Neptune Lunar Sim or LED strips

[crewdawg1981]

So, I go back and forth between the two options for my tank. On the one hand, I just want some moonlighting for my tank. It doesnt need to be all that sophisticated. On the other... the lunar sim is, or at least sounds, super cool. They just came out with an Aquabus version, so that makes it all the better.

Here are the options:

LED Strip = http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CQ87MI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER">Amazon.com: PPA OLSHARGB Home Accent Multicolor LED Lighting Kit: Home Improvement</a>
With this setup, I'd get the supplemental that adds two more one foot light strips.

Lunar Sim = [IMG]http://www.amazon.com/Neptune-Systems-Dimmable-Lunar-Simulator/dp/B001EHB0ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308940474&sr=8-1">Amazon.com: Neptune Systems Dimmable Lunar Simulator - 3 LED: Home Improvement</a>
But with 5 LEDs versus 3.

I was hoping to get the opnion of those who may have tried either. After adding the extra light strips and two small extensions to the LED option, it is ~$70 or so.

Does the lunar sim option do ANYTHING for my fish or corals other than please the eye? I doubt it...

 

[rbredding]

if you have access to a lunar sim (more importantly an apex/ACIII/ACjr).. why NOT use it?



I say that, but I havent had the chance to set mine up yet..

 

[cr500_af]

I really like my Lunar Sim... I'm sure it does nothing for my fish or corals, but it is still a nice effect to have the brightness and timing of the moon cycle vary.
You can always use it as "regular" moonlights with a timer statement, rather than an "If Moon" statement, if you'd prefer.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Well, my first thought was that it was pretty dang cool to be able to simulate the phases of the moon. However, I've since realized that other than the "thought" of how cool it was, the benefit might stop there. That and the price is where the LED strips came into play. The LED strips are ~$40 cheaper and would actually give me more options (primarily just in color as you can self adjust the brightness with either kit).

At this point, the biggest thing keeping me lean towards the Lunar Sim was that I like a neat setup where everything fits appropriately and cleanly... and of course... saying my tank "follows the phases of the moon".

Thats why I thought I'd get some opinions... cuz it might just be a waste of the extra $40-50, which we all know I could find something else to spend it on.

 

[rbredding]

I bought my 5 LED lunar sim used for less than $70 (shipped)...

look around.. mine was in brand new condition.. (never even set up)

 

[crewdawg1981]

Rbredding;659562 wrote: I bought my 5 LED lunar sim used for less than $70 (shipped)...

look around.. mine was in brand new condition.. (never even set up)

Daaaaaang... I had looked in the past and never seen one available. (been preoccupied with several other things of late so havent looked in a while... still workin on that stupid manifold... and yeah... I took your advice and went with 1 inch pipe).

 

[cr500_af]

The Lunar Sim can also be dimmed (on the box, not through the moon phases). Some LED strips would be useless as a "moonlight" because if they are bright+can't be dimmed, it just looks like a rave is going on in your tank.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Actually... The LEDs are dimmable as well.

 

[skriz]

I went with the lunar sims. BUT, they're still in the box waiting to be hooked up. They should be aged just right by now (well over a year)!

 

[rbredding]

Skriz;659699 wrote: I went with the lunar sims. BUT, they're still in the box waiting to be hooked up. They should be aged just right by now (well over a year)!

when you set yours up, you can come and set mine up...

 

[crewdawg1981]

Skriz;659699 wrote: I went with the lunar sims. BUT, they're still in the box waiting to be hooked up. They should be aged just right by now (well over a year)!

Hmmmm ... I think that they have probably gone bad by now. I can dispose of them if you need .

No really.