mr. limpid
Active Member
There are no par readings on Vegas published just on the AI SOL fixtures.
Help with a rebuild!
- Thread starter rlablan
- Start date
tannersmith200
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496363
There are no par readings on Vegas published just on the AI SOL fixtures.
I assume Advanced Aquarist will unveil those numbers shortly.
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496363
There are no par readings on Vegas published just on the AI SOL fixtures.
I assume Advanced Aquarist will unveil those numbers shortly.
rlablan
Active Member
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496363
There are no par readings on Vegas published just on the AI SOL fixtures.
I might be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure I see some numbers posted by people who are currently running them over on the big site.....
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496363
There are no par readings on Vegas published just on the AI SOL fixtures.
I might be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure I see some numbers posted by people who are currently running them over on the big site.....
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496460
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
No argument from me about the cost of some of these fixtures, but have no idea where you talking about $1000 per unit........
I'm pretty sure the new Vegas aren't $1000 a piece so confused what your talking about.......
As far as what can be kept.....Anything can be kept under LEDs just as MH's.....Can't talk about longevity of LEDs, but if properly setup just looking at manufacturer specs LEDs will outlast any MH bulb, and just doing rough cost comparisons, decent MH bulbs are going to run you a bit more than $50.00.....Another big key with LEDs is that depending on fixture they can be ramped up and down, and that my friend you can't do with MH's....This comes in real handy when your acclimating new corals.......
Another item of mention is energy cost.....Again you look at what it costs to run a MH fixture vs LED fixture there is a bit of a difference.....There has been cost analysis done on other sites, and it's eye opening and then again each situation will be unique, but with that said living in your area it's highly possible depending on your setup with MH's you might need a chiller.....Again another factor to figure into the game, but my conclusion is I don't think you'll find it cheaper to run MH's, and don't think replacing bulbs yearly is wise as well, and you honestly can't say how your MH bulb is degrading unless you have a meter and are monitoring your light output....That is a fact and you can't judge thing with your eye.....
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496460
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
No argument from me about the cost of some of these fixtures, but have no idea where you talking about $1000 per unit........
As far as what can be kept.....Anything can be kept under LEDs just as MH's.....Can't talk about longevity of LEDs, but if properly setup just looking at manufacturer specs LEDs will outlast any MH bulb, and just doing rough cost comparisons, decent MH bulbs are going to run you a bit more than $50.00.....Another big key with LEDs is that depending on fixture they can be ramped up and down, and that my friend you can't do with MH's....This comes in real handy when your acclimating new corals.......
Another item of mention is energy cost.....Again you look at what it costs to run a MH fixture vs LED fixture there is a bit of a difference.....There has been cost analysis done on other sites, and it's eye opening and then again each situation will be unique, but with that said living in your area it's highly possible depending on your setup with MH's you might need a chiller.....Again another factor to figure into the game, but my conclusion is I don't think you'll find it cheaper to run MH's, and don't think replacing bulbs yearly is wise as well, and you honestly can't say how your MH bulb is degrading unless you have a meter and are monitoring your light output....That is a fact and you can't judge thing with your eye.....
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496460
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
I think that can be proven wrong pretty easy.....And with your top units on the market today the LEDs/pucks can be changed/swapped out as things progress......What LED lighting system did you buy.......Cannons where never touted as the sh*t......They were something new fangled and toyed with just as these new 10W and 50W chips people are experimenting with......Look at the overall spectrum the fixture covers and you'll have to admit homework wasn't done....
You seem a little beside yourself on LEDs....but look at it this way.....Ever year they improve products....Look at the Ipads, Iphones, cars and what not.....If people weren't always looking experimenting, improving we wouldn't be where we are today......There's always going to be something new and improved....
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496460
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
I think that can be proven wrong pretty easy.....And with your top units on the market today the LEDs/pucks can be changed/swapped out as things progress......What LED lighting system did you buy.......Cannons where never touted as the sh*t......They were something new fangled and toyed with just as these new 10W and 50W chips people are experimenting with......Look at the overall spectrum the fixture covers and you'll have to admit homework wasn't done....
