LED selection

[Mike]

After some consideration I have decided to order an out of the box LED unit instead of hanging a DIY over my rimless 125 gallon. I have the following units in mind.

1. AI Sol super blue unit. This unit would require the addition of a controller which I have already. I am a little concerned about needing to purchase an additonal bracket system as the cost of these should merit one being included.

2. Maxspect Mazzera P series. This unit can be purchased as a package system. The mounting rail can accept multiple units and is expandable. They incorporate 4 different types of LED's and use the new Cree XM-L lamps. The controller is included and it is wireless for all but one unit.

3. Ecotech Radion. Uses a more complete spectrum of RGB lighting to achieve what may be a more balanced and complete spectral field. Ecotech has a solid name and these are compatible with there battery back up system as well.

I think I would need three of the AI units, three of the Maxspect, and possibly 2 of the Ecotech units. I think cost is going to be comparable within a 150.00 each way on these. So for me it is about picking what is right for my tank and what I want to do. The tank is aquascaped with three smaller island configurations so no need for an across the board lighting scheme. I think having dimmer areas will be more dynamic for viewing in the case of this tank.

Any experieces with these products?? Please chime in :oldman:

[creefer]

I echo Chort55's comments. I have yet to see a Mazzera in action.

[larryandlaura]

Radion all the way. Im using evolution leds now however I will be running radions soon. I seen there capabilities and them in action! Plus the storm mode and color options are insane!

[binford4000]

The radions are sharp for sure and the ability to synch with the power heads is a plus for sure.But the 750.00 price tag is painful.I use the AI SOL Super blues on both our tanks and have nothing but praise for them.The new AI phoneix will be out soon and will be wireless controled and have rbg also from what I have been told.They also will be moduale constructed insted of a chip which to me is a plus and allows you to easily upgrade in the future.Both systems or brands are leaders in the field and you really can't go wrong with either one.Just depends on what ya want to do now and what the future holds.Makeing sure the unit is dimable to me is the most critical then optic or reflector choices is next.AI does allow you to choose diffrent angles not sure about radion.Hope it helped and looking forward to seeing your build completed

[Mike]

I think I will start with two Radion units and add a third in a month when I can swing one more lol. The pumps being able to synch up to create storms and such is another attractive feature.

[scott89wing]

After some consideration I have decided to order an out of the box LED unit instead of hanging a DIY over my rimless 125 gallon. I have the following units in mind.

1. AI Sol super blue unit. This unit would require the addition of a controller which I have already. I am a little concerned about needing to purchase an additonal bracket system as the cost of these should merit one being included.

2. Maxspect Mazzera P series. This unit can be purchased as a package system. The mounting rail can accept multiple units and is expandable. They incorporate 4 different types of LED's and use the new Cree XM-L lamps. The controller is included and it is wireless for all but one unit.

3. Ecotech Radion. Uses a more complete spectrum of RGB lighting to achieve what may be a more balanced and complete spectral field. Ecotech has a solid name and these are compatible with there battery back up system as well.

I think I would need three of the AI units, three of the Maxspect, and possibly 2 of the Ecotech units. I think cost is going to be comparable within a 150.00 each way on these. So for me it is about picking what is right for my tank and what I want to do. The tank is aquascaped with three smaller island configurations so no need for an across the board lighting scheme. I think having dimmer areas will be more dynamic for viewing in the case of this tank.

Any experieces with these products?? Please chime in :oldman:
where did ya find leds for 125 each and onlt need 3 for a 125

[Poseidon]

I would really like to see the Radion in person. I have seen the AI's, and they are certainly a good choice.

Maybe I if Todd puts together his "mixer" at Cherry Corals new shop, I'll get my chance.

[Poseidon]

Mike, have you looked at these at all?

Marine Depot Blog: Unboxing and installation of the new Kessil A350 (http://blog.marinedepot.com/2012/04/unboxing-and-installation-of-new-kessil.html)

[larryandlaura]

The new AI phoenix sounds amazing.

[adalius]

I just bought a Nano a couple weeks ago and I'm really impressed with it. I know you can build your own cheaper, but man oh man, for someone like me that sucks at electronics and soldering I said screw it and I'm in love with that thing. The vega is going to be insane.

[MyNemesis]

You should check out Sanjay's research on the LED fixtures. He made 24 inch and 36 inch square grids and measured the PAR levels from the bottom of the tank to the top. It looks like a topographical map with differing colors for the PAR levels and shows precisely how good the light is for all major LED systems. Depending on the animals you want to keep, I am sure this would be helpful to you. Here's the link: Manhattan Reefs - Sanjay's Lighting Guide (http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting)

[Mike]

where did ya find leds for 125 each and onlt need 3 for a 125

I have a 125 gallon 60" long * 24" wide tank. 3 fixtures will totally cover the tank. I wish they were 125.00 lol. Im looking at 400-750 depending on what I go with LOL.

[Mike]

Mike, have you looked at these at all?

Marine Depot Blog: Unboxing and installation of the new Kessil A350 (http://blog.marinedepot.com/2012/04/unboxing-and-installation-of-new-kessil.html)

I did see those at Fish Doctors in Ypsilanti. They are pretty cool all in all.

[Mike]

I ordered a single Radion. I want to see the spread and hang one over the tank to see. I might be able to swing two over the tank due to the aquascape. Should have it Tuesday.

[larryandlaura]

Awesome Mike!

[Mike]

Yep pretty excited here :-)

[Mike]

Once I get the Unit hung nxt week I will take PAR readings with my apogee meter

[Mike]

Decided to go with 2 Kessil A150W pendents t flank the Radion courtesy of Fish Doctors in Ypsilanti. FOr what I want to do this combo will be perfect and didnt break the bank.

[Sir Patrick]

Flanking w/ the Kessils is a great idea!

[creefer]

I think that's a good choice, Mike. Congrats!

[Poseidon]

Awesome! Hoping you can give me an approximate coverage area, maybe 1 Radeon would cover my 36x24 tank.

[Mike]

Thanks guys

[binford4000]

You should check out Sanjay's research on the LED fixtures. He made 24 inch and 36 inch square grids and measured the PAR levels from the bottom of the tank to the top. It looks like a topographical map with differing colors for the PAR levels and shows precisely how good the light is for all major LED systems. Depending on the animals you want to keep, I am sure this would be helpful to you. Here's the link: Manhattan Reefs - Sanjay's Lighting Guide (http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting)

Man that's some great info !!

[Mike]

I will let you know Mike how well the Radion spreads over the middle of the tank.

[Mike]

I have the Kessils hanging on the Fixture arms I originally purchased for the DIY rig temporarily. They are pretty freaking bright and will be perfect for Euphyllia and lower light corals on the bottom of the tank.