Let there be LIGHT!!! questions

reeferchief

reeferchief

Member
Alright the holidays are here and on my list is an LED light. I am really into this Aqua Illuminations SOL LED. I have seen it in person and I am really impressed with all the settings and how bright the light really is, as well as dimmable.
I am not too familiar with LED lights for coral growth. My current set up is a 65G with soft and SPS corals. I have a T5 HO, currently and I do not plan on growing Acro or anything like that.
So here's the situation, next year when I move, in May, I plan on going to a big tank like at least 150G but looking more around 200-220G range. My current T5 will not suffice for a tank this size nor do I feel like having multi T5 lights. I am leaning toward LED and want to get input on a good LED system that will be great for now but I can also combine next year.
What are some good LED lights on the market, that are dimmable, have timers and are quality? Like i said I like the SOL LED and it looks awesome but what's the deal with these lights? I've heard mixed reviews. Does anyone have experience with any LED light which they can provide me?
Thanks
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
How handy are you, the DIY's aren't that involved. My husband has built quite a few.
AI's are good, but I prefer Acan Lighting. My local reef club has our meeting at their facility so I've gotten to see the lights first hand and speak with the owners. IMO, they have the best customer service out there.
The new EcoTech's seem to be creating some buzz, but they're still very new and not many people have seen them.
 
reeferchief

reeferchief

Member
I am handy and I would love to build my own LED light. I just have no idea which LED's to buy or SMD lights for that matter? I also don't know where to get a dimmable power controller/ballast. I would love to get a materials list and attempt to build my own. Soldering is not a porblem for me, a year ago I was a technician that repaired and modified game console controllers which involved swapping out LED lights size 0603 up to 3MM LED's.
So I am well versed in electronics and soldering.. I am lost, however, on determining the correct LED's size lumens etc., as well as a ballast which will be suitable for all LED functions.
 
wartooth1

wartooth1

Member
I'm a huge fan of Eco Exotic LEDs. They are pretty cheap compared to other lights I've seen out there and less then $200 worth of their Panorama modules keeps all the corals (including SPSs) in my 40 gallon happy.
 
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