You seem a little beside yourself on LEDs....but look at it this way.....Ever year they improve products....Look at the Ipads, Iphones, cars and what not.....If people weren't always looking experimenting, improving we wouldn't be where we are today......There's always going to be something new and improved....
acrylic51
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496460
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
Just checked prices....The new Vega's $558.99 Radions are under a $1000 as well......Are you looking at the Mitra by GHL by chance.......
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496460
So again, here is my thought.
In order to pay for $1000 fixture, I would have to see how long the LEDs would take to pay for themselves.
All of this talk about PAR and what works under LEDs and what does not, what you may have to add to each one to keep this coral or that... For 200 bucks, I can get BRAND NEW MH from a guy here and I can get bulbs super cheap too.
Yes, you have to change the bulbs. 1 bulb=50 bucks or so, And I change mine once per year.
I am gonna look at my light schedule and see how long I would have to run an LED fixture before it paid for itself and actually started saving me money. Also, do an equation with or without a chiller... I realize that may be necessary. But in my home and living in AZ, it's always a probability that I have to look at.
Also, If I a, gonna make a huge, Bada** setup, I wanna go to the LFS and see stuff I want and just know that I can keep it. For 1000 bucks, I shouldn't be wondering "oh gee, is this gonna die...". With MH, I can pretty much keep anything, leathers/softies, SPS, LPS, Zoas, even stuff like clams.
I am not commited to the MH, I know it sounds like I am... Its just I feel like the technology is not there yet with LED. I figure Maybe start with mostly MH and then slowly transition when the technology is really there. I mean, When I bought my light, it was supposed to be the be all in all. LEDs were here! And within a couple of months, after these had been the only things for like a year before, cannons came out. And they were supposed to be so great... and now it's said that they don't support our whole systems without adding supplemental stuff... I just don't know guys. :-/
Just checked prices....The new Vega's $558.99 Radions are under a $1000 as well......Are you looking at the Mitra by GHL by chance.......
rlablan
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/140#post_3496189
I'm sorry for over $1,000 a pop vs $500 for Vega's. I have a hard time with the price. Unless I saw a side by side comparson and the Mitras were twice as good as the Vega's, not for me or my child.
I dunno what this is referring to but I saw it and was meaning that to pay 1000 for anything ever... I dk what fixture is but I just mean to spend a grand on anything.
I like my bulbs. They are 56 bucks a piece and I have been getting great results with them. I can't think of the brand but I buy em at one of my connections in town. He orders em in bulk and sells em. I am certainly more impressed with them than the other bulbs I've tried... hex arc phoenix or something? I didn't care for those at all. I tried these and they are great.
I change once a year just because I don't have any issues. I don't have problem algea in this tank, I run the lights on a decently short cycle anyway and once a year seems to be okay. I haven't have anything brown out or die. Nothing melting or anything. However, I know that I keep relatively simply stock. I have a couple of maxi minis... that's about as complex as I get. Everything else is softies and maybe a red monti or something. When I first joined the hobby, I was told to change often. Then, I stopped doing that because I wanted to save some money. I have seen no difference. It works on this tank, may not on a new one though.
As far as keeping things under one light and not the other, I just have not had good results with the LEDs. That's what I meant. After months of being in the LED tank and under the lights and slow acclimation, a lot of my corals didn't like it. I had even bought some from shops where they were under LEDs. I dk what the deal is but boy, do they LOVE my MH light. My brian coral was always shriveled under that thing. I would move him around to try to get less/more flow, less or more light... He lived in the tank for about a year, since the day I bought him. Params are the same in both tanks, they have same light schedule and are same water batch/changes. I finally moved him and he has tripled in size and had great color now! This is just one example of my experience with my LED lighting. The only things that like my LED lighting AND keep their color is my mini fungia plates. They are fully extended and vibrant. Can't say that for anything else.
