New LED Fixture wanted: Recomendation??

k9cop1512 · 06/04/2013, 01:33 PM

Looking for a new LED fixture to replace my existing 36" Aqua Medic fixture that has (2) 250W DE MH and (2) 39W HO actinics. I know the new technology has come a long way and I'm ready to bit the bullet.

LFS recomended a AI Vega OR the new AI Hydra. I was told that one would probably do since I cut the top cross piece off. Thoughts?

My tank is 36" with no cross piece. 24" deep. I do keep a variety of corals from acros to wellsi's and hammer corals.

Anyone use these lights or have a different recomendation. I like lots of features, color spectrums, and a light that will be best for the depth and groth of corals/live rock with a night program also.

Certainly looking forward to saving on the electric bill and less heat!!!! Thanks for your help!! Tim P.

Ron Reefman · 06/04/2013, 02:55 PM

An EverGrow IT2080 is 32" long (99 leds, moonlights and a builting controller/timer with a remote) and would kick a** over a 36" tank, and cost $450, $50 less than the AI Vega. An IT2060 would cover the entire tank but at 51 leds you'd lose a bit of PAR but it only cost $330 at OceanRevivellc.

kingpin9995 · 06/04/2013, 06:35 PM

Get the IT 2080, I have the IT 2040 over my 54 gallon corner bowfront. It's hands down the best LED I've ever had. I've had the Kessil and in my opinion it puts it to shame price wise as well as looks and performance. The programming is great. It is really the best LED for the price in my opinion. I love mine and will NEVER switch back to anything but LED.

k9cop1512 · 06/05/2013, 05:59 AM

Thanks guys. The light doesn't look as "fancy" and "newest technology" of the AI's. It almost looks like the 1st generation LEDs. But 2 of you say that it's what you recommend, so that means something! I know you mentioned cost, but if cost wasn't a factor, is the recomendation the same?

toky916 · 06/05/2013, 09:07 AM

I agree with Ron on every grow light .
My second option would be the razor.

For some reason I'm not a fan if AI fixtures.

liquidfunk · 06/05/2013, 10:12 AM

I've had Vega modules for about 6 months and absolutely love them. The nature of the lenses on the EverGrow you get crazy disco ball light separation. I'm not a fan of that at all. In fact I'd probably lean towards the Hydra now, with their new lenses the disco is reduced even further from the Vega, which is like night and day from the Evergrow.

If you go to the "cannot be mentioned on reefcentral" blog and find the Hydra story from Aquarama you will see some pretty cool photos demonstrating the difference.

I cant even imagine why you would buy a Chinese fixture for $450 when you could buy a Made in USA Hydra for $399. AI pioneered LEDs in this industry, the chinese just copy it. Innovation comes from the domestic LED companies, why would you want to buy the imitation? Why is that even a question? Its not price, clearly its not quality, its not customer support. I don't see a single reason to buy an Evergrow...

d2mini · 06/05/2013, 03:05 PM

Radion Pro or GHL Mitras.

nanoreefer1000 · 06/05/2013, 03:35 PM

Radion PRO is a good fixture, but very expensive. My favorites are the Razor or Reefbreeders, but DIY outdo's them all.

reeftivo · 06/05/2013, 05:46 PM

another vote for reefbreeders!

they do look a little brickish but they are clean, quiet, powerful and the controllers on the photon series are very nice. The controllers are user friendly once you get past the instructions provided with the unit. Oh! and NO disco ball effect on my small photon 16 and I have strong surface movement.

my .02

CHSUB · 06/05/2013, 06:06 PM

stay with the Aqua Medic...i used a 10 color 8 channel full spectrum led for 8 months and my sps' and lps' suffered. now i'm back to MH/t5 and all is right in my tank!!!

k9cop1512 · 06/06/2013, 06:55 AM

Hi CHSUB, What kind of LED light did you switch to?

Also, The problem I have with my Aqua Medic is that one of my halides is out due to the glass lens that broke a couple months ago and not being able to get a replacement. TWhen the glass broke, it started bleaching the live rock and a few corals, I'm assuming because of the higher UV? So that is shut off. Just thinking this was the best time to switch over since I'm only using half the lights so the difference in light wouldn't be so extreme??

