PDA

View Full Version : Advice on led fixture for 75 gallon mixed reef


Pigpen80
02/20/2015, 11:27 PM
I am looking to upgrade my 8 bulb t5 to led's.

My head is spinning from looking at all the fixtures out there.

I would like a fixture that I can mount on the tank, as well as having its own controllers. I do not a controller, I have my current fixture on timers now.

I'm keeping sps/lps/ and some softies.

Any advice from you lighting wizards?

Hentz
02/21/2015, 04:20 AM
Keep your T5

Pigpen80
02/21/2015, 09:10 AM
It's an older fixture and it's starting to nickel and dime me.

It's costly to replace all 8 bulbs. $165

I've replaced 3 fans @ $40 $120

Now I've retro fitted fans that have own power supply @ $60

Replaced one ballast @ $45

Purchased another ballast @ $45

Probably have 4-6 hours of my time into it. (My time is worth $200 an hour)

This is all within the last 1.5 years, and it's time to replace all of the lights again. $165

So that's $435 not including my time, new bulb replacement, and operating expense per year.

Close to $600 in 1.5-2 years

I feel it's time for a change.

Pigpen80
02/21/2015, 09:13 AM
Oh yeah plus having multiple timers, and restricted channels. Currently it's 2 switches on/off 4 bulbs at a time. I would like some more flexibility, and honestly less mess with cords etc.

lowincwrx
02/21/2015, 09:22 AM
I'm just getting back in the hobby after a 5 year break and am about to start a 75 as well just trying to decide on a fixture too. I also want built in controls and I want one single fixture as this is for my living room and aesthetics are very important to me. I think I I've narrowed my search down to the maxspect razor 300w or taking a chance on the aquaticlife pulse led fixture. I say taking a chance because I cannot find any pics or videos online anywhere but the videos of the programming and functions look good. My tank is 48x18x20

lowincwrx
02/21/2015, 09:24 AM
I know my response is probably not much help but tagging along to see what others recommend as I'll be putting an order in for something this week.

Pigpen80
02/21/2015, 10:05 AM
I think I might pull the trigger on reef breeders photon 48