Which LED fixture for my SPS nano?

ug.mac · 10/31/2012, 12:37 AM

My tank is a 5 gallon cube and soon will upgrade to 17 gallon (15.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 inch). I grow mostly SPS in my nano and everything seems fine under my DIY LED fixture. Coral growth is steady but I'm not happy with color.

My DIY LED includes XP-E RB/CB/RED/NW/WW, Epistar UV. Color temp is like 10~12K because I wired Red into white channel and UV is barely visible. To achieve my ideal result, I will need Arduino board (to simulate sunrise/sunset), 3 more drivers (I'm using buckpack), new PSU/project box/ heat sink and wiring. For the cost I figured I can just spend a little more to get one of these and call it a day:

1. AI Sol Nano
2. AI Sol Blue
3. AI Vega

They are all in my budget and that's where the problem is. I dont know which one to get. Please help me!

This is my tank today, tank is about 1 year and 2 month old, most coral are about 8~10 month old.

Michigan Mike · 10/31/2012, 06:21 AM

That's a cute little tank you have there!
Bravo

Sorry I can't help as I don't know leds very well, but it looks good to me the way it is!

BigAl2007 · 10/31/2012, 06:46 AM

Of those 3 I would go Vega (Vega COLOR) for sure. LED is changing BIG time right now and I think you'll want to have Full Spectrum. My ultimate choice would be the GHL Mitras but it might be a tad over-kill for your tank.

BTW that's a SWEET looking tank!

discocarp · 10/31/2012, 07:18 AM

Out of those 3 the Vega Color would be my choice. I wouldn't even bother with the old models.

10/31/2012, 12:37 AM	#1
ug.mac Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vancouver, BC, CANADA Posts: 100	Which LED fixture for my SPS nano? My tank is a 5 gallon cube and soon will upgrade to 17 gallon (15.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 inch). I grow mostly SPS in my nano and everything seems fine under my DIY LED fixture. Coral growth is steady but I'm not happy with color. My DIY LED includes XP-E RB/CB/RED/NW/WW, Epistar UV. Color temp is like 10~12K because I wired Red into white channel and UV is barely visible. To achieve my ideal result, I will need Arduino board (to simulate sunrise/sunset), 3 more drivers (I'm using buckpack), new PSU/project box/ heat sink and wiring. For the cost I figured I can just spend a little more to get one of these and call it a day: 1. AI Sol Nano 2. AI Sol Blue 3. AI Vega They are all in my budget and that's where the problem is. I dont know which one to get. Please help me! This is my tank today, tank is about 1 year and 2 month old, most coral are about 8~10 month old.

10/31/2012, 06:21 AM	#2
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	That's a cute little tank you have there! Bravo Sorry I can't help as I don't know leds very well, but it looks good to me the way it is!

10/31/2012, 06:46 AM	#3
BigAl2007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Waynesville, NC USA Posts: 1,737	Of those 3 I would go Vega (*Vega COLOR*) for sure. LED is changing BIG time right now and I think you'll want to have Full Spectrum. My ultimate choice would be the GHL Mitras but it might be a tad over-kill for your tank. BTW that's a SWEET looking tank!

10/31/2012, 07:18 AM	#4
discocarp Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 2,707	Out of those 3 the Vega Color would be my choice. I wouldn't even bother with the old models.