Do you think the extreme difference in light intensity is the reason for your corals suffering? I know you said you tried it for 8 months though?

Thanks

jscarlata · 06/06/2013, 07:11 AM

Switching to led requires a bit more tank mgmt than just acclimating the animals to the light. I'm switching over from t5 now, I got the triton S pendants from pacific sun. So far None of my corals are suffering, my lps are opening more than ever, and my gig is loving it. What I have seen w my sps is that they are taking up less alk and cal so ive actually shut my cal dosing and I lowered my alk dosing by a few ml at each time it doses, I test almost daily. I also believe that they need more food, so I increased my Red Sea reef energy a:b dosing by a few ml.
Many people run sps tanks successfully w LEDs, do some research on what was done to switch over. Remember, changes for sps take time, my sps all browned out after hurricane sandy, a few frags are still recovering and those that have colored back up are only just now getting nice color, it's almost a year since the storm; so it doesn't surprise me that it could take several months or longer for the corals to respond positively to a major change in lighting. Go slow, in my recent experience, reading about the lights is great research, but you have to try and see as many fixtures in person to really know what you like. The color, shimmer and fit/finish of the hw are different for every fixture. I thought I was sold on the kessil, but when I saw them in person I didn't like it, same w ai and radions, I didn't like the looks, I did not see the ai vega. So far I really like my pacsun, I can't say for sure if my corals love it, but my first impression is that the coral are responding positively to the light..
There's also things to consider like the controllability, how much interaction you need to have to get it setup how you want. I didn't want to write code to manage my lights w my apex, so I went w a light that has control built in. it's all very much personal preference w these fixtures, everyone has opinions about which is best etc, but it all boils Down to what you and the corals like..take your time, talk to the vendors, see what's going to be coming out; pacsun has a few new fixtures releasing..
A lot of people like the t5/led fixtures. Also consider how you mount them...
Good luck w you decision..

sirreal63 · 06/06/2013, 07:13 AM

Have you contacted AquaMedic about the glass?
http://www.aqua-medic.com/product/oc...7-25-x-4-5-in/

k9cop1512 · 06/06/2013, 07:48 AM

Well, At the time it broke, I was told that they weren't selling the glass anymore. Tried getting a piece cut at a local store but it shattered as it wasn't tempered as I thought. I used the link and just ordered the glass. I still want to go LED but at least I now can sell the fixture as a "whole" fixture. Thanks.

sirreal63 · 06/06/2013, 07:51 AM

AquaMedic has done a great job at having as much as possible for replacement parts. I would keep the MH just in case you decide you don't like the LED's. It is also a good backup in the event that something breaks on the new light.

liquidfunk · 06/06/2013, 12:38 PM

If the halide lamps are double ended, you need to be sure its UV protected glass as well as tempered otherwise you'll continue to fry stuff from the UV including yourself. Single ended halides outer glass is UV protected, DE Lamps arent.

I think about every brand of LED was covered in this thread, confused yet?

MACNA is coming up, you could always make a trip to Miami and see what new stuff comes out for lighting before investing.

CHSUB · 06/06/2013, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k9cop1512

Hi CHSUB, What kind of LED light did you switch to?

Also, The problem I have with my Aqua Medic is that one of my halides is out due to the glass lens that broke a couple months ago and not being able to get a replacement. TWhen the glass broke, it started bleaching the live rock and a few corals, I'm assuming because of the higher UV? So that is shut off. Just thinking this was the best time to switch over since I'm only using half the lights so the difference in light wouldn't be so extreme??

Do you think the extreme difference in light intensity is the reason for your corals suffering? I know you said you tried it for 8 months though?

Thanks

I used Pacific Sun Hyperion R2. it was a new tank but the fact is when i changed to mh/t5 all my corals improved. i have seen some successful LED lit tanks, but never with the color and growth you see with mh. i may someday try LEDs again, but only after Diver Den changes to LEDs; as that is were most of my corals come from.

k9cop1512 · 06/06/2013, 06:44 PM

Thanks, And yes, it is confusing.....can't we just all agree!!! :-))). You all gave things to think about though!

