LEDs

[Andrew_B]

I've noticed that Ecoxotic has broadened the sizes/spectrums of their Stunner strips. How do you think they would be stand alone? I'm thinking 2-3x 36" (36w) fixtures. for my 40 breeder. My fixture now is real nice, happy with the t5s, but just checking out other options. Looking at LED options under 300.00. Any thoughts?

[Andrew_B]

Hmm, maybe not Stunners only, but looks like Ecoxotic has a new fixture.

http://www.ecoxotic.com/panorama-actinic-blue-led-system.html

Aquatic Life has a fixture real similar too.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_1.0_Watt_Expandable_LED_Light_Fixture_Linkable_LED_Light_Fixtures-AquaticLife-AK01263-FILTFILDLK-vi.html

What about using 3-4x Par38 bulbs?

[Timber317]

Stick with the 8000K white strip. You are only going to need one. You can get the transformers on Ebay for http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-la...item3376ec8448 your power needs alot cheaper. Drsfostersandsmith is having a sale on Ecoxotic light strips right now too. Also buy the reflectors for your light strip if you get a 36" strip you will need 3 reflectors.

[Andrew_B]

Just one stunner strip + reflectors to be able to handle corals? That doesn't sound right. I was leaning more toward the 36" Panorama fixture with 12000k/actinics and getting a royal blue stunner strip as well.

[SunnyHouTX]

Yeah for corals you need the higher wattage units. Also, they require a 24V power supply which is also dirt-cheap on ebay.

[rgonzales]

Stunner strips wont help coral growth, your better off with panorama pros

[Andrew_B]

http://www.aquastyleonline.com/products/36--LEDs--DIY-Dimmable-Kit.html

Looks like a pretty solid diy kit. With the heatsinks it's 180.00 bucks for 36x 3w LEDs. Their shipping is real high though. It's 127.00 with shipping without the heatsinks. The heatsink itself is 33.00 with another 19.00 in shipping. I'll probably order the kit then try and snag a heatsink from Ebay

[Andrew_B]

Here's a good instructions apparently by the owner of aquastyles.com. Really seems easy enough, just requires very basic soldering.

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=279188&st=0

[raleigh19]

DIY is cheaper than ecoxotic. Have you tried the http://www.rapidled.com ? They have solderless kit.

[Totenkampf]

i have been leaning towards the kits at StevesLEDs.com, just another option but he seems to have really nice instructions and the kits seem simple. i like the square tube HS better than the plate as well, the blower mod would make this a chilly setup