Online LED lights - 120 watt & 240 watt

FlyFishGuy · 01/17/2012, 08:40 PM

Hello All,

As if my head was not spinning enough from reading 28,000 posts on which lighting is best for my ongoing 90 gallon build, I thought I would post one more thread discussing lighting options. Important to point out that I wish to keep a mixed reef with a nice variety of SPS in the top half of the tank. The tank has (will have - not complete yet) a 9" canopy as other members of the family do not care for an open top tank.

I am really leaning toward LED - two 120 watt fixtures (like you see on ebay and in LFS's ranging from $175-$250) to be more specific. What I have read and seen would seem to indicate they should be fine for the 24" deep 90 gallon. There is also the same fixture in a 240 watt setup (ranges from $300-$450) - but I think two of those will be too much light over a 90 gallon and they're not dimmable. The local LFS has two of the 240watts over a 400 gallon and they seem sufficient (though it's a new setup and my human PAR meter was not working that day! :-)) Course, then I think, "That panorama pro seems to light 'em up real well!" Next thing I know I'm back looking at MH/T5 combos or just T5. It's quite confusing and I suppose if I try one and don't like it's not the end of the world (just several hundred bucks).

Always appreciate peoples experience with lighting. If anyone has used these lights, or other LED light setups, I'd be interested in hearing feedback. Thanks as always!

Steve

Essencereef · 01/17/2012, 08:48 PM

I have that 120W eBay light...

It is great for shallow water, but it's penetration is limited. If planning on SPS dominated tank- go with known and tried brands, if going mixed reef, those chinese 120W models will suffice.

Keep in mind, PAR levels on Chinese fixtures like that will be much less than impressive.

-Vitaliy

FlyFishGuy · 01/17/2012, 09:02 PM

Thanks Vitaly

Have you seen the 240's in action? They are really bright! I'm concerned they would melt everything! The store near my house has two of them hanging a good two feet off the tank and the tank is 36 inches deep....but they seem to be doing fine. Same fixtures though.

I also saw the ecoray 60 and 120. They're a bit more expensive and there wasn't much difference in the light output or color temperature (to the eye at least). plus - why have 60 when you can have 120 for half the price!

Maybe I'll buy one of each and take some photos and watch the tank for a few months. I can post the results here and call it research.....I can probably get a grant to do it!

Thanks for the feedback!

01/17/2012, 08:40 PM	#1
FlyFishGuy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Solon, OH Posts: 70	Online LED lights - 120 watt & 240 watt Hello All, As if my head was not spinning enough from reading 28,000 posts on which lighting is best for my ongoing 90 gallon build, I thought I would post one more thread discussing lighting options. Important to point out that I wish to keep a mixed reef with a nice variety of SPS in the top half of the tank. The tank has (will have - not complete yet) a 9" canopy as other members of the family do not care for an open top tank. I am really leaning toward LED - two 120 watt fixtures (like you see on ebay and in LFS's ranging from $175-$250) to be more specific. What I have read and seen would seem to indicate they should be fine for the 24" deep 90 gallon. There is also the same fixture in a 240 watt setup (ranges from $300-$450) - but I think two of those will be too much light over a 90 gallon and they're not dimmable. The local LFS has two of the 240watts over a 400 gallon and they seem sufficient (though it's a new setup and my human PAR meter was not working that day! :-)) Course, then I think, "That panorama pro seems to light 'em up real well!" Next thing I know I'm back looking at MH/T5 combos or just T5. It's quite confusing and I suppose if I try one and don't like it's not the end of the world (just several hundred bucks). Always appreciate peoples experience with lighting. If anyone has used these lights, or other LED light setups, I'd be interested in hearing feedback. Thanks as always! Steve Last edited by FlyFishGuy; 01/17/2012 at 08:43 PM. Reason: typos

01/17/2012, 08:48 PM	#2
Essencereef Moved On Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 159	I have that 120W eBay light... It is great for shallow water, but it's penetration is limited. If planning on SPS dominated tank- go with known and tried brands, if going mixed reef, those chinese 120W models will suffice. Keep in mind, PAR levels on Chinese fixtures like that will be much less than impressive. -Vitaliy

01/17/2012, 09:02 PM	#3
FlyFishGuy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Solon, OH Posts: 70	Thanks Vitaly Have you seen the 240's in action? They are really bright! I'm concerned they would melt everything! The store near my house has two of them hanging a good two feet off the tank and the tank is 36 inches deep....but they seem to be doing fine. Same fixtures though. I also saw the ecoray 60 and 120. They're a bit more expensive and there wasn't much difference in the light output or color temperature (to the eye at least). plus - why have 60 when you can have 120 for half the price! Maybe I'll buy one of each and take some photos and watch the tank for a few months. I can post the results here and call it research.....I can probably get a grant to do it! Thanks for the feedback!