No One has tried the new Hydra?? I was really hoping I heard something about that. I believe they are starting to ship out already but I would've thought their were some "testers" out there. Tim

zachfishman · 06/06/2013, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k9cop1512

I was told that one would probably do since I cut the top cross piece off. ... My tank is 36" with no cross piece. 24" deep.

This is concerning. I'd be worried about the glass bowing and eventually breaking.

cmpaue · 06/06/2013, 08:51 PM

http://www.buildmyled.com/custom-reef-spectrum/

k9cop1512 · 06/07/2013, 05:47 AM

Plastic cross bar did not seem to support the tank in any way. I was told it was there only to hold a split cover, which I don't have.

Those build my LED's look pretty good also!

wildman926 · 06/07/2013, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k9cop1512

Those build my LED's look pretty good also!

Go to their website, and take a look at the reviews from their customers. They have a fantastic product.

jaynigz · 06/07/2013, 06:25 AM

gen2 radions is comparable to a pro. only difference is a few extra different colored LED.

par wise almost same level. I'd get a gen2. Had those d120. they were practical but not functional for me. I like to mix things up a bit.

mixedreefjunky · 10/07/2013, 06:21 PM

My LFS has the new Hydras and they are just not impressive at all. Even hung high the have a crappy spread and are not very bright. The corals are not very colorful under it. Wish companies would move away from the puck style, looks really ugly. I would recommend the Reef Breeders over any fixture listed here. BTW it does not have a disco effect at all.

zachfishman · 10/07/2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixedreefjunky

... I would recommend the Reef Breeders over any fixture listed here. BTW it does not have a disco effect at all.

What optics do you have on your RB fixture? I hate LED disco.

06/04/2013, 01:33 PM	#1
k9cop1512 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Western MA, USA Posts: 192	New LED Fixture wanted: Recomendation?? Looking for a new LED fixture to replace my existing 36" Aqua Medic fixture that has (2) 250W DE MH and (2) 39W HO actinics. I know the new technology has come a long way and I'm ready to bit the bullet. LFS recomended a AI Vega OR the new AI Hydra. I was told that one would probably do since I cut the top cross piece off. Thoughts? My tank is 36" with no cross piece. 24" deep. I do keep a variety of corals from acros to wellsi's and hammer corals. Anyone use these lights or have a different recomendation. I like lots of features, color spectrums, and a light that will be best for the depth and groth of corals/live rock with a night program also. Certainly looking forward to saving on the electric bill and less heat!!!! Thanks for your help!! Tim P. __________________ Tim "Keep You Dreams Alive!" Current Tank Info: 65 Gal. w/ overflow, 30 gal sump, ER ES5-3 skimmer, AI Hydras, 90lbs Kailini LR, 90lbs LS, Refugium

06/04/2013, 02:55 PM	#2
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	An EverGrow IT2080 is 32" long (99 leds, moonlights and a builting controller/timer with a remote) and would kick a** over a 36" tank, and cost $450, $50 less than the AI Vega. An IT2060 would cover the entire tank but at 51 leds you'd lose a bit of PAR but it only cost $330 at OceanRevivellc. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

06/05/2013, 05:59 AM	#4
k9cop1512 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Western MA, USA Posts: 192	Thanks guys. The light doesn't look as "fancy" and "newest technology" of the AI's. It almost looks like the 1st generation LEDs. But 2 of you say that it's what you recommend, so that means something! I know you mentioned cost, but if cost wasn't a factor, is the recomendation the same? __________________ Tim "Keep You Dreams Alive!" Current Tank Info: 65 Gal. w/ overflow, 30 gal sump, ER ES5-3 skimmer, AI Hydras, 90lbs Kailini LR, 90lbs LS, Refugium