I just have a sour taste in my mouth, ya know? I am asking so much and trying to find real life experience. An LFS or an article can tell me anything it wants. Doesn't make it true and it doesn't mean that that is what the majority is experiencing.
If I am building a big tank to sit in my living room, there are a few key factors for me. Wants/needs include:
- size enough to keep a fox face (my favoritest fish ever!) and tangs for the BF
-a lovely lighting systems that has lots of shimmer, dynamic shadows and really set off the whole tank so that you instantly feel transported down under the waves.
I have never seen LEDS that have the shimmer of a MH and provide dynamic shadows. Most people think that they want a bright, evenly lit tank. I find they look more natural with there is dark spots under ledges/overhangs, and maybe the edges or back are not quit as bright. It really sets of the corals and the rock from the sand and from fish or things in the tank that move. It's creates more depth. My LEDS don't do this.
With all that said, I don't claim to know what I'm talking about. I just know what I want... I also know what I don't want...
Going forward from here, we plan to sell the LEDs we have and get something to experiment with. We have two small tanks so we can just buy 1 of whatever we decide and try it for 6 or so months. I just don't know what to try. I like the features of the radon but I don't like the whole programmy thing. I don't do that kind of stuff and I can't rely on my BF to do it. He just likes to look, not touch.
I like the price of the SOL ones but I dk anything about them.
I am told the kessels are supposed to be the best ever. I dk... They are a lot of $ and I am uneasy about that. This new tank and stand alone is gonna cost 3000 + because it's custom... and then all the equipment from there. I want to save where I can but I don't want to skimp on lighting. I would rather spend more monthly to get the look I want.
Just talked to the bf. Just food for thought. Our old tank had a combined 500 watts of MH and a 1/3 hp chiller running. Our AC bill was a little higher in winter but it equaled out because we don't use a heater in the house so with the MH lighting, the tank only needed a little heater at night. Our bills were nothing in winter/spring. In summer, Our bill shows it went up about 100 bucks, 3 months out of the year (summer). So for us to run our chiller and MH lighting, it was 300 extra bucks a year. Otherwise, our usage that is shown on our bill really saw no drastic change.
Originally Posted by Mr. Limpid http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/140#post_3496189
I'm sorry for over $1,000 a pop vs $500 for Vega's. I have a hard time with the price. Unless I saw a side by side comparson and the Mitras were twice as good as the Vega's, not for me or my child.
I dunno what this is referring to but I saw it and was meaning that to pay 1000 for anything ever... I dk what fixture is but I just mean to spend a grand on anything.
I like my bulbs. They are 56 bucks a piece and I have been getting great results with them. I can't think of the brand but I buy em at one of my connections in town. He orders em in bulk and sells em. I am certainly more impressed with them than the other bulbs I've tried... hex arc phoenix or something? I didn't care for those at all. I tried these and they are great.
I change once a year just because I don't have any issues. I don't have problem algea in this tank, I run the lights on a decently short cycle anyway and once a year seems to be okay. I haven't have anything brown out or die. Nothing melting or anything. However, I know that I keep relatively simply stock. I have a couple of maxi minis... that's about as complex as I get. Everything else is softies and maybe a red monti or something. When I first joined the hobby, I was told to change often. Then, I stopped doing that because I wanted to save some money. I have seen no difference. It works on this tank, may not on a new one though.
As far as keeping things under one light and not the other, I just have not had good results with the LEDs. That's what I meant. After months of being in the LED tank and under the lights and slow acclimation, a lot of my corals didn't like it. I had even bought some from shops where they were under LEDs. I dk what the deal is but boy, do they LOVE my MH light. My brian coral was always shriveled under that thing. I would move him around to try to get less/more flow, less or more light... He lived in the tank for about a year, since the day I bought him. Params are the same in both tanks, they have same light schedule and are same water batch/changes. I finally moved him and he has tripled in size and had great color now! This is just one example of my experience with my LED lighting. The only things that like my LED lighting AND keep their color is my mini fungia plates. They are fully extended and vibrant. Can't say that for anything else.
