anyone running led over sps

[Azar]

I would like to know if there is a lot of you running led system over your tanks, and are you getting good results or is there something missing.

[29reef]

I did see a awesome LED sps tank floating around but I dont have a link to share; I only offer that it is possible and someone has done it. It looks to be even better than T-5 IMO bc you get the "shimmer" it just need a few more years of R&D in the reef hobby.

[CubeNoob]

Every person I know that had Solaris fixtures (Even the I series) all replaced it with MHs within a year. These people obviously have $$$ to blow if they can spend $4500 on a LED light and the same year throw it in the garage as a "bench" light and replace it with MH/T5 combos.

Yes, it can be done but not well. Personally after seeing several people in my area try LEDs on SPS tanks my conclusion is No, I don't think LEDs are "SPS reef ready" quite yet. Still have some advancing to do IMO.

[screamincamaro]

I ran LED's on my 150 gal tank for the first 1.5 years and had great color and growth. I upgraded to a 210 this spring with the same LED unit and I'm still extremely happy with it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It seems like I get my best color and growth running them at 60%.

It's funny how everyones an expert but have never used one.

[sedor]

But LED's can do some awesome stuff! For instance you can simulate lightning storms, really makes your tank a showpiece. At first everyone thought T5 would never be able to grow SPS and now there are a lot of very successful tanks running only T5.

To bad LED's are out of most of our price range right now, and if I remember correctly Solaris was having some legal problems and was going to be discontinuing for a while. Something to do with another company owning the patent.

[CubeNoob]

Tell that to the 5 customers and owner of the LFS I used to work at that all replaced their Solaris fixtures in the last 12 months due to their SPS dying. ;) I stick by my statement because I have used a 6' I series Solaris "in person" on a 175G bowfront for quite some time and was never impressed with the output. Yes, effects are cool, but all your doing with effects is REDUCING the already low amount of light they put out compared to T5/MH. The owner finally had enough with losing SPS corals in the tank that he replaced the $4500 LED fixture with T5HOs and couldn't be happier. I still say LEDs have quite a bit of improvement to do before they are SPS ready unless the only SPS you want to grow is monti caps.

[screamincamaro]

Here's some pics of my old tank at 1 year old. Everything was grown from around 1/2" frags. I setup the tank new w/ the LED's The camera isn't anything special so dont' expect any fancy macro shots and stuff......lol

Looks like a tank full of monti caps to me.

Starting pic
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff227/screamincamaro/Sept2007.jpg
After 1 year
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff227/screamincamaro/Nov2008.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff227/screamincamaro/Nov2008left.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff227/screamincamaro/Nov2008right.jpg

[Speckled Grouper]

My tank is 1 year old with a 72" Solaris I series and some T5 supplementation.

During the first 12 month I have battled Alk Spikes, Red Bugs, Monti Eating Nudis and some other challenges....not too mention the mainboard on the Solaris broke, then individual LED's and ALL 3 Power Supplies have been replaced by DIY Computer Power Supplies.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n67/SpeckledGrouper/Perfecto%20265g/7.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n67/SpeckledGrouper/Perfecto%20265g/36.jpg

[Azar]

so I guess it is still 50/50.
I was thinking running one (solaris 72") over an 96" frag tank with 4 54w t5 on each side , running them in sets of two to make up the 96". so I figured I'd ask before wasting my time.

[screamincamaro]

Nice tank Speckled Grouper!

Azar, PFO went bankrupt so you have to think through who is going to service the Solaris if you buy one used. Just a thought.

If I were buy new I would look at other companys products if you want to buy into the technology unless you are a DIY type person.

[Azar]

my buddy has one that I can grab off him for under a grand the ballast and some light strips have already been replaced , but I'm still up in the air . I like diy , but I also like plug and plays...lol

[Speckled Grouper]

Azar, you will be fine with a Solaris and T5's especially if it's a shallow frag tank. As long as you know that you are on your own if something breaks.
I am actually considering buying some used Solaris fixtures for my frag tanks to cut down on the heat.