06/05/2013, 10:12 AM	#6
liquidfunk Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland OR Posts: 891	I've had Vega modules for about 6 months and absolutely love them. The nature of the lenses on the EverGrow you get crazy disco ball light separation. I'm not a fan of that at all. In fact I'd probably lean towards the Hydra now, with their new lenses the disco is reduced even further from the Vega, which is like night and day from the Evergrow. If you go to the "cannot be mentioned on reefcentral" blog and find the Hydra story from Aquarama you will see some pretty cool photos demonstrating the difference. I cant even imagine why you would buy a Chinese fixture for $450 when you could buy a Made in USA Hydra for $399. AI pioneered LEDs in this industry, the chinese just copy it. Innovation comes from the domestic LED companies, why would you want to buy the imitation? Why is that even a question? Its not price, clearly its not quality, its not customer support. I don't see a single reason to buy an Evergrow... __________________ Feed Your Obsession

06/05/2013, 03:05 PM	#7
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	Radion Pro or GHL Mitras. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

06/04/2013, 06:35 PM	#3
kingpin9995 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 181	Get the IT 2080, I have the IT 2040 over my 54 gallon corner bowfront. It's hands down the best LED I've ever had. I've had the Kessil and in my opinion it puts it to shame price wise as well as looks and performance. The programming is great. It is really the best LED for the price in my opinion. I love mine and will NEVER switch back to anything but LED.

06/05/2013, 09:07 AM	#5
toky916 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,794	I agree with Ron on every grow light . My second option would be the razor. For some reason I'm not a fan if AI fixtures.

06/05/2013, 03:35 PM	#8
nanoreefer1000 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area,CA Posts: 1,040	Radion PRO is a good fixture, but very expensive. My favorites are the Razor or Reefbreeders, but DIY outdo's them all. __________________ 6 gallon reef

06/05/2013, 05:46 PM	#9
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	another vote for reefbreeders! they do look a little brickish but they are clean, quiet, powerful and the controllers on the photon series are very nice. The controllers are user friendly once you get past the instructions provided with the unit. Oh! and NO disco ball effect on my small photon 16 and I have strong surface movement. my .02 __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

06/05/2013, 06:06 PM	#10
CHSUB "Certified Hobby Expert" Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 2,038	stay with the Aqua Medic...i used a 10 color 8 channel full spectrum led for 8 months and my sps' and lps' suffered. now i'm back to MH/t5 and all is right in my tank!!! __________________ Goniopora Police _________________ building a 60"x36"x30" peninsula reef...follow at "NEW TANK BUILD" on reef discussion forum! http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2110638

06/06/2013, 06:55 AM	#11
k9cop1512 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Western MA, USA Posts: 192	Hi CHSUB, What kind of LED light did you switch to? Also, The problem I have with my Aqua Medic is that one of my halides is out due to the glass lens that broke a couple months ago and not being able to get a replacement. TWhen the glass broke, it started bleaching the live rock and a few corals, I'm assuming because of the higher UV? So that is shut off. Just thinking this was the best time to switch over since I'm only using half the lights so the difference in light wouldn't be so extreme?? Do you think the extreme difference in light intensity is the reason for your corals suffering? I know you said you tried it for 8 months though? Thanks __________________ Tim "Keep You Dreams Alive!" Current Tank Info: 65 Gal. w/ overflow, 30 gal sump, ER ES5-3 skimmer, AI Hydras, 90lbs Kailini LR, 90lbs LS, Refugium

06/06/2013, 07:11 AM	#12
jscarlata Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Island,New York Posts: 875	Switching to led requires a bit more tank mgmt than just acclimating the animals to the light. I'm switching over from t5 now, I got the triton S pendants from pacific sun. So far None of my corals are suffering, my lps are opening more than ever, and my gig is loving it. What I have seen w my sps is that they are taking up less alk and cal so ive actually shut my cal dosing and I lowered my alk dosing by a few ml at each time it doses, I test almost daily. I also believe that they need more food, so I increased my Red Sea reef energy a:b dosing by a few ml. Many people run sps tanks successfully w LEDs, do some research on what was done to switch over. Remember, changes for sps take time, my sps all browned out after hurricane sandy, a few frags are still recovering and those that have colored back up are only just now getting nice color, it's almost a year since the storm; so it doesn't surprise me that it could take several months or longer for the corals to respond positively to a major change in lighting. Go slow, in my recent experience, reading about the lights is great research, but you have to try and see as many fixtures in person to really know what you like. The color, shimmer and fit/finish of the hw are different for every fixture. I thought I was sold on the kessil, but when I saw them in person I didn't like it, same w ai and radions, I didn't like the looks, I did not see the ai vega. So far I really like my pacsun, I can't say for sure if my corals love it, but my first impression is that the coral are responding positively to the light.. There's also things to consider like the controllability, how much interaction you need to have to get it setup how you want. I didn't want to write code to manage my lights w my apex, so I went w a light that has control built in. it's all very much personal preference w these fixtures, everyone has opinions about which is best etc, but it all boils Down to what you and the corals like..take your time, talk to the vendors, see what's going to be coming out; pacsun has a few new fixtures releasing.. A lot of people like the t5/led fixtures. Also consider how you mount them... Good luck w you decision..

