What about this LED?

[texhorns98]

http://thefragfarmer.com/2011-model-epistar-120w-fixture-p-1205.html">http://thefragfarmer.com/2011-model-epistar-120w-fixture-p-1205.html</a>

It ends up being $250 per unit shipped with their cupon.. Claims they can support lps at 24"...and it would take two units to cover my 120G. For this price, I would pull the trigger...IF the lights are worth a crap.

 

[texhorns98]

10001110101;640823 wrote: I think without seeing the light, LED fixtures are a huge gamble, you have no idea what the coloration is going to be even if it's a fair amount of intensity. And you can't just swap out new bulbs if you don't like the color... LED quality is vastly variable, especially with regards to coloration.

True, but this guy makes his living off of selling coral. I would THINK he would be smarter than to peddle some junk light on his site when people are buying high priced LE corals from him. Then again, nothing would truly surprise me!!

 

[sts04c]

texhorns98;640820 wrote: http://thefragfarmer.com/2011-model-epistar-120w-fixture-p-1205.html">http://thefragfarmer.com/2011-model-epistar-120w-fixture-p-1205.html</a>

It ends up being $250 per unit shipped with their coupon.. Claims they can support lps at 24"...and it would take two units to cover my 120G. For this price, I would pull the trigger...IF the lights are worth a crap.[/QUOTE]

Tex,

I have the same light pretty much. It is made from China I believe and marketed with many alterations/versions. The one I have is seen here:

[IMG]http://reefkoi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=840">http://reefkoi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=840</a>

I have a 20" deep tank and can grow LPS fine on a 2" sand bed, for what that is worth. SPS, I have midway between the top of the sand and the top of the tank. The light is 7-8 inches above the water. So, 16-17" below the light SPS can grow fine. Also keep in mind this fixture is 2:1 blue to white compared to the one your looking at.

I would also consider these LED lights:

[IMG]http://reefkoi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=2038">http://reefkoi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=2038</a>

[IMG]http://www.shop.reeffiltration.com/category.sc;jsessionid=8C392CCD4E7F2D9CC85DE47A9AE7E571.qscstrfrnt03?categoryId=5">http://www.shop.reeffiltration.com/category.sc;jsessionid=8C392CCD4E7F2D9CC85DE47A9AE7E571.qscstrfrnt03?categoryId=5</a>

Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps. I have been looking at these fixtures, for a future upgrade, but I may do a DIY fixture. You are also welcome to come by and check some PAR numbers on the fixture I have.

Scott

 

[tgray3]

If it were me, for the about the same price (minus a heat sink and hanging kit) you can get a retro kit from rapid led that is dimmable. Then you can have a unit where each color is adjustable so you can dial in the color you prefer. The unit you listed has only 3 options. I've been burned too many times in the past by buying something cheaper only to buy the more expensive unit later. I'm not going LED until I can get exactly what I want the 1st time. Just my 2 cents.

 

[sts04c]

tgray3;640837 wrote: If it were me, for the about the same price (minus a heat sink and hanging kit) you can get a retro kit from rapid led that is dimmable. Then you can have a unit where each color is adjustable so you can dial in the color you prefer. The unit you listed has only 3 options. I've been burned too many times in the past by buying something cheaper only to buy the more expensive unit later. I'm not going LED until I can get exactly what I want the 1st time. Just my 2 cents.

I agree completely that DIY kits are the way to go for cost effectiveness with many features as well if it is to be retrofitted.


Side note, Could you take a premade fixture and hook it into a PC4 and place it on the lunar function and use ramping to dim the outlet, Anyone?

 

[tgray3]

sts04c;640841 wrote: I agree completely that DIY kits are the way to go for cost effectiveness with many features as well if it is to be retrofitted.


Side note, Could you take a premade fixture and hook it into a PC4 and place it on the lunar function and use ramping to dim the outlet, Anyone?

Depends on the drivers in the light fixture. They would have to be dimmable drivers to work with that function on the controller. Non dimmable drivers are cheaper, that's why their used in the lower priced fixtures.

 

[texhorns98]

Thanks for the links. I didn't consider the ability to dial in the right color. The problem with retrofitting is that I don't have a canopy. I need something that's aesthetically pleasing as well.

 

[rbredding]

Here's what I think....



THAT is the price that LED's should be at.. (AI, modules, anyway)...

give it some time.. they'll get there..

 

[morganatlanta]

You can buy stock lighting housings to make your DIY look professional.

 

[snowmansnow]

Edit:

tgray3;640837 wrote: If it were me, for the about the same price (minus a heat sink and hanging kit) you can get a retro kit from rapid led that is dimmable. Then you can have a unit where each color is adjustable so you can dial in the color you prefer. The unit you listed has only 3 options. I've been burned too many times in the past by buying something cheaper only to buy the more expensive unit later. I'm not going LED until I can get exactly what I want the 1st time. Just my 2 cents.

you can't build one that is finished as nice for anywhere close to that price.

my diy was around $500 and it isn't really "finished"

that being said... I run the freaking thing on 50% power to keep from toasting all my sps corals. it is 24 CREE leds

here is the build thread ...

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43366&highlight=tonight">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43366&highlight=tonight</a>

also, if you want someone one to build you one similar to the one in my thread I'd be happy to talk to you about it. We can just get the materials together.. and come up with a labor cost and bang :) diy pendant

B

 

[texhorns98]

OK,

What about THIS one? It uses 3W Cree...