help me decide, diy leds or AI nano

Bradshaww · 07/24/2012, 01:53 PM

I want to upgrade the lighting for my 29 gallon reef. The tank is a standard 29 gallon. 30x12x18 I'm trying to decide what to get, the AI nano or a rapid led DIY kit. I've been reading as much as I can on leds because frankly I don't really know anything about them when bring used for reef lighting. It's my understanding that both fixtures use CREE leds. I was planing on ordering the biocube 29 retrofit kit if I decided to go the DIY route. I am proficient at soldering so the assembly of the DIY kit wouldn't be a problem. after paying for the pentometers and such for the diy both would cost pretty much the same, around 300. So I come to you guys, does anyone have any experience with either of these fixtures? Which should I choose?

josh27 · 07/24/2012, 04:55 PM

I was looking into the same thing as you for my biocube. I was shown this thread about chinese leds.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2110092

After reading through it and seeing the positive feedback I placed an order for one of their fixtures. You should take a look at this thread if you have not already done so.

slowwrx137 · 07/25/2012, 02:15 PM

I have the rapidled retrofit kit in my biocube and I like it, its a good kit. However I'm setting up a standard 40 breeder to replace the biocube and will probably go with either 2 AI nano's or 2 kessil a150w lights. For something that's going to be exposed I want something more complete/finished looking.

parrthed · 07/25/2012, 02:44 PM

I have a couple Nanos and you will have to hang it pretty high to get a 30 inch spread, Which will be fine depending on what you want to keep. I do not have any experience with DIY leds, A vega or full size sol will give better coverage, used Sols can be had for pretty decent prices these days.

Good luck with the tank

07/24/2012, 01:53 PM	#1
Bradshaww Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Debary, FL Posts: 38	help me decide, diy leds or AI nano I want to upgrade the lighting for my 29 gallon reef. The tank is a standard 29 gallon. 30x12x18 I'm trying to decide what to get, the AI nano or a rapid led DIY kit. I've been reading as much as I can on leds because frankly I don't really know anything about them when bring used for reef lighting. It's my understanding that both fixtures use CREE leds. I was planing on ordering the biocube 29 retrofit kit if I decided to go the DIY route. I am proficient at soldering so the assembly of the DIY kit wouldn't be a problem. after paying for the pentometers and such for the diy both would cost pretty much the same, around 300. So I come to you guys, does anyone have any experience with either of these fixtures? Which should I choose? __________________ Current tank: 29 gallon MP10, 100w heater, Eshopps nano over flow, Rio+ 2100 return pump, Eshopps PSK 75 skimmer, AI Prime Current Tank Info: 29 gallon mixed reef w/2 Clowns

07/24/2012, 04:55 PM	#2
josh27 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 178	I was looking into the same thing as you for my biocube. I was shown this thread about chinese leds. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2110092 After reading through it and seeing the positive feedback I placed an order for one of their fixtures. You should take a look at this thread if you have not already done so.

07/25/2012, 02:15 PM	#3
slowwrx137 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 174	I have the rapidled retrofit kit in my biocube and I like it, its a good kit. However I'm setting up a standard 40 breeder to replace the biocube and will probably go with either 2 AI nano's or 2 kessil a150w lights. For something that's going to be exposed I want something more complete/finished looking.

07/25/2012, 02:44 PM	#4
parrthed Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA Posts: 435	I have a couple Nanos and you will have to hang it pretty high to get a 30 inch spread, Which will be fine depending on what you want to keep. I do not have any experience with DIY leds, A vega or full size sol will give better coverage, used Sols can be had for pretty decent prices these days. Good luck with the tank