I just have a sour taste in my mouth, ya know? I am asking so much and trying to find real life experience. An LFS or an article can tell me anything it wants. Doesn't make it true and it doesn't mean that that is what the majority is experiencing.
If I am building a big tank to sit in my living room, there are a few key factors for me. Wants/needs include:
- size enough to keep a fox face (my favoritest fish ever!) and tangs for the BF
-a lovely lighting systems that has lots of shimmer, dynamic shadows and really set off the whole tank so that you instantly feel transported down under the waves.
I have never seen LEDS that have the shimmer of a MH and provide dynamic shadows. Most people think that they want a bright, evenly lit tank. I find they look more natural with there is dark spots under ledges/overhangs, and maybe the edges or back are not quit as bright. It really sets of the corals and the rock from the sand and from fish or things in the tank that move. It's creates more depth. My LEDS don't do this.
With all that said, I don't claim to know what I'm talking about. I just know what I want... I also know what I don't want...
Going forward from here, we plan to sell the LEDs we have and get something to experiment with. We have two small tanks so we can just buy 1 of whatever we decide and try it for 6 or so months. I just don't know what to try. I like the features of the radon but I don't like the whole programmy thing. I don't do that kind of stuff and I can't rely on my BF to do it. He just likes to look, not touch.
I like the price of the SOL ones but I dk anything about them.
I am told the kessels are supposed to be the best ever. I dk... They are a lot of $ and I am uneasy about that. This new tank and stand alone is gonna cost 3000 + because it's custom... and then all the equipment from there. I want to save where I can but I don't want to skimp on lighting. I would rather spend more monthly to get the look I want.
Just talked to the bf. Just food for thought. Our old tank had a combined 500 watts of MH and a 1/3 hp chiller running. Our AC bill was a little higher in winter but it equaled out because we don't use a heater in the house so with the MH lighting, the tank only needed a little heater at night. Our bills were nothing in winter/spring. In summer, Our bill shows it went up about 100 bucks, 3 months out of the year (summer). So for us to run our chiller and MH lighting, it was 300 extra bucks a year. Otherwise, our usage that is shown on our bill really saw no drastic change.
rlablan
Active Member
What is "the big site"
I am on RC but I have trouble navigating that site. I can't seem to find anything.
I like this site because it's very user friendly and everything is clearly labeled. RC is hard for my to get around... If You know of any good comparison resources, could you PM me... don't go out of your way please but if you are anybody knows of some hand things, It would be helpful. I am not great about this kind of stuff and I am not the brightest so that is what I ask all of you
Thanks again! This constructive discussion is really going to make one GREAT tank.
Just wait until I ask for help with skimmers and closed loop pumps
I am on RC but I have trouble navigating that site. I can't seem to find anything.
I like this site because it's very user friendly and everything is clearly labeled. RC is hard for my to get around... If You know of any good comparison resources, could you PM me... don't go out of your way please but if you are anybody knows of some hand things, It would be helpful. I am not great about this kind of stuff and I am not the brightest so that is what I ask all of you Thanks again! This constructive discussion is really going to make one GREAT tank.
Just wait until I ask for help with skimmers and closed loop pumps
tannersmith200
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496557
Just checked prices....The new Vega's $558.99 Radions are under a $1000 as well......Are you looking at the Mitra by GHL by chance.......
Mitra > $1000
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496557
Just checked prices....The new Vega's $558.99 Radions are under a $1000 as well......Are you looking at the Mitra by GHL by chance.......
Mitra > $1000
tannersmith200
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496501
I might be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure I see some numbers posted by people who are currently running them over on the big site.....
What's the "big site"?
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3496501
I might be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure I see some numbers posted by people who are currently running them over on the big site.....
What's the "big site"?
acrylic51
Active Member
Rlablan, there are to many variables to say or even conclude LEDs didn't work for you. Corey and I could easily point you to a thread where a guy with a thriving tank made the switch and everything seemed to go south...Again lighting is just a small part of the big picture....
Tannersmith I'll PM you then
Tannersmith I'll PM you then
rlablan
Active Member
After much research last night, we are thinking of going with the ai vegas.
