LED for 30g QT tank for corals

Fishmommy · 06/27/2013, 05:33 PM

I plan to QT everything including inverts and corals. I have a standard 30 long. What would be a decent LED lighting solution for the temporary digs? The display will have GHL Mitras if that matters in terms of acclimation. I don't want to spend a fortune on the QT.

DerekFF · 06/27/2013, 05:42 PM

DIY? That's what I'd do for a tank that long.

ca1ore · 06/27/2013, 06:06 PM

Fishmommy, I've been noodling over the same question for a 30 long also and have concluded that a Reefbreeders value fixture ($160) is probably the best way to go. I've not attempted a LED DIY build, but given the time it would take me and that it would probably not be all that much less expensive, the RB value fixture seems the better bet.

Fishmommy · 06/27/2013, 06:12 PM

Not a bad idea

. Thanks for the suggestion....not sure I have time for DIY

zachts · 06/27/2013, 07:48 PM

definatly go with the RB if DIY is not an option. You could DIY a solution for about half the cost but it requires the time and know how, not to mention the tools. for me I'd need about 8 hours to toss something together if drilling and tapping for future change out. or I could accomplish it in about an hour and a half if using thrermal adheasive, then you only have to solder and strip wires and hang the heatsink.

knowing that you have GHL setup I'll assume you're not on a tight budget so unless you find DIY enjoyable just for it's own sake go with the RB units they are great and you are hard pressed to beat the cost on one of their manually dimable models

DerekFF · 06/27/2013, 08:20 PM

Rapid led solder less kits are beyond easy. If you can tie your shoelaces in a knot you can do their solder less kits. But RB is a good affordable fixture also.

GreenSaltyOne · 06/28/2013, 11:38 AM

I just got an LED fixture thats similar to the reef breeders. A little cheaper on my end, and I'll be doing a forum thread documenting the light. check it out, I have mine on a 26 gal bowfront, and with it turned all the way down its still bright. I'll never run it at full watts.

http://www.cfsco.net/aqledli12bld.html

ca1ore · 06/28/2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSaltyOne

I just got an LED fixture thats similar to the reef breeders. A little cheaper on my end, and I'll be doing a forum thread documenting the light. check it out, I have mine on a 26 gal bowfront, and with it turned all the way down its still bright. I'll never run it at full watts.

http://www.cfsco.net/aqledli12bld.html

Personally, I'd steer clear of the white/blue fixtures. Maybe this one is available in a full-spectrum layout, but if not, pass.

GreenSaltyOne · 06/29/2013, 12:40 AM

Heres the link to the thread i started about these LEDs. Whats wrong with the white/blue?
I'd like to know, and I'm sure input is welcome with everyone else.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2308169

06/27/2013, 05:33 PM	#1
Fishmommy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NH, USA Posts: 1,214	LED for 30g QT tank for corals I plan to QT everything including inverts and corals. I have a standard 30 long. What would be a decent LED lighting solution for the temporary digs? The display will have GHL Mitras if that matters in terms of acclimation. I don't want to spend a fortune on the QT. __________________ 135 DSA reef w/50 MRC sump. 10 + 5 QT, 180 planted, 75 planted

06/27/2013, 06:12 PM	#4
Fishmommy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NH, USA Posts: 1,214	Not a bad idea . Thanks for the suggestion....not sure I have time for DIY __________________ 135 DSA reef w/50 MRC sump. 10 + 5 QT, 180 planted, 75 planted

06/27/2013, 05:42 PM	#2
DerekFF Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 219	DIY? That's what I'd do for a tank that long.

06/27/2013, 06:06 PM	#3
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Fishmommy, I've been noodling over the same question for a 30 long also and have concluded that a Reefbreeders value fixture ($160) is probably the best way to go. I've not attempted a LED DIY build, but given the time it would take me and that it would probably not be all that much less expensive, the RB value fixture seems the better bet.

06/27/2013, 07:48 PM	#5
zachts Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO. Posts: 3,259	definatly go with the RB if DIY is not an option. You could DIY a solution for about half the cost but it requires the time and know how, not to mention the tools. for me I'd need about 8 hours to toss something together if drilling and tapping for future change out. or I could accomplish it in about an hour and a half if using thrermal adheasive, then you only have to solder and strip wires and hang the heatsink. knowing that you have GHL setup I'll assume you're not on a tight budget so unless you find DIY enjoyable just for it's own sake go with the RB units they are great and you are hard pressed to beat the cost on one of their manually dimable models

06/27/2013, 08:20 PM	#6
DerekFF Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 219	Rapid led solder less kits are beyond easy. If you can tie your shoelaces in a knot you can do their solder less kits. But RB is a good affordable fixture also.

06/28/2013, 11:38 AM	#7
GreenSaltyOne Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sacramento Posts: 178	I just got an LED fixture thats similar to the reef breeders. A little cheaper on my end, and I'll be doing a forum thread documenting the light. check it out, I have mine on a 26 gal bowfront, and with it turned all the way down its still bright. I'll never run it at full watts. http://www.cfsco.net/aqledli12bld.html

06/29/2013, 12:40 AM	#9
GreenSaltyOne Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sacramento Posts: 178	Heres the link to the thread i started about these LEDs. Whats wrong with the white/blue? I'd like to know, and I'm sure input is welcome with everyone else. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2308169