Dimming reefbrites with apex

[spicytuna]

Is anyone dimming there reefbrites with there apex? I see I can buy a module, but I just don't understand the need for it. If the apex does the dimming, why do I need a module I between the controller and the reefbrite? The only thing I can think of is, the driver is in the power supply and the "dimming module" is really a dimmable driver.

[sahin]

Originally Posted by spicytuna

Is anyone dimming there reefbrites with there apex? I see I can buy a module, but I just don't understand the need for it. If the apex does the dimming, why do I need a module I between the controller and the reefbrite? The only thing I can think of is, the driver is in the power supply and the "dimming module" is really a dimmable driver.

Check out this thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...2252254&page=4

[spicytuna]

Originally Posted by sahin

Check out this thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...2252254&page=4

Thank you for the thread. I do understand the basics, just wasn't sure if someone had figured a diy solution to use the apex.

I guess I'm just kicking myself right now for not buying the led powermodule. I'm running a 6x39 dimmable sunpower over my tank right now and I really want LEDs. I came across a great deal on some really rare Japanese led spot lamps to add to my system and now I'd like to add some reefbrites. I originally bought the sunpower to save money, but now I'm going to be at about what a 4x39 led powermodule will cost after I add in $500 for the 2 reefbrites and a dimmer. Do you really think they are worth that much? It's kind of outdated technology compared to the LEDs that are out there, but it's just the only solution for attaching anything to the ati without it looking like crap. Thanks again.

[sahin]

Originally Posted by spicytuna

Thank you for the thread. I do understand the basics, just wasn't sure if someone had figured a diy solution to use the apex.

I guess I'm just kicking myself right now for not buying the led powermodule. I'm running a 6x39 dimmable sunpower over my tank right now and I really want LEDs. I came across a great deal on some really rare Japanese led spot lamps to add to my system and now I'd like to add some reefbrites. I originally bought the sunpower to save money, but now I'm going to be at about what a 4x39 led powermodule will cost after I add in $500 for the 2 reefbrites and a dimmer. Do you really think they are worth that much? It's kind of outdated technology compared to the LEDs that are out there, but it's just the only solution for attaching anything to the ati without it looking like crap. Thanks again.

If you sell the 6x39w PM and get back around 75% of your money, then buy the 4tube LED Powermodule, then I would say its worth it.

Otherwise, honestly, I would just add a couple of the normal Reefbrites to the 6tube PM.

I've got the LED Powermodule, and previously had a customised ATI Sunpower with LED's inside it, I even added tiny Moonlights:


The main advantage of having the LED PM versus the normal PM with a couple of reefbrites is the dimming. And aesthetically, the LED PM obviously looks better.

There MANY who use standard PM or Sunpowers with a couple of Reefbrites. I would save my money and not bother about the dimmable Reefbrites. And if you bought the PM new, then you stand to lose most of your hard earned bucks because I dont think it will sell for anywhere near 75% of the purchase price.

[spicytuna]

Originally Posted by sahin

If you sell the 6x39w PM and get back around 75% of your money, then buy the 4tube LED Powermodule, then I would say its worth it.

Otherwise, honestly, I would just add a couple of the normal Reefbrites to the 6tube PM.

I've got the LED Powermodule, and previously had a customised ATI Sunpower with LED's inside it, I even added tiny Moonlights:


The main advantage of having the LED PM versus the normal PM with a couple of reefbrites is the dimming. And aesthetically, the LED PM obviously looks better.

There MANY who use standard PM or Sunpowers with a couple of Reefbrites. I would save my money and not bother about the dimmable Reefbrites. And if you bought the PM new, then you stand to lose most of your hard earned bucks because I dont think it will sell for anywhere near 75% of the purchase price.

My 6x39 dimmable sunpower is a month old, I bought it new from reefgeek. I'm definitely not selling it. I love it though, I can't complain, it's a great light. I've seen your thread, you did a great job with that led retro. I'm starting to lean towards the build my led setup, 2 will set me back about $600, but those are some seriously nice fixtures. All in all, I would assume 2x BML actinics + 6x39 would throw more par then an led powermodule any day. It's all about those sps. I kind of want some crazy lighting to replicate a Japanese reef setup anyways, to match my ledio spot lamps.

[sahin]

A 6tube PM with either a couple of Reefbrites or BML strips front and back will be perfect for SPS. Heck, a 6tube PM by itself is just fine and PLENTY of PAR.

For SPS even a standard Sunpower is MORE THAN enough.

Concentrate on your water quality and feeding a whole lot more than the lighting.

Goodluck.