Thinking of new light! Maxspects?

[350gt]

Ok so my tank is 60" across, I bought the 48" aquatic life g12 fixture when I started this tank a little over a year ago. Its been a good light and I havent had no issues with it, just think its not enough light for the direction my tank is going....

Eitherway I was looking to add more lights to it, I already have 3 panorama pros clinging to the fixture and think it will look dumb if I add cannons or par38 bulbs to help what is lacking.....

Tired of thinking of ways to add, add, add........ Asked the wifey to buy me some maxpect modules and she said okay..... She was half asleep but I'm going to hold her to it....

Im not set on maxspect, and I will still look more into them but I like the cleanliness of the set up and all the features..... I was hoping the new Ai's will out by now to compare..


Eitherway would like to hear opinions on maxspect, is there anyone on here running them? I am in no rush to buy and still eyeing some other fixtures......

[350gt]

Tank is 60" across and it's a tall tank, can't remember the width.....

What light would you throw on top of it was yours????.

[CoryDude]

The fact that you can position them to direct your light to specific areas really caught my attention. They have really clean lines and look pretty sweet. Haven't seen one in person, but the product pics look awesome.

[Big_Pun]

I'm goin with ecotech radions!! Louis talked to guys at ecotech and i can get away with 2 on my 60" tank.

[350gt]

Don't tell me that.......... Lol

For the price of 2 ecotechs, I can get 3 maxspects with the light rail and controller...

But then again, I was hoping to get away with just 2 units, I have a center brace in the middle of mine and I feel it would be a waste to stick such a expensive unit over it...

They said they might have a display next week at Louis's, I want to see this..... Like I said, my options are open...

[subsailor]

Also 2 radions equals 3 maxspects i debated and debated and finally went with the radion...... Over my solana.... I know overkill, but i am really impressed with the customization of the radion and the wireless controll of the mp10 in the solana as well. I have diy cree fixture on my 58 but am seriously considering swaping it to 2 radions as well

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[350gt]

Ya just finished watching mrsaltwater's review on the fixture and 1 unit compares to 1 250 watt MH, exactly what I thought about doing over my tank....

Sign me up...


I wonder how early, is too early to text Louis for a price check.... Lol

[Texreefer]

I wish you guys would hurry up and buy some of this lighting... I want to upgrade in the next 6 months or so and need all of you to be the guinea pigs:shades:,,,,with this new rock, I need a little bit better spread, that way I will know exactly what I want!!!!! I may just hold out for MACNA.. and see what kind of wonders I find there:bigsmile:

[Teeb]

Check out this thread, it compares the Sol vs Radion vs Illumina. It has quite a bit of info on the 3 plus par readings and coverage.


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2088048

[350gt]

Very good read....

I was upset to find out the radions are not Mac friendly... Better to find out now though....

[subsailor]

They have said in the future they would be mac freindly but atm moment they are not.

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[Teeb]

The AI's are proven, which is why I went with them. I probaby would have gone the Vertex route if my wallet could have stomached the purchase. I've been happy with my AI's and coverage is great despite what I've read. My SPS have colored up a lot since I switched to them.

[350gt]

Ya Ai'S are still there, I might give them a second look....


Wifey said she will get me the maxspect, after convicting her she said yes last night... But I'm still going to look into them more, I like buying locally rather online..... So.... Let's see...

[Gseclipse02]

Ya Ai'S are still there, I might give them a second look....


Wifey said she will get me the maxspect, after convicting her she said yes last night... But I'm still going to look into them more, I like buying locally rather online..... So.... Let's see...


i went over to sams last weekend and i think he has the radions and they look good.... bleached some of his sps even ....

[kkiel02]

Ive been going back and forth with these, ai vega(would have to wait), Radions and DIY. I even looked at the Apollo reef light which is also decent. If I bought one "Today" I think it would be diy but thats mainly because I have the 3' width I would need to cover. If I had to buy one non-diy I think it would be Apollo(if money was tight) or Radions. Man even typing this Im going back and forth between the lights.

[350gt]

I have to check that out....

[350gt]

Well maxspects are off my list......


I am still researching and stumbled upon this vid, it might be old to most but new to me.... Lol



http://m.youtube.com/?reload=3&rdm=4q0yw9r4d#/watch?feature=mhee&v=wU-XtZXz7AU

[350gt]

Then can across this blog about the ecotechs

http://blog.captive-aquatics.com/captive_aquatics/2011/09/ecotech-marines-radion-xr30-led-light-a-swing-and-a-miss.html

Dont know if it's credible but wow.....

