Thoughts About LED Lighting

[tat2z_21]

It is not the driver that gives that option. Your controller would be the one to do it. Do you have a controller?

 

[Lbrewer34]

I haven't bought anything yet, I was still comparing a DYI build with a pre-fab model, so i am still figuring out which components do what. So if I did a DYI, I could incorporate a controller that would be able to be programmed? What to the drivers do then?

 

[tat2z_21]

The drivers are the power supply, they convert the 115 vac from your wall into a usable low voltage dc, they also regulate the amperage which is the most important.

 

[Lbrewer34]

Ahh, I see, so the controller would dictate how much amperage is actually used by the lights. So, if I wanted to, I could set a specific number or combination of lights to a driver, then use a controller to manage when and how intense that section of lights is. I think I'm on the right track. Thanks

 

[Katchupoy]

also one thing to remember. Not all drivers are compatible with controllers. Only the dimmable ones. And not even all dimmables are compatible with controllers. So check the data sheet. Just two cents.

 

[Lbrewer34]

Thanks, I was just thinking that I needed to make sure to get dimming lights if i do this. Think I will throw together a few ideas and post them here for review when I get a chance. I have mid terms coming up so this will be on the back burner for a week or so, but it will give me a chance to mull over a design idea

 

[jgalvin]

i use a ecoxotic panorama unit over my 36inch wide tank. Love it! Great company and support as well (had a transformer go out after warranty and they shipped me another completely free). Price is $499. See my build for how it looks over a 36 inch tank.

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[jgalvin]

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[Skimmy]

this is the pain in the ass, headachy stuff that makes me want to just cough up for pre- made units, personally.
even the cheapie evo 200 has manual dimmers and two power cords, one for blu and one for white, and once pluged into timers or a controller,
I dont personally see the benifit of really having anymore control-ability than that, I would just set the manual dimmers for the appropriate levels,
then program dawn and dusk on timers/controller. done and done.
the idea of automated intensity change on an hourly basis is intruiging, but i wonder how much actual benifit there is
versus a led system that simply has the intensity dialed in appropriately for the tank inhabitants light requirements.

I personally am leaning to the maxspec units for my new tank buld because the base units are cheap, and i can switch out the led's to any colors i want with just a screwdriver.
i just dont like their bulky/uggo rail.. i would hav to hang or conceal in a canopy, or build my own mount.

 

[1guydude]

build ur own skimmy... +1 i back skimmy on this. No need for thunder storms and shiv imo... unless ur into that no prob their!

Ive got an evo 120 and a stark led light both are well made and do a good job! Only thing i miss that my t5 tube lights had is the purple/pink color....which i think will be easily fixed with magenta led strips or something. Look at stark leds!

 

[tat2z_21]

I do like the look and output power of the MAXSPECTS. Those things are awesome.

 

[saltwaterfishes]

I've been looking into switching to LEDs. Been researching which one to buy, then my husband said he would build one, I was very excited to have a custom light. Well, that was two months ago! Husband and build time = I will NOT see a complete LED light!! Parts is more than I expected. And of course there's the time issue. I should receive my Radion LEDs early next week

 

[10gnano]

I vote for LED's. I previously had T5's on my setup and the switch has made my corals pop. They may have an expensive upfront cost, but well worth it.

 

[Lbrewer34]

jgalvin
That system seems to light your tank well, do you notice a lack of light on the sides because of the difference in length of the tank vs the length of the light?

 

[Lbrewer34]

This is a big question for me as well. I don't know if there is a difference being able to scale up and down intensity, and if there is a difference, if that difference is worth the price hike. I will look into the maxspec units, I haven't checked them out. As far as prefabbed units, the ecoxotic panoramic, the evo 200 and orphek's new nilus are the ones I've been looking at. I think if I can find a good heatsink, i may just do a DYI project.

this is the pain in the ass, headachy stuff that makes me want to just cough up for pre- made units, personally.
even the cheapie evo 200 has manual dimmers and two power cords, one for blu and one for white, and once pluged into timers or a controller,
I dont personally see the benifit of really having anymore control-ability than that, I would just set the manual dimmers for the appropriate levels,
then program dawn and dusk on timers/controller. done and done.
the idea of automated intensity change on an hourly basis is intruiging, but i wonder how much actual benifit there is
versus a led system that simply has the intensity dialed in appropriately for the tank inhabitants light requirements.

I personally am leaning to the maxspec units for my new tank buld because the base units are cheap, and i can switch out the led's to any colors i want with just a screwdriver.
i just dont like their bulky/uggo rail.. i would hav to hang or conceal in a canopy, or build my own mount.

 

[Lbrewer34]

How long is your radion? do you think it will light a 36" long tank?

I've been looking into switching to LEDs. Been researching which one to buy, then my husband said he would build one, I was very excited to have a custom light. Well, that was two months ago! Husband and build time = I will NOT see a complete LED light!! Parts is more than I expected. And of course there's the time issue. I should receive my Radion LEDs early next week

 

[Lbrewer34]

Ok, that maxspect looks awesome, expensive, but awesome. Any idea how many units i would need for a 36" long tank? I was guessing 2.

 

[saltwaterfishes]

How long is your radion? do you think it will light a 36" long tank?

Radion will not cover 36", max coverage is 24"x24". My 50g frag tank is 48"....I will need two units. A bit too expensive for a frag tank. The reason I went with radion because it's compared to 20k radium bulbs....very bright and just enough blue for me. My husband and I like the added red and green from radion, suppose to bring out more color spectrum. And have shimmers like MH. Of course my husband likes the capability of sinking to the vortech and controlling from computer. Many said red will give you unwanted algae growth.

 

[tat2z_21]

I would say that two maxspec's are definately enough for your tank.

 

[Lbrewer34]

Anyone know what maxspect mounting kit I would need to get for a 36" long tank?