06/06/2013, 07:13 AM	#13
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Have you contacted AquaMedic about the glass? http://www.aqua-medic.com/product/oc...7-25-x-4-5-in/ __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

06/06/2013, 07:48 AM	#14
k9cop1512 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Western MA, USA Posts: 192	Well, At the time it broke, I was told that they weren't selling the glass anymore. Tried getting a piece cut at a local store but it shattered as it wasn't tempered as I thought. I used the link and just ordered the glass. I still want to go LED but at least I now can sell the fixture as a "whole" fixture. Thanks. __________________ Tim "Keep You Dreams Alive!" Current Tank Info: 65 Gal. w/ overflow, 30 gal sump, ER ES5-3 skimmer, AI Hydras, 90lbs Kailini LR, 90lbs LS, Refugium

06/06/2013, 07:51 AM	#15
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	AquaMedic has done a great job at having as much as possible for replacement parts. I would keep the MH just in case you decide you don't like the LED's. It is also a good backup in the event that something breaks on the new light. __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

06/06/2013, 12:38 PM	#16
liquidfunk Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland OR Posts: 891	If the halide lamps are double ended, you need to be sure its UV protected glass as well as tempered otherwise you'll continue to fry stuff from the UV including yourself. Single ended halides outer glass is UV protected, DE Lamps arent. I think about every brand of LED was covered in this thread, confused yet? MACNA is coming up, you could always make a trip to Miami and see what new stuff comes out for lighting before investing. __________________ Feed Your Obsession

06/06/2013, 06:44 PM	#18
k9cop1512 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Western MA, USA Posts: 192	Thanks, And yes, it is confusing.....can't we just all agree!!! :-))). You all gave things to think about though! No One has tried the new Hydra?? I was really hoping I heard something about that. I believe they are starting to ship out already but I would've thought their were some "testers" out there. Tim __________________ Tim "Keep You Dreams Alive!" Current Tank Info: 65 Gal. w/ overflow, 30 gal sump, ER ES5-3 skimmer, AI Hydras, 90lbs Kailini LR, 90lbs LS, Refugium

06/06/2013, 08:51 PM	#20
cmpaue Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 8	http://www.buildmyled.com/custom-reef-spectrum/

06/07/2013, 05:47 AM	#21
k9cop1512 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Western MA, USA Posts: 192	Plastic cross bar did not seem to support the tank in any way. I was told it was there only to hold a split cover, which I don't have. Those build my LED's look pretty good also! __________________ Tim "Keep You Dreams Alive!" Current Tank Info: 65 Gal. w/ overflow, 30 gal sump, ER ES5-3 skimmer, AI Hydras, 90lbs Kailini LR, 90lbs LS, Refugium

06/07/2013, 06:25 AM	#23
jaynigz Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: St Pete and Orlando Posts: 357	gen2 radions is comparable to a pro. only difference is a few extra different colored LED. par wise almost same level. I'd get a gen2. Had those d120. they were practical but not functional for me. I like to mix things up a bit.

10/07/2013, 06:21 PM	#24
mixedreefjunky Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pembroke Pines, FL Posts: 250	My LFS has the new Hydras and they are just not impressive at all. Even hung high the have a crappy spread and are not very bright. The corals are not very colorful under it. Wish companies would move away from the puck style, looks really ugly. I would recommend the Reef Breeders over any fixture listed here. BTW it does not have a disco effect at all.