[subsailor]

Check out http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/orphek-issues-statement-regarding-mike-maddox-et-al
And http://reefbuilders.com/2011/09/14/mike-maddox/
Puts the article in question to shame. Like i said as far as usability, and functionlity to me it beats every liht out there hands down. However as fast as we are getting technology out for reefs nowadays who knows where we will be by the time macna rolls around!

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[cowboy572]

Not to skip subject here, but it's nice to see you pop up from time to time Drew.

[350gt]

Check out http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/orphek-issues-statement-regarding-mike-maddox-et-al
And http://reefbuilders.com/2011/09/14/mike-maddox/
Puts the article in question to shame. Like i said as far as usability, and functionlity to me it beats every liht out there hands down. However as fast as we are getting technology out for reefs nowadays who knows where we will be by the time macna rolls around!

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Thats crazy.... Exactly why I posted that I didn't know if it was credible..

Thats too much drama, just for some LEDs....Lol

[Teeb]

What's your apprehension with the AI's? I looked into all the ones you mentioned and for the price point and quality, AI came up the winner. The Radions have a lot of potential, but at nearly double the cost of the AI's, they were not worth it.

[350gt]

I actually tested out 1 AI the other day on my tank... It looked okay but I wasn't blown away with it... Wish I had a par meter near by to compare it to my fixture... But my 1 of my 150 watt MH appeared to be just as bright, couldn't really tell the difference when the AI took its place...

And I thought I would never say this bit the shimmer was sorta annoying.... And I love some shimmer but it just seemed to much... But I would of bought the fixture that was being offered if I knew of a place near by that had 2 more and a rail for them..

[350gt]

I think I can get away with 2 radions on my tank as opposed to 3 or 4 Ai'S.... Which then the price is almost the same... But the radions have more color control, which I like.....

[Louis]

One radion lights up my 36x36 anemone tank up just fine :)

Come check it out!

[Teeb]

AI's spread good, just need to move them up a bit. 2 easily covers my 4' tank and they're only about 10" over the water. I'm dropping them down a few inches when I get my new mounts.

[KING]

pic teed..lol

[350gt]

One radion lights up my 36x36 anemone tank up just fine :)

Come check it out!

I will when my parts come in......... Lol Louis I am trying to limit my visits.... Haha

[Louis]

I just checked the tracking and your parts should be here tomorrow. I'll txt you when they arrive.

Louis

[350gt]

Guess I'm stoping by tomorrow..... Lol

[buck27]

I was thing to use maxspec mazzara p series too. I called them about 4 different times to discus the lights and I expressed my concern to them about the 6 bridglux leds in the modules and they told me they don't use those anymore. They are all cree now. Also quarter 4 they are coming out with iphone and droid apps to control the lights as well as thunderstorms and a mac update. How come you decided not to use them? I was going to get 6 now and add more if needed. They come with 40,70,120 degree optics too

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[kkiel02]

And you can actually change individual leds! Im still undecided as well. I think I will either get these or the radions.

[350gt]

I guess I was trying to get away with using less units....

The iPhone app sounds cool...... That would be nice..

[Scutterborn]

Those maxspects look killer! I couldn't find anywhere on their website what the coverage area is. Did I overlook it?

[buck27]

from what I've found out by talking to them is it's 4 to 5 units for a six foot tank. I'm going to run 8 units on my new build. 72x36x30

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[Texreefer]

I would need two of these for my tank.. what would make these better than the Orphek Nilus that is less expensive and has UV lights?

[buck27]

True but the maxspec has interchangeable leds so I'm sure you could add the ultra violet.lights if you want plus it runs 60watts less than the orphek light. What leds is orphek using?

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[buck27]

I also just noticed the orphek is standard 120 degree lens and only 100 lumens from white. The maxspec is standard with 40,70, and 100 degree lenses plus they use the new cree xml whites that are elsewhere around 200 something lumens. Tge orphek looks sleak and nice but I would have to compare the two in actual use to see the difference I suppose

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[StevenSeas]

Those maxspects look killer! I couldn't find anywhere on their website what the coverage area is. Did I overlook it?