They look about $500 each, which is a price much easier for me to swallow.
From what I can see, these fixtures are a lot nicer than mine is in multiple ways, the big one being that they LEDs are the best quality (Cree + osram) and mine are the epistar.
I am still not going to do an only LED fed system. I don't trust it. It's a personal thing... I am sure that everyone will say it's silly but I, and nearly everyone I've spoken with in person (including 2 with kessils), say that they just aren't impressed with the growth rate and look of corals when compared to MH lighting. While most corals are keeping their color, they are growing very slowly. What I keep hearing is "the technology just isn't there yet..." I have to agree with both sides.
What we're thinking is that we will only buy 2 vegas, and then 1 MH HQI fixture to be mounted on one of the moving rails. It will move across the 72 inches of tank slowly, taking between 45 minutes to an hour to cross the whole reef.
1000 bucks in LEDs
100 bucks for all MH lighting (through a local guy... <3 him)
70 bucks for a rail/motor/bracket
1170 bucks for a lighting system that I know will allow my corals to thrive, but is also energy efficient.
This set up should not require a chiller but again- I live in AZ and some of my tanks have needed them, some like mine now, do not. I always look at a chiller as inevitable because it gets super hot here. The ice bottles do absolutely nothing. I also don't have the freezer room to dedicate to enough frozen bottles to begin to try to help. A chiller is just easier when it's 118 outside and the AC goes out.
Even with all LEDs, a chiller is almost always going to happen... I will be putting fans in to begin with and we shall see what happens.
This being said, we aren't committed to the Vega... it's just what we like compared to a lot of the other stuff that is being recommended. The radion is made with the same type of crappy LEDs like mine, the kessil is also made with sub par LEDs and two strangers in the LFS joined the convo and said they hated theirs... that's enough to get me to not buy it... even the LFS had them for sale and said "don't do it..."
We looked at the SOL but the BF decided the the vega was better for a little more money... I dk why but I agree with him because he is much more techno savvy than I. I trust him. He was reading for about 5 hours last night, looking at this thread, looking at all of your links, other threads, websites and blogs... and explaining it all to me. He's so patient. I heart his smarts.
Thanks again for all the productive convos. I appreciate all of your thoughts and links and info. It's more helpful than you know.) Keep it comin' !
They look about $500 each, which is a price much easier for me to swallow.
From what I can see, these fixtures are a lot nicer than mine is in multiple ways, the big one being that they LEDs are the best quality (Cree + osram) and mine are the epistar.
I am still not going to do an only LED fed system. I don't trust it. It's a personal thing... I am sure that everyone will say it's silly but I, and nearly everyone I've spoken with in person (including 2 with kessils), say that they just aren't impressed with the growth rate and look of corals when compared to MH lighting. While most corals are keeping their color, they are growing very slowly. What I keep hearing is "the technology just isn't there yet..." I have to agree with both sides.
What we're thinking is that we will only buy 2 vegas, and then 1 MH HQI fixture to be mounted on one of the moving rails. It will move across the 72 inches of tank slowly, taking between 45 minutes to an hour to cross the whole reef.
1000 bucks in LEDs
100 bucks for all MH lighting (through a local guy... <3 him)
70 bucks for a rail/motor/bracket
1170 bucks for a lighting system that I know will allow my corals to thrive, but is also energy efficient.
This set up should not require a chiller but again- I live in AZ and some of my tanks have needed them, some like mine now, do not. I always look at a chiller as inevitable because it gets super hot here. The ice bottles do absolutely nothing. I also don't have the freezer room to dedicate to enough frozen bottles to begin to try to help. A chiller is just easier when it's 118 outside and the AC goes out.
Even with all LEDs, a chiller is almost always going to happen... I will be putting fans in to begin with and we shall see what happens.
This being said, we aren't committed to the Vega... it's just what we like compared to a lot of the other stuff that is being recommended. The radion is made with the same type of crappy LEDs like mine, the kessil is also made with sub par LEDs and two strangers in the LFS joined the convo and said they hated theirs... that's enough to get me to not buy it... even the LFS had them for sale and said "don't do it..."
