Want to add LED

So I am pretty sure LED is the wave of the future. Never did use MH but always T5 HO. many lfs state that they almost never even sell the T5 bulbs anymore since everyone has upgraded to LED.

I do not want to get completely away from T5 though as they to create a specific look that we desire. Not really any T5 LED combo lights out there but I figure Ill add an LED fixture to my T5. I had 2 dual bulb aquaticlife fixture on my 46gallon running ATI bulbs and recently upgraded to a 65gallon. Thinking the extra depth and width requires another 2 bulbs at least to make it a 6 bulb fixture. Instead why not add LED!!!

So the plan is once I finish the frames doors to build a canopy. In the canopy I want to hang an LED fixture centered above the tank I am thinking that I will then hang the dual bulb fixtures 1 in front 1 in back of the LED if room allows. If not maybe just 1 fixture somewhere? Thats all for future planning though, for now Im in initial LEd research mode and thats where I need help.

love radons but the price is crazy!! I want to buy a single fixture sicne the tank is only 36inch wide and a radon wouldnt cut it I feel. Then I come to the AI hydra vs vega vs sol problem. Which one and why? Or should I go reefbreeders fixture, the photon series only has 2 channels to control though, blues and then whites+colors. They will be coming out with the supernova but estimated at 700+ might as well get the radon!! Then there are the razors which seem to get very mixed reviews, t he random ebay chinease makes which are basically the reef breeders in new cloths, and the DIY build route which I am clueless with!! I would like to keep it around $400-$500.

So what do you guys think of my plans?? Which fixtures and why? Kind of leanign towards the AI hydra but am thinking it gets pricey as you buy the light, the hanging kit, and then a basic controller.

 

I'll be following, am interested in responses and advice pgh!

 

Me too!

Im sure it will be a mixed bag full of different opinions but what is the information worth without a good bit of debate

 

JMO do dual T5HO, with 2 strips of BML, or custom nanobox, or a DIY (Luxeon M's would be great, very efficient and powerful.)

 

I have the AI hydra its an awesome light for 399 and then 80 dollars for the controller its worth a look see compared to some others

 

if your putting it in a canopy you can get the rails or just a screw through the top of your canopy. you would have to pre drill and get a fine bolt the same size. not sure of the size as i my self got the hanging kit.

 

Good controls, meh spectrum.

 

Here's my two cents.
I love my ATI sunpower but would like some shimmer and UV.
So this method seems to be catching on since the new ATI Powermodule(LED/T5) combos is too expensive:

Reefbrite strips are made to fit perfectly on the front and/or back by simply unscrewing the end screws and screw on the strip. I am thinking about doing the Reefbright XHO strip or BuildmyLEd strip.

Reefbrite won't reveal the exact layout of LEDs so I am leaning toward the BML for a couple of reasons.
1. It will attach to sunpower in the same way reefbrites do.
2. Cheaper
3. I know the PAR values and exact LEDs.
4. They are coming out with a controller so you can control multi channel. (currently has stand alone dimmer or apex dimmer)
5. Choose beam angle.
(Btw they are coming out with a whole new controllable fixture very soon).
Building ATI sunpower with Reefbrite LEDS --how many T5's for my 75g? - Reef Central Online Community

I have seen reefbrites in person on an explosively fluorescent tank and it's amazing.

So you could go either way... get an led fixture and supplement with T5 tubes or T5 fixture supplement with LED.
Oh yea. .you mentioned the $4-500. The true lumen stips are cheaper and work well if the tank is not all that deep. So there are cheaper options to do the same thing.. just not as much PAR.

 

Why meh spectrum?? I thought the spectrum is what everyone loved about this light

 

Why keep T5s at all? i dont understand the attachment you have to them...if you like a specific color concept/look u can always get something like this Aquarium LED Lighting, Stunner LED Strips - 18 watt, 36 Inches in addition to your led setup if you dont like how the LEDs make your tank look.
If i did it over again i wouldnt buy the overprices modules for 700+ i'd be patient and build my own DIY setup.