I have talked to their reps a couple times and response I had gotten was they cover about an 18" x 18" area and have comparable output to that of a 150w mh in that area. This is different than the radions that have a 24x24" coverage and are comparable to a 250w mh.

[Texreefer]

These??? http://orphek.com/led/about-orphek-led-lighting/about-led-emitter/

[350gt]

nice.

havent heard or looked more into those cause of the price but those look nice....

[Texreefer]

i'm not sold on either one... just curious since the Orphek would be cheaper for me than the Maxpect

[buck27]

I would say depending on your tank depth would be what I would go by. My tank us 30" tall so maxspec with 70degree lenses. A 27" talk could use the orphek with it's 120 degree lenses

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[Texreefer]

well i'm 24" and need lots of spread

[buck27]

Orphek would be my choice for 24" depth. 120degree lens will spread great

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[buck27]

just ordered 8 maxspecs, controller and power supplies. Just need hanging kits now LOL, and a tank :(

[350gt]

Hahaha ****...... GL buck..


I think I'm just going bigger on my metal halides..... I will wait a couple of years on LEDs..

[Europhyllia]

I will wait a couple of years on LEDs..
I hear that a lot and it always reminds me of computers.
In the 80s I bought a Commodore 64 computer for 300 DeutschMarks (currency in Germany before the Euro took over). That computer actually didn't do much compared to the ones we have today but back then it was super awesome. You could program stuff into it and then save your programs onto cassette tapes!
Fast forward 10 years: way better computers but also slightly more expensive. 300 DM didn't buy the new computers. Then another 10 years pass. Computers now are capable of doing incredible stuff and becoming super small. Now for my 300 DM I could get a really good computer!
Do I wish I wold have just saved my money and waited till computers were better and more affordable? Of course not.
I would have been hacking away on a typewriter for the last 20 years...

[SoLiD]

^^^ That's what she said!!!! JK.... excellent point. I think cash flow has more to do on what we choose though. Decent LED systems are usually out of most people's price range. That's why I see the same question on all the LED threads: "Will 1 module give me total cover on a 300 gallon tank that is 120"X24"X24" ???"

Can't wait to what those Marrazza's do!

[buck27]

That makes two of us. I talked to the mazarra guys and they recommend at a minimum of 4 modules on a 6 foot tank. I like corals so I doubled what they recommend. I plan to add more over a frag tank later which can be controlled via blue tooth on my main lights.

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[350gt]

Sure cash has alot to do on what we buy..

It would be ridiculous to spend so much on a unproven product when you can spend a fraction of that cost on a proven product.

Dont get me wrong, I was all on the LED band wagon for a minute, which I why I posted this thread. I like LEDS and will someday get them, but from the few fixtures I have seen, I havent been blown away. IDK what fixture texreefer has on his tank but it impressed me more than a AI sol.

I gave up on the AI after comparing it side by side to my 150 watt MH, it was about the same to the eye. WIsh I would of had a par meter to compare....

SAw the Radion the other day and its a very cool fixture but still wasnt impressed to make me want to spend $750 a unit.. even after reading it with a par meter.......


Dont get me wrong, its taking alot for me to step back to what I once considered old school lights, I love gadgets and being able to control stuff wirelessly but I want to know its going to work without having to have 10 units over my tank....

[buck27]

I totally understand. I spent the money on them but mainly because of power savings on my electric bill lol. I will find out if they work. The money was an issue at first but I'll get over it eventually. I think leds work but haven't been used for 5 years by anyone to prove it. I'm willing to take that leap and hope the lighting gods see things in my favor. I think with 8 units I should be able to do whatever I want hopefully.

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[350gt]

Do I wish I wold have just saved my money and waited till computers were better and more affordable? Of course not.

Some of us are not as fortunate and need the most bang for our buck.

I was ready to splurge on some LEDS but from what I saw and tested was not enough in my opinion to waste that kind of money. I will have to deal with 4 or 5 power cords now(something I hate) to get the kind of light I am looking for or more corals are for that matter...

[350gt]

I totally understand. I spent the money on them but mainly because of power savings on my electric bill lol. I will find out if they work. The money was an issue at first but I'll get over it eventually. I think leds work but haven't been used for 5 years by anyone to prove it. I'm willing to take that leap and hope the lighting gods see things in my favor. I think with 8 units I should be able to do whatever I want hopefully.