We looked at the SOL but the BF decided the the vega was better for a little more money... I dk why but I agree with him because he is much more techno savvy than I. I trust him. He was reading for about 5 hours last night, looking at this thread, looking at all of your links, other threads, websites and blogs... and explaining it all to me. He's so patient. I heart his smarts.
Thanks again for all the productive convos. I appreciate all of your thoughts and links and info. It's more helpful than you know.
) Keep it comin' !
2quills
Well-Known Member
If your other led fixture is only running the traditional mix of blue and white leds than thats probably the reason that you're not seeing the growth that youd like. The additional colors that come on the new vegas are going to fill in much of the spectral range that your old leds are lacking in terms of growth. I'd give the new fixtures a chance to prove themselves on thier own before I added halide or other supplimental lighting. I think you'll see a big difference between the two.
mr. limpid
Active Member
Well I was just informed of another fixture that you may want to look into B4 you get the vegas. Apolo Reef UV5000, they are cheeper and the par readings are not bad either. They use Bridgelux LED's which instead of Cree's but there not bad. They also have a fixture that uses red LED's for more money and you need a controler.
rlablan
Active Member
Onward and upward-
So- the the bathroom.
Our neighbor came over yesterday and repaired the drywall holes in the cabinet niche for us. That was really nice, I need to make them some muffins or something.
Now that that is done, The man and I have decided that I am going to smooth out the walls. We have orange peel in this whole house and we both think it's gross. This room is our experiment. It's small enough that things can be done quickly, but it's big enough that you can see the impact that a change makes.
We love the floors and are hoping to put this across the whole house to place some carpeted hallways, the living room and kitchen tile.
Now, I want to smooth out the walls to see if we like it. I think I will.
After some reading up (And I've seen this before), I think I'm going with the joint compound and then a drywall sealer... Any reason why I should not do this? Any one have a bad experience with this... or did you have or know of a good one and it turned out amazing? I am curious to know... After all, I value all of your opinions.
I am now ready to tile the back wall now that the huge long hole is gone.
Also, sold the medicine cabinets and old mirrors yesterday... We have some new, more modern and sleeker medicine cabinets. I'll get a pic of em for ya later... They're lovely.
I believe I will be grouting the water closet today and smoothing/painting the walls soon, so that the toilet can go back in... It's taken so long but it's okay. I'm glad I'm not rushing... I don't want to do stuff out of order and create a headache.
So- the the bathroom.
Our neighbor came over yesterday and repaired the drywall holes in the cabinet niche for us. That was really nice, I need to make them some muffins or something.
Now that that is done, The man and I have decided that I am going to smooth out the walls. We have orange peel in this whole house and we both think it's gross. This room is our experiment. It's small enough that things can be done quickly, but it's big enough that you can see the impact that a change makes.
We love the floors and are hoping to put this across the whole house to place some carpeted hallways, the living room and kitchen tile.
Now, I want to smooth out the walls to see if we like it. I think I will.
After some reading up (And I've seen this before), I think I'm going with the joint compound and then a drywall sealer... Any reason why I should not do this? Any one have a bad experience with this... or did you have or know of a good one and it turned out amazing? I am curious to know... After all, I value all of your opinions.
I am now ready to tile the back wall now that the huge long hole is gone.
Also, sold the medicine cabinets and old mirrors yesterday... We have some new, more modern and sleeker medicine cabinets. I'll get a pic of em for ya later... They're lovely.
I believe I will be grouting the water closet today and smoothing/painting the walls soon, so that the toilet can go back in... It's taken so long but it's okay. I'm glad I'm not rushing... I don't want to do stuff out of order and create a headache.
rlablan
Active Member
2 quills- I am just not comfortable with the only LED thing... plus if I don't like it, I can just change the stuff into my fish store guy who will give me great credit. I love his store and set up. He'll probably just let me use the light until I like it and then I'll pay him for it later, should I choose to keep it.
