Need new LED lighting

package · 07/15/2013, 09:40 AM

I am going to change out my current (unknown name) Chinese LEDs for 3 or maybe 4 more units. I overheated them in the canopy and several are out. Did not understand the LED options so much when I purchased the first sets, not so sure after reading several pages of the Chinese LED thread and other material that I am that much better off today. At this time, I am thinking to buy 3-4 replacement sets. Do not see the benefit of dimming option, do not need a timer - will be ran from the Aqua controller.

I have a 265g, 7 foot tank with mostly LPS and soft corals. Coral growth is not a huge consideration for me, "do" want to provide them what they need just not trying to grow and frag them, more concerned about the appearance. It is a deeper than usual tank, so need a bit better penetration, not sure if I can do 3 units instead of 4. Wondering if there is like a 4 foot blue LED strip that I could use as opposed to 160w VHOs to add some actinic look.

Any suggestions on a cost effective replacement would be appreciated.

package · 07/20/2013, 03:37 AM

Never seen this bunch not have an opinion.

wildman926 · 07/20/2013, 10:31 AM

I use 3 BuildMyLED.com strips. I only use half of their tank mounts, no shadows (I have a custom tank with two braces), no wires, no brackets, no cords dangling, Just a very clean seup. You can create your own spectrum or purchase their preconfigured units. I purchase one Custom Reef Spectrim (12000k), one 14000k (more blue look) and one Super Reef Actinic.

HERE is a thread on their forum that shows the level of service and expertise they offer their customers. You won't see that from other vendors. They have a 3 year warranty, 30 day money back guarantee or exchange, and can be controlled by a reef controller.

Here are some pics.

zachts · 07/21/2013, 01:44 PM

Reefbreaders, would be similar to what you had but much better from the reviews, the base models do have manuall dimming on them via knobs (very handy for tweaking the output color and for acclimating new corsals) on/off via your controller as you do now and your choice of optics. I'd do one fixture per opening of your tank, I assume it has either one or two center braces.

07/15/2013, 09:40 AM	#1
package Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hurricane, WV Posts: 312	Need new LED lighting I am going to change out my current (unknown name) Chinese LEDs for 3 or maybe 4 more units. I overheated them in the canopy and several are out. Did not understand the LED options so much when I purchased the first sets, not so sure after reading several pages of the Chinese LED thread and other material that I am that much better off today. At this time, I am thinking to buy 3-4 replacement sets. Do not see the benefit of dimming option, do not need a timer - will be ran from the Aqua controller. I have a 265g, 7 foot tank with mostly LPS and soft corals. Coral growth is not a huge consideration for me, "do" want to provide them what they need just not trying to grow and frag them, more concerned about the appearance. It is a deeper than usual tank, so need a bit better penetration, not sure if I can do 3 units instead of 4. Wondering if there is like a 4 foot blue LED strip that I could use as opposed to 160w VHOs to add some actinic look. Any suggestions on a cost effective replacement would be appreciated. Last edited by package; 07/15/2013 at 10:04 AM.

07/20/2013, 10:31 AM	#3
wildman926 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: CTX Posts: 2,904	I use 3 BuildMyLED.com strips. I only use half of their tank mounts, no shadows (I have a custom tank with two braces), no wires, no brackets, no cords dangling, Just a very clean seup. You can create your own spectrum or purchase their preconfigured units. I purchase one Custom Reef Spectrim (12000k), one 14000k (more blue look) and one Super Reef Actinic. HERE is a thread on their forum that shows the level of service and expertise they offer their customers. You won't see that from other vendors. They have a 3 year warranty, 30 day money back guarantee or exchange, and can be controlled by a reef controller. Here are some pics. __________________ Beware of recommendations by those who don't actually use their recommendation!! The search function actually works quite well!! Tanks:Planet Aquarium 150g LPS, Planet Aquarium 90g Softie

07/20/2013, 03:37 AM	#2
package Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hurricane, WV Posts: 312	Never seen this bunch not have an opinion.

07/21/2013, 01:44 PM	#4
zachts Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO. Posts: 3,259	Reefbreaders, would be similar to what you had but much better from the reviews, the base models do have manuall dimming on them via knobs (very handy for tweaking the output color and for acclimating new corsals) on/off via your controller as you do now and your choice of optics. I'd do one fixture per opening of your tank, I assume it has either one or two center braces.