. There are lots to choose from and quite a few good brands for decent money.

HTH,
RocketEngineer

dannyny · 04/25/2012, 08:07 AM

that fixture is 800$ if you were to go with 2 AI SOLS it would be the same price minus the controller... i'd go that route if i were to spend 800$

Danroth · 04/25/2012, 10:32 AM

After a lot of hours scouring the web last night, I did manage to find a few select sites comparing MHs to LEDs, along with price value/cost over long term & short term. I just hate sinking in cash to something I can't get info on, especially something I haven't seen.

The heat/energy from MHs has always been a concern for me (which was why I was looking for a good unit that had the ballasts & fans built in), but I really do like the light they produce vs. T5's. After comments on here + what I've found online (mrsaltwater had a good video on it, and some facts), and in other forums, I think I'm committed to going to purchasing the Radion's.

The loss of heat concern + energy output, and finally being able to see some pictures of a tank with them (I couldn't believe how hard that was to find) has convinced me to go with the Radion's.

Thanks everyone for the opinon's & input.

04/24/2012, 06:34 PM	#1
Danroth Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 32	Help With Picking Lighting Fixtures, Need Advice/Help After a lot of thought, and looking into LEDs, checking out prices, and what I'd need to do I think I'm going to hold off for awhile & go for something more proven and more in my price range, at least to start out with. I've decided to go with MHs & I'd also like to have 'Moonlighting', so am looking at models that offer both. When LEDs become a little bit more affordable & have more information I will likely switch out. Having said that, I'm doing a 90 gallon, and am wondering if this: http://www.aquacave.com/IceCap-48-Re...ure-P2633.aspx would be right size/setup for a tank I plan to keep SPS/LPS in. I know I can probably do my DIY less expensively, but I like the look of this, the fact it has it's own cooling system and it's a single unit, it's got moonlighting built into it, and such. I know it's ENOUGH light, I just want to make sure it wouldn't be TOO much? This is the 48" model, for the full length of my tank -- would the 36" be better? I'd want to try to install this inside a canopy, if it's possible. Has anyone tried these particular IceCap models? They look pretty sharp, but I know looks aren't everything. I'm presuming that any 'prebuilt' MH fixture that has built in cooling is going to need airflow from the canopy - that I can do, leave the back open for that, if that'd work? If anyone else has any good fixtures they'd suggest, I'd be happy to check them out as well. Last edited by Danroth; 04/24/2012 at 06:41 PM.

04/25/2012, 07:40 AM	#5
RocketEngineer Space is big. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 3,226	FYI, IceCap went out of business so I wouldn't buy a fixture from them. The IC660 design was acquired by CoralVue (maker of the Reef Octopus skimmers and Water Blaster pumps) when they hired the original designer of that circuit. The CoralVue660 and IC660 are actually the same design just built under two different brands. If you have a bad IC660 or IC430, you can mail them to CoralVue for repair. LEDs are still quite pricy to start but the savings comes over the long haul. With a T5 4-bulb fixture, you are paying ~$90 a year in bulbs. If you kept the 90g for 5 years, that's $450 in bulbs. Given that LEDs use less electricity, this also contributes to the tipping point. In the end, its mostly about what you're after. When I did my 75g build, I went with T5 because I knew I was going to upgrade in the future as well as already owning the ballast. For the 125g upgrade I have in the works I will be using a DIY LED setup because I intend to keep the tank for a long time. I would be hesitant to go with MH for a 90g simply because most T5 setups can match MH for that depth tank. I feel that the heat produced by most MH setups is more problematic than the extra light they produced. While LED may be more expensive than MH initially, the same long term savings apply but even more so given electrical usage. Lighting is a personal choice and a wide ranging topic. Figure out what you are attempting to accomplish, pick a type of lighting to do that, then go with a fixture made by one of the name brands with good ratings. There are lots to choose from and quite a few good brands for decent money. HTH, RocketEngineer __________________ -RocketEngineer "Knowledge is what you get when you read the directions, experience is what you get when you don't." - Unknown Current Tank Info: None Currently

04/24/2012, 06:42 PM	#2
kingevil Moved On Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: phx/east valley Posts: 917	not sure what you mean by 'proven.' high quality leds have been working flawlessly for a lot of people.

04/24/2012, 10:07 PM	#4
Crkbaby Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Cleveland Ohio Posts: 422	That is a good fixture for what you are doing. I would definetly place it about 8-10 inches above the water on a 90. Also lps don't require crazy light make sure you place them near the bottom if using those lights. Leds are nice but there are so many on the market and they will be a bigger cost up front vs one overtime so that is up to you. MH are my favorite looking and really do a great job. Not to mention a nice led fixture to light that tank would run close to 1200 at least and that is scary as hell if problems to arise. There is no right or wrong that's just my 2 cents on it.

04/25/2012, 08:07 AM	#6
dannyny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 54	that fixture is 800$ if you were to go with 2 AI SOLS it would be the same price minus the controller... i'd go that route if i were to spend 800$

04/25/2012, 10:32 AM	#7
Danroth Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 32	After a lot of hours scouring the web last night, I did manage to find a few select sites comparing MHs to LEDs, along with price value/cost over long term & short term. I just hate sinking in cash to something I can't get info on, especially something I haven't seen. The heat/energy from MHs has always been a concern for me (which was why I was looking for a good unit that had the ballasts & fans built in), but I really do like the light they produce vs. T5's. After comments on here + what I've found online (mrsaltwater had a good video on it, and some facts), and in other forums, I think I'm committed to going to purchasing the Radion's. The loss of heat concern + energy output, and finally being able to see some pictures of a tank with them (I couldn't believe how hard that was to find) has convinced me to go with the Radion's. Thanks everyone for the opinon's & input.