So lost.... Right LEDS?

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by jglanz, Jan 23, 2015.

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  1. jglanz

    jglanz Plankton

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    I'm trying to find the right mix of LED fixtures. I have read a ton of posts, watched videos, and read reviews. But I’m still kind of lost. Most of my confusion is how most of the recommended usages are based on standard tank sizes and my tank is a little wonky.
    I have a 120 Gallon bow front tank that is 30 inches high and about 48 inches across. Most of my confusion is relates to my canopy. I only have about 12 inches vertical from the water level and about a 5 inches rim of glass all the way around. That leaves me with an area about 38x11 inches of exposed water.
    Right now I have two 35W 36 inch Fluval Reef LED lights that are only supporting coral (leathers and a few LPS) in the upper half of the tank.I was hoping to find something that can support more demanding corals and use the current lighting to avoid any shadows.
    While my budget is tight, I am tired of buying equipment that's wrong/under-performs/or gets maxed our really quickly, and then having buy the right more expensive piece that I should have gotten in the first place.

    Junk Pile/ Hall of Shame includes
    -Bioballs
    -Marineland Protein Skimmer
    -Undersized Sump
    -Current Lights
     
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  3. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    what is your price range

    can you give us some pics of the tank and canopy
     
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  4. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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  5. jglanz

    jglanz Plankton

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    Here are some pics of the hood. Kinda hard to take a nice one due to the ceiling. To be honest i don't know what my budget would be. I would like to say around 500.00, but taking my history into account, if 500 isn't going to cut it I'd rather find that out now and save for better equipment, than after a purchase.
     

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  6. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    beautiful tank first off.

    $500.00 is a good amount but think that rules out AI hyrda as I think you would need 2. Spread on the 52 is 24" high par reaching out to 36 and your tank is 40 so think it would be a little lacking may be wrong. However 1 is about $600.00 anyways.

    You should get plenty of responses but I like my light from reef radiance. It is a programmable unit. I just did a quick look and you can get 2 165+ programmable units for under $500.00. It is worth a look.

    There is also a tab where you can provide your tank info and they can let you know which light they think we be best.
     
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  7. RoloSaez

    RoloSaez Millepora

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    +1 on Reef Radiance I have three over my 125G. So far so good. No complaints.
     
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  9. jglanz

    jglanz Plankton

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    Thanks Chris. Looking at the reef radiance now. I'll update the post if I get them.
     
  10. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

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    Bump for you!! Maybe someone else has some suggestions for lighting.

    Do you have any other lights that you are looking at? Post them up maybe someone has had experience with them
     
  11. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    You might want to look at Reefbreeders too, I have the superlux light as I have a weird shaped tank too. You get a lot for your money IMO and they are thin and compact as well.
     
  12. jeffp1

    jeffp1 Plankton

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    + 1 for reef radiance. Love mine.
     
: LED, newb