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8 units better... LOL thats some serious $$

I just want results now. I have been dealing with a unit that I now think is underpowered for my size of tank. I havent had much go south on me, just not seeing results like I should. I really wanted LEDs, but have been let down by what I have seen in person.... Not saying they dont work but I want to be sure.

I cant wait to see your setup, I really hope you get good results cause that unit is the one I truly wanted over AI and the ecotech...

[buck27]

I should get something especially for the amount it cost me lol

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[350gt]

lol, seriously..

too bad your not local, I would personally want to see these go up and turned on for the first time..

[buck27]

I could video tape for you bro :)

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[SoLiD]

Video Tape??? Do you still have one of those? lol ... Too Bad You can't really capture lights well on video.

IMHO The "Best Bang" for your buck is to get (1) 20K 400Watt SE Metal Halide Setup with a good Reflector and Ballast per every 2.5' of Tank. It worked very well on my old set up. The only issue was the ton of heat it would put out. I went with AI because I was planning a smaller tank and I wanted a "Silent" system this time. I was so tired of hearing the chiller and high rpm pumps throughout the day... constantly... and at night sometimes (pumps and the summer heat I guess). I've been pretty happy with the AI SOL Blue modules. The only thing is I now have to run a heater or my temp will drop below 72 degrees :shades: (that's the lowest I would let them go before turned the heater back on). My tank now runs at 76 all day and I've never had to plumb in the chiller to it. :)

[350gt]

of course he has a video tape recorder...... How do you think he spent over 4K on lights? lol

I dread having to run a chiller...........

[buck27]

That's the reason for going leds for me. Before my 215 my electric bill was any where from 98.00 to 130.00 a month. Add the tank, three 400 watt halides, chiller, reeflo pumps and BANG!!! Bill was anywhere from 380.00 to 410.00 a month. Guarantee

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[SoLiD]

Yeah. I never saw a difference in my light bill when my tank went on line. I actually had months where my bill was so low I didn't even meet the 1000KW minimum and had a $10 surcharge.

[350gt]

What lighting are you using solid?

[alton]

Yeah. I never saw a difference in my light bill when my tank went on line. I actually had months where my bill was so low I didn't even meet the 1000KW minimum and had a $10 surcharge.

You don't have kids do you?

[350gt]

Lol, no kidding. I don't who wastes more power, me, my son, or my wife that has to turn on every light in the house to get to the kitchen..

[SoLiD]

What lighting are you using solid?

I run 4 AI SOL Blue modules over my 40 breeder.

[350gt]

all this talk about heat and electricity bills going up has me thinking again.....

I was looking at the hamilton belize fixture http://www.aquacave.com/Belize-Metal-HalideT5-Light-Fixtures-by-Hamilton-C258.aspx

but now...... I am lost again..lol

[buck27]

Looks ok, still an electricity monster though (halides) but that's to be expected. For me I would have to run two 72" fixtures of these and that's about 3200 bucks with 400w halides. It's all preference really. Just do what makes you happy with your tank. I'll be sure to document the maxspec led growth and stuff once I'm up and running.

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[350gt]

going LED afterall........ lol

[Thawk7464]

Why put all of that money into LEDs when it is unclear that they would do the same as MH.IMO I would stay with are go with MH.if you put aside the down fall of MH they will keep your corals happy I myself run 2/250 DE MH on a 55 gallon tank yea I know over kill but at the same time I cant see we're the heat/ebill come into play I have to make my chiller come by dropping the temp from 77 to 76 its all about how one has there tank setup and my tank stay at 78.5 without my chiller running my ebill runs me 110 a mouth.At the end of the day if you going to put that much money into your lights I would say put it on lights that you know that's not going to let you down.


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[Texreefer]

I absolutely 100% disagree with everything said here. first, it is very clear they can perform as well as MH.. I used to run MH on a larger tank. If you want proof LEDs work.. come look at my tank and check out the growth and color of my SPS that have been under LEDs for over a year and this is with just a basic model with just on/ off capability. the fact that you even have a chiller, even if you don't always run it..( i'm confident i will NEVER have to buy a chiller..) Makes the expense of the LED lights worth it. So not wanting them may be a personal choice..but if running MH means another $500 -$1200 on a chiller..I will stick with LED

Why put all of that money into LEDs when it is unclear that they would do the same as MH.IMO I would stay with are go with MH.if you put aside the down fall of MH they will keep your corals happy I myself run 2/250 DE MH on a 55 gallon tank yea I know over kill but at the same time I cant see we're the heat/ebill come into play I have to make my chiller come by dropping the temp from 77 to 76 its all about how one has there tank setup and my tank stay at 78.5 without my chiller running my ebill runs me 110 a mouth.At the end of the day if you going to put that much money into your lights I would say put it on lights that you know that's not going to let you down.


