Taotronics, Reefbreeders, and the great LED debate

So I know that there have been numerous posts about this, but I figured I'd start from scratch as to gain perspective from people who have had long term experience with these or similar.

It's cheap. I get that. But does it do the job and does it look nice?

I don't want care about their longevity since I can justify having to buy a new one every year for 4 consecutive years for what many of the top end, brand name models cost. That is unless the units are dying in less than 6 months.

Take into consideration that LED's for aquariums were introduced about 10 years ago as moon lights and then 4-5 years ago for viable reef sustainability. If I buy something now for $700, in another 4-5 years, the technology will have AT LEAST doubled (considering that technological advancements typically compound). Kind of a waste of money if you ask me.

I don't care about programmable features like thunderstorms, plugging into your computer, onboard timers, digital displays, etc. All I want is an LED fixture with independent dimmable blues and whites that has 2 cords that I can plug into timers, looks good, and can adequately sustain my corals.

I am also toying with the idea of mixing an LED fixture with 2 of my current T5's. I have a 65 gallon tank with a cabinet style hood that will allow me to pretty easily install anything I want in the top lid. It would be a T5 in the back, LED fixture in the middle, and T5 in the front.

I have seen many good user reviews on the Taotronics and would like to hear from people who have had them for some time and their experiences.

I don't care about magazine reviews since many of them are biased and influenced by the bureaucracy and endorsements. Don't argue with me about this, I was involved in an industry where I saw this first hand. In addition, I have yet to see a magazine review that has posted their test results much later than their initial purchase of the item, leaving the longevity of even the top brands as well as long term coral growth, still to question.

User experiences, proven track records by such are most important to me.

I also welcome any suggestions for something comparably priced.

 

I have been very happy with my Taotronic unit so far.The fan shrouds are showing a little rust but it has performed great.My only rEgret was not purchasing a dimmable one.I am using 1 120w fixture on my 90.All softies and mushrooms need shade everywhere.lolI will post some links for my build and taotronic review.
If I had to do it right now I would buy the Reefbreeder unit from Logan.He has a nice mix of colors for the same price and are fully dimmable.(SPONSOR HERE)
With that said I purchased the unit with more blues then whites and I like the colors of my tank.When the blues are on all by themselves its stunning IMO.8)

http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aqu...ed-pictures-review-taotronics-led-133882.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/90-gallons-love-new-fts-more-102001.html

 

I had one of these units for 10 months. I enjoyed the ability to dim, but LED wasn't for me; not right now. I just traded my unit in for a 250 watt halide unit. I can't explain the issue, but I just wasn't getting the growth or color I was looking for, which could have been water chemistry, intensity issues, spectrum issues, I don't know. Other people have good color and growth, from what I understand, however. I've always wanted to go to halide for awhile now, fwiw, just didn't have the money to.

 

Currently have the Taos on my 220 and I was amazed at how positively my sps corals responded. They are outperforming the 250w mh.

 

Check out my review below link

Taotronics 212w Chinese led review

 

I've had my basement Tao's, (no dimmers) for a while now.

My Sps, lps, softs, fish are kicking ass and taking names!

Well worth it for me, however, my next ones (next ones?), will be the RB dimmable, multi color.

Here's my review thread, and it has some pics, of when I got them.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aqu...-thread-lowered-lights-post-192-a-131959.html

I actually now have all or nearly all the white rows covered with some translucent blue, yellow and/or purple plastic strips. Still looks good, only slighlty less white looking

 

i actually have 2 sets of Reefbreeders dimmables heading my way in the mail. Ill post a review once they get here. But people bash Chinese LED/ pumps so much, but the price per performance is unbeatable.

 

I own the evergrow IT2080 which is the exact fixture that reefbreeders sells as their photon 32. I can tell you that I am extremely happy with the fixture and my 120. I've heard people have had good success with the Tao fixtures as well but I can't speak to those. I went from MH to these and couldn't be happier.

 

Wow. You guys rock. Lots of good input here. Can you some of you tell me which models you have and post any pics you may have?

 

Daniel,

I'm thinking of getting the 32 for my 75 gallon. Did you go wih the default config from reefbreeders or did you customize your led colors?

Thanks