please help on a new lighting buy!

I know, I just look at the money I've wasted the past 3 motnhs! The boxes of "emergency backup stuff" as i like to call it to justify me spending money on it and go DAMN! Why didn't i read and talk and ask people before I bought stuff! Almost did it again today with the lights, although I think a nice t5 Tek light with ATI bulbs may still happen, but that will be a well researched decision! But i'm gonna give it day and sell some stuff i've been meaning to and get me an led system! Now whch one?

 

Well if your going prebuilt, do AI SOL super expensive but worth it. If you want to keep costs in mind do DIY leds. Lots of great sponsors on here that have webpages just for this subject. DIY leds are nice because you build them to suit your needs and your tank and they are completely customizable, and if you go the right way about it, very cheap. IMO. I hope to do a 75 gallon tall in the next year so I am shopping online for the cheapest source for leds. I plan on doing a complete led lighting system including for my refugium, this as said is costly up front but look at the big picture 5 years now buying new bulbs barely a dent on the power bill they'll pay for them selves very quickly compared to halides or t5s imo

 

nano, yeah i'm thinking they pay for themselves in about 1 1/2 years for a 4 bulb T5 system! That's $100 x 2 just for the bulbs so
$200 bulbs
$260 tek light fixture
$25 splash guard
$30 cable/hanger
$515

I'm doing some building on a few sites and that seems to be about the same budget for led's, now add in the electrical savings and at least 5 more years of bulbs and seems a no brainer! Now where was that extra $200 bucks now i need?lol

 

where should i look for the al sol?

 

Again these are super expensive but off the top of my head i don't remember the website. Google it also try modularled.com I think that's what its called. Aquatic illuminations is the AI sols real name sorry.

 

Great deal be a sponsor! 24 led DIY with everything for $170

DIY 24 3 watt led kit with everything for $170
12 3 watt 10k white
12 3 watt 450nan blues
heatsink, 60 degree optics, dimmable crivers, dimmer controls, wiriing, hanging system, power cords, etc

Deal? its on ocreef.com

And if it sounds good, would 2 be enough for a 55 gallon long with softies and lps?

thanks
Ryan

DIY LED Aquarium Light Kit - LED PUR - LED PAR

BTW brdgelux leds

 

Now that looks like a winner, I am waiting to see what the more experienced guys say. But I wouldn't mind that for my 29G setup.

 

looks fine only difference between that and rapidled is that its not cree LEDs which i know are good but not sure how bridgelux LEDs are but maybe someone will chime in on that and 2 should be fine, if you go this route let me know how it comes out and pictures are a must! this fits my budget better too

 

Aquarium DIY Dimmable LED Kits with optics

These are cheaper and pretty much the same kit! Did alot of reading last night about Cree verses Bridgelux and here's my opinion of what people are saying and info I found!

Cree are better but double the money! They're a little brighter and a little cooler! So you need to use a few more Bridgelux, but not many! And all those points are hotly debated! Alot of people say their bridgelux are every bit as good! 1 minor downside is they use a ittle more energy! And when I say a little more, i mean a little!
o
Here's a point alot of bridgelux lovers are saying! Why drop premium money for led's nw when these will last ust as long, and in 2 years the technology is going to be so much better, we're going to be buying the new systems anyways! Plus, you'll prob either have given up this hobby or you'll have changed your tank up or upgraded and need to change your lighting system anyways! I'm gonna give rapidled a shot at a Cree price, but have a feeling I'm gonna get a bridgelux system with 3 panels of 24 leds, prob 12 blue, 10 white and maybe 2 uv!

 

Oh yeah! The only consensus i can find is to drop the extra money on meanwell dimmer drivers verse maxwell! $33 verse $17! i guess alot quieter, cooler, and more dimmable! alot!