Also- I am not gonna lie... I love the look of the rail. A big name fish store here has a large tank that is a different set up but they have a rail up top, with a halide on it and OMG this tank is GORGEOUS! The growth is not only amazing but the shimmer and the color and shadows you get from the moving lamp... It's breath taking. This place is like an hour away but I go there just to see this tank. I rarely buy from them but I am there forever just staring at this tank.
Also- I am not gonna lie... I love the look of the rail. A big name fish store here has a large tank that is a different set up but they have a rail up top, with a halide on it and OMG this tank is GORGEOUS! The growth is not only amazing but the shimmer and the color and shadows you get from the moving lamp... It's breath taking. This place is like an hour away but I go there just to see this tank. I rarely buy from them but I am there forever just staring at this tank.
rlablan
Active Member
Thanks Limpid! I'll send the BF to look at these... like I said, he's the one who understand this all. I just know what I like and don't like from trial and error... I don't really understand a lot of the technological said. I base things off of personal results.
This fixture you're talking about- is it programmable? The BF likes that the vega can be programmed and controlled from his Iphone. That is a big draw from him. I don't think he'll want any LEDs that can't do this.
This fixture you're talking about- is it programmable? The BF likes that the vega can be programmed and controlled from his Iphone. That is a big draw from him. I don't think he'll want any LEDs that can't do this.
mr. limpid
Active Member
"Now that that is done, The man and I have decided that I am going to smooth out the walls. We have orange peel in this whole house and we both think it's gross. This room is our experiment. It's small enough that things can be done quickly, but it's big enough that you can see the impact that a change makes.
We love the floors and are hoping to put this across the whole house to place some carpeted hallways, the living room and kitchen tile.
Now, I want to smooth out the walls to see if we like it. I think I will.
After some reading up (And I've seen this before), I think I'm going with the joint compound and then a drywall sealer... Any reason why I should not do this? Any one have a bad experience with this... or did you have or know of a good one and it turned out amazing? I am curious to know... After all, I value all of your opinions. "
Are you planning on skim coating the entire wall? You may want to think twice B4 attempting this yourself. I've seen trained professionals come out with very wavy effects. No amount of sanding will ever get it uniformly smooth. You need a very good taper to do this work, not a drywall hanger.
We love the floors and are hoping to put this across the whole house to place some carpeted hallways, the living room and kitchen tile.
Now, I want to smooth out the walls to see if we like it. I think I will.
After some reading up (And I've seen this before), I think I'm going with the joint compound and then a drywall sealer... Any reason why I should not do this? Any one have a bad experience with this... or did you have or know of a good one and it turned out amazing? I am curious to know... After all, I value all of your opinions.
"Are you planning on skim coating the entire wall? You may want to think twice B4 attempting this yourself. I've seen trained professionals come out with very wavy effects. No amount of sanding will ever get it uniformly smooth. You need a very good taper to do this work, not a drywall hanger.
mr. limpid
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3497831
Thanks Limpid! I'll send the BF to look at these... like I said, he's the one who understand this all. I just know what I like and don't like from trial and error... I don't really understand a lot of the technological said. I base things off of personal results.
This fixture you're talking about- is it programmable? The BF likes that the vega can be programmed and controlled from his Iphone. That is a big draw from him. I don't think he'll want any LEDs that can't do this.
The UV5000 are not, but the other one is hooked to a controler so there are the basic controls from the type of controler you want.
Originally Posted by rlablan http:///t/392624/help-with-a-rebuild/160#post_3497831
Thanks Limpid! I'll send the BF to look at these... like I said, he's the one who understand this all. I just know what I like and don't like from trial and error... I don't really understand a lot of the technological said. I base things off of personal results.
This fixture you're talking about- is it programmable? The BF likes that the vega can be programmed and controlled from his Iphone. That is a big draw from him. I don't think he'll want any LEDs that can't do this.
The UV5000 are not, but the other one is hooked to a controler so there are the basic controls from the type of controler you want.