Still looking

For a 6 foot tank you could run ai sols for $1300! even the new EcoTech's might run only $2100 for your tank.

 

If only i weren't a poor college student...

 

3 of these and you should be good! Under $600!
DIY LED Aquarium Light Kit - LED PUR - LED PAR

about the same cost as the T5's you're looking at when you consider you'll have to replace the bulbs if ya want corals! then have to replace them every 8 or 9 months or so!

 

Indeed .... will have to see if i can find anyone that has had experience with these.

 

That could be a good possibility. I don't think Bridgelux LED are considered in the dame league as Cree but I would think they would be more than sufficient.

 

here's a link for the very basics, but should give ya a good start! Then read up on the aquastyle threads in the led forum! let me know if ya have any questions! I too was looking at the t5's, I have one of the cheapies like you are looking at, but if you're gonna want any higher light required corals, you're gonna have to keep good bulbs, which like i mentioned are gonna run ya about$200 every 8 months or so! Something to consider! whereas led's should last ya at minimum 5 or so years if not 10!

http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aqu...me-good-led-reading-budget-diyers-127080.html

 

That's heavily debated, but i think the general consensus is that Cree's are better, but how much better? Some say bridgelux are equal, that being said i had reefwerks build mine with Cree's!

Here's the thread about the aquastyle lights, which are the same as the previous link!
http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aquarium-lighting/diy-kits-aquastyle-online-china-112497.html

 

amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we need to graduate so we can have our dream tanks... but it seems like forever and a day away.

 

I think the light went out at the end of my tunnel haha

 

Thanks, read I will, but might have to be tomorrow my eyes hurt from staring at the computer for to long. If i go with t5 my best bet will be the 72" aquatic life. The $550 isn't bad but the constant kick in the nuts for new lights is nothing to look forward too. I am going to read up on LEDS for a week or two seeing as I'm not going to start building my stand until after this weekend I have sometime. The thing that worries me about leds is it appears the "right" combination of colors is still out there.