Led lighting

[Chris]

Is anyone trying any of the led aquarium or grow lamp panels?

Chris.

[Myka]

Personally, I don't think the technology is quite all the way there yet. I think in the next 3-5 years LED lighting for reefs will be a much more plausible option. I have seen quite a few tanks with LED lighting over the last 5 years or so, and they have always lacked color and growth regardless of the corals that were kept. Most of these tanks were experienced reefers who have had great success with typical MH and/or T5 lighting, so I am led to believe it's the LED lighting that is lacking. I think it's the spectrum, but I'm no scientist. All I know is that even if money weren't an issue, I wouldn't buy LED yet, not for a reef.

From my understanding there is quite the monopoly on the patent which is very particular about using LEDs as a predominant light source on an aquarium. This limits the amount of research and testing done on it since there are so few hands in the pot. Not sure how true this is...

[lx5litre]

I have been doing alot of research in LED lights, and I think it's the way to go. I just ordered an aqua illumination 36" light fixture 2 weeks ago. And a profilux controller. You get the entire variety of spectrum for whatever you want from 10000K - 20000K...cloud cover, lighting storms, rainy days to simulate the ocean and lunar. On reef central, the people that have the LED light fixtures are all happy with them. (Not the homemade ones either) So in about a week or 2, I should have my lights set up and then I can give you my true opinion on what I think.

[Invigor]

I think Brian Smith has an LED fixture over his tank...although I don't think I've talked to him or seen him in about 2 years

[lx5litre]

Here's a link on the lights that I am getting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO_Yby57ieQ&feature=related
There is a few other links on there that shows the marriage of the profilux and the lights.

[Stones]

You'll have to post some pictures after you get the new LED fixture installed over your aquarium. Its hard to get any feedback or reviews on LED fixtures as there is so few people in this part of the country using them. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say once it arrives.

[Myka]

Take random reviews with a grain of salt. Opinions are always relative.

[MartinShaver]

Here is a DIY on LED lighting

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1587273

[binghamd]

Just took the plunge and am / will be using 2 G2-110 Maxspects over a 90 gal reef.


Initial impression - almost or perhaps just as bright as 8 t5's, but color is very blue.
I may swap some of the bubs for white to get a brighter tank.

The blues by themselves are much nicer than the t5 blues.

the jury is still out on which led's 1w? , 3w? semi-led? Cree Led?

For some reason I chose the Maxspect lights - separate blue/white controls, timers and moonlights was a deciding factor

Just have to go on the edge and find out the hard way - most reefers do so anyway.

the corals and fish didnt seem to mind on the first day anyway

the low power consumtion is very enticing.

[TJSlayer]

Get some pics up so we can see them...!

:)

Always curious....

TJ

[CrazyFish]

I think the way to go for LED for now are

http://www.aquaillumination.com/

[lx5litre]

Heres a video of my thundertorm. Thank to my LEDS and profilux.
http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii378/lx5litre/?action=view&current=5cb02d20.mp4

i've been using the AquaIllumination LEDS for about 6-8 months. They are awesome.

[Salty Reefer]

Heres a video of my thundertorm. Thank to my LEDS and profilux.
http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii378/lx5litre/?action=view&current=5cb02d20.mp4

i've been using the LEDS for about 6-8 months. They are awesome.

Nice show Dwayne and thanks for posting.

I also run the AquaIllumination LED's over my 230 gallon display. Some of you here have seen them in action. Now that my tank is getting back together, I should be able to show more in the next while. Yes, they are pricey, but well worth every penny IMHO....and not just because The Reef Shoppe retails the AquaIllumination LED fixtures.

[binghamd]

some quick pics

the color is not as white as my t5,s were I am going to try swap some of the blue leds for white

2x Maxspect G2 - 110 fixtures

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u279/binghamd/DSCF0960.jpg

the blue only is awesome they do make everything pop
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u279/binghamd/DSCF0963.jpg

[Bradbusman]

I just am ordering 4 "SOL" lights for my tank.. I will let everyone know how they work when they are installed.... b

[Froc3]

My g/f has been using the LED setup from nanotuners on her 14g biocube and it is amazing for that setup. WAY less heat for under the biocube hood. The colour is a lot better. You have to consider that this is compared to the PC lighting that was in it before. Binghamd your tank looks really nice under those new lights. Any before/after pics for reference?

[binghamd]

the tank appeared brighter with 8 t5 bulbs, but there is a definite colour shift to blue under the LED's. I may be able to brighten (whiten) it with swapping some bulbs for whites and maybe a lens kit. the LED's have a nice shimmer something like MH.

the picture with just the blue doesnt come out very good - the orange on the button polyps pop in ble only

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u279/binghamd/DSC00021.jpg

bffore with t5 lighting

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u279/binghamd/DSCF0968.jpg
Maxspect LED

the corals seem to like it ok but it is very blue

[Cliff]

David, your tanks look really good both in person and in photos. Thanks for showing my your tanks the other day. I really do like the blue LED a lot more than the blue T5s. Once you swop some of the blue with white, its going to look enven better

[ddk]

I just got my 4 ft vertex illumina set up at the store so far quit happy they are out of the controlers for the computer till 2nd week of jan but you can do all the basics on the light its self. the colour control seems great

[lx5litre]

This is what my aquaillumination with 50% white and 85% blue.
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii378/lx5litre/fff598c7-1.jpg http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii378/lx5litre/615-1.jpg http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii378/lx5litre/f72f4b27.jpg

[dwerbs]

Man I was just thinking about LEDs and if anyone around here used them, I am planning out my large tank, 7x4x2. My main thing to overcome with led is the depth of 4 feet front to back. anyone have any experience with the reefkoi leds? Chris seems like a pretty cool guy. The brand is evolution LED I believe. Also does anyone have a Par reader or would anyone be interested in splitting the price of one so we can share it.