Tek elite or DIY led for 40 breeder

Indiana Reefin · 02/09/2012, 05:47 PM

I want to keep SPS, acans, and zoanthiads. I don't want to spend over $500. I like the idea of led but am worried my SPS won't thrive. If igo led it will be 36-48 from rapid. If I go with led what LEDs should I go with? I want a 14-18k look so more blue than white. I also want to throw some red in there to cover the spectrum.
Advice would be greatly appreciated

phasezero · 02/09/2012, 06:11 PM

Considering the depth of the tank, i'd say go with T5's if you're unsure about what results you might get with LED. With the T5's you'll get proven results with awesome color. Perhaps you might consider getting a 4 bulb t5 fixture that you could add some LED supplementation of Royal blues for a little more PAR and pop in color. With how shallow the 40 breeder is i have no doubt a quality 4 bulb t5 fixture alone will give you good growth and color alone. The LED's supplementation will just be icing on the cake. With the DIY led kit, i feel there is still so much to learn about getting the right led color combo where even dimming certain colors just isn't enough. So i vote a decent T5 fixture with LED supplementation.

My opinion is based on the fact that i own a Kessil A150W 10k on my nano tank, a 24 LED DIY of RB/NW from rapid LED on a 26 bowfront, and a T5 4x54 watt Aquatic Life fixture over my 55g SPS tank.

Indiana Reefin · 02/09/2012, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phasezero

Considering the depth of the tank, i'd say go with T5's if you're unsure about what results you might get with LED. With the T5's you'll get proven results with awesome color. Perhaps you might consider getting a 4 bulb t5 fixture that you could add some LED supplementation of Royal blues for a little more PAR and pop in color. With how shallow the 40 breeder is i have no doubt a quality 4 bulb t5 fixture alone will give you good growth and color alone. The LED's supplementation will just be icing on the cake. With the DIY led kit, i feel there is still so much to learn about getting the right led color combo where even dimming certain colors just isn't enough. So i vote a decent T5 fixture with LED supplementation.

My opinion is based on the fact that i own a Kessil A150W 10k on my nano tank, a 24 LED DIY of RB/NW from rapid LED on a 26 bowfront, and a T5 4x54 watt Aquatic Life fixture over my 55g SPS tank.

Thanks for your help! I am leaning towards T5. I am leaning towards a tek elite 6 x39w because I feel that ATI will be way to much par for a 40 breeder. Any other suggestions on lights? Bulb setup?

rtparty · 02/09/2012, 07:23 PM

24" Ecoxotic panorama pro fixture would work as well and is totally modular. I would also look at a 6x24w ATI sunpower as well.

Indiana Reefin · 02/09/2012, 08:39 PM

Thanks rtparty! How is the par for SPS?
Are they 3W or 1W

wrx1908 · 02/10/2012, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phasezero

Considering the depth of the tank, i'd say go with T5's if you're unsure about what results you might get with LED. With the T5's you'll get proven results with awesome color. Perhaps you might consider getting a 4 bulb t5 fixture that you could add some LED supplementation of Royal blues for a little more PAR and pop in color. With how shallow the 40 breeder is i have no doubt a quality 4 bulb t5 fixture alone will give you good growth and color alone. The LED's supplementation will just be icing on the cake. With the DIY led kit, i feel there is still so much to learn about getting the right led color combo where even dimming certain colors just isn't enough. So i vote a decent T5 fixture with LED supplementation.

My opinion is based on the fact that i own a Kessil A150W 10k on my nano tank, a 24 LED DIY of RB/NW from rapid LED on a 26 bowfront, and a T5 4x54 watt Aquatic Life fixture over my 55g SPS tank.

I think LEDs are the icing on the cake
got this one from Aquastyleonline and looks great
if you want to see the dimming of the leds check out my video http://youtu.be/Yt5xr7nz3pg

reefsurfing · 02/10/2012, 02:52 AM

I have to vote for the panarama pro; it has three watters running at 1.5 w and will give you a nice even spread over the tank. I have two radions but I bought them for a bigger tank and given the chance to purchase for my tank the Pro would be it.

Indiana Reefin · 02/10/2012, 05:26 AM

Thanks guys!! So one 24" panorama pro would be sufficient enough for SPS? I Cain even add some modules. Do I even née the fixture? I am building a canopy?

screamingibis · 02/10/2012, 06:28 AM

I'd go 36 DIY from rapid. go with 36 total; 12 rb on one string at 750 ma, 12 nw on one string at 1050 ma, and 8 rb and 4 nw on another string. remember to ramp the mixed string down to 750 ma. you can add these to an apex for dimming or buy the meanwell.

Indiana Reefin · 02/10/2012, 10:07 AM

Thanks for your input screamingibis!
Do you think I should add some red to the mix? With an apex could I control sunrise, sunset?
You have any pics or threads of your light?

02/09/2012, 05:47 PM	#1
Indiana Reefin Garrett Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 847	Tek elite or DIY led for 40 breeder I want to keep SPS, acans, and zoanthiads. I don't want to spend over $500. I like the idea of led but am worried my SPS won't thrive. If igo led it will be 36-48 from rapid. If I go with led what LEDs should I go with? I want a 14-18k look so more blue than white. I also want to throw some red in there to cover the spectrum. Advice would be greatly appreciated

02/09/2012, 07:23 PM	#4
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	24" Ecoxotic panorama pro fixture would work as well and is totally modular. I would also look at a 6x24w ATI sunpower as well. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

02/09/2012, 08:39 PM	#5
Indiana Reefin Garrett Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 847	Thanks rtparty! How is the par for SPS? Are they 3W or 1W Last edited by Indiana Reefin; 02/09/2012 at 08:58 PM.

02/09/2012, 06:11 PM	#2
phasezero Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 239	Considering the depth of the tank, i'd say go with T5's if you're unsure about what results you might get with LED. With the T5's you'll get proven results with awesome color. Perhaps you might consider getting a 4 bulb t5 fixture that you could add some LED supplementation of Royal blues for a little more PAR and pop in color. With how shallow the 40 breeder is i have no doubt a quality 4 bulb t5 fixture alone will give you good growth and color alone. The LED's supplementation will just be icing on the cake. With the DIY led kit, i feel there is still so much to learn about getting the right led color combo where even dimming certain colors just isn't enough. So i vote a decent T5 fixture with LED supplementation. My opinion is based on the fact that i own a Kessil A150W 10k on my nano tank, a 24 LED DIY of RB/NW from rapid LED on a 26 bowfront, and a T5 4x54 watt Aquatic Life fixture over my 55g SPS tank.

02/10/2012, 02:52 AM	#7
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 499	I have to vote for the panarama pro; it has three watters running at 1.5 w and will give you a nice even spread over the tank. I have two radions but I bought them for a bigger tank and given the chance to purchase for my tank the Pro would be it.

02/10/2012, 05:26 AM	#8
Indiana Reefin Garrett Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 847	Thanks guys!! So one 24" panorama pro would be sufficient enough for SPS? I Cain even add some modules. Do I even née the fixture? I am building a canopy?

02/10/2012, 06:28 AM	#9
screamingibis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Maysville, GA Posts: 375	I'd go 36 DIY from rapid. go with 36 total; 12 rb on one string at 750 ma, 12 nw on one string at 1050 ma, and 8 rb and 4 nw on another string. remember to ramp the mixed string down to 750 ma. you can add these to an apex for dimming or buy the meanwell.

02/10/2012, 10:07 AM	#10
Indiana Reefin Garrett Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 847	Thanks for your input screamingibis! Do you think I should add some red to the mix? With an apex could I control sunrise, sunset? You have any pics or threads of your light?