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[Big_Pun]

I always use your tank as why I should go to led Mike I was talking to a buddy and when I showed him your thread and how long and what light your using they where amazed. but you forgot one thing, your good husbandry and maintenance routine.

[350gt]

Why put all of that money into LEDs when it is unclear that they would do the same as MH.IMO I would stay with are go with MH.if you put aside the down fall of MH they will keep your corals happy I myself run 2/250 DE MH on a 55 gallon tank yea I know over kill but at the same time I cant see we're the heat/ebill come into play I have to make my chiller come by dropping the temp from 77 to 76 its all about how one has there tank setup and my tank stay at 78.5 without my chiller running my ebill runs me 110 a mouth.At the end of the day if you going to put that much money into your lights I would say put it on lights that you know that's not going to let you down.


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All that ran across my mind.

I am running 2 150 watt mh and 2 48" t5ho, but I feel it's not enough lighting. Nothing is dying on me but I have a few sps pieces that have yet to take off. My tank is 60" across and the fixture is 48", so I have sides that I can't really do much with.... I even added 3 panorama pros to aid in lighting, don't get me wrong I love the way the light looks right now, it's a very natural look...
Which is why I thought about running 2 250 MH, but the fixtures I was looking at we're just as much or close to the LEDs I am getting. I like clean setups, me and my wife don't like to see wires every where or ballast. On my set up right now it's hard to spot a single wire, beside the one hanging from my fixture. The ballast from my current fixture are built in and was my main reason for buying it....

Then adding the uncertainty that I will need a chiller, which I would never want to do..... Made me swap my mind back to LEDs... I figure the units I am looking at, have to be better than what I currently have. At the moment I don't have many corals in my tank, so if stuff starts going south, it won't be that much of a loss.... Might as well find out now before I stock up my tank and lose alot more...

[350gt]

I absolutely 100% disagree with everything said here. first, it is very clear they can perform as well as MH.. I used to run MH on a larger tank. If you want proof LEDs work.. come look at my tank and check out the growth and color of my SPS that have been under LEDs for over a year and this is with just a basic model with just on/ off capability. the fact that you even have a chiller, even if you don't always run it..( i'm confident i will NEVER have to buy a chiller..) Makes the expense of the LED lights worth it. So not wanting them may be a personal choice..but if running MH means another $500 -$1200 on a chiller..I will stick with LED

Exactly, I have seen your tank and it's enough proof on what a simple led system can do.

[350gt]

I always use your tank as why I should go to led Mike I was talking to a buddy and when I showed him your thread and how long and what light your using they where amazed. but you forgot one thing, your good husbandry and maintenance routine.


And my growth rates cannot be blamed on me or my other equipment....

My skimmer is a beast and my water changes are consistent....

[350gt]

Oh and in case anyone is curious, I have some ecotech radians on order.....

I wasnt impressed with them at first but will give them a shot... I love the software for programming the lights and the fact that I can fine tune it remotely to the exact look I am after. No need to add or remove lights, just drag a mouse and you can match the color of any bulb or MH..... Which is why I over looked the AIs. That also looked good on my tank, matched my 150 mh perfectly in one setting but the rest of the settings were too blue IMO, leaving the colors looking flat.....

[350gt]

Ps, the wifey agreed to buy me the lights.....


So who would say no??.....

And I get to sell my fixture and the panoramas. So that money goes back into my tank......... It's a win win in my book.

[LuckySingh]

Ps, the wifey agreed to buy me the lights.....


So who would say no??.....

And I get to sell my fixture and the panoramas. So that money goes back into my tank......... It's a win win in my book.
nice ...i am eager to see how they work for u:)

[350gt]

Me too, hopefully I can get my hands on a par meter to compare them to my current fixture....

I will be snapping some pics and record what I can as I am also going with a canopy this time, which is being built by ace....

[ROOKIE]

WELCOME TO THE CLUB, RADIONS...

[350gt]

How are yours working out Sam?

[buck27]

I have been running my macspect mazarra p series for a month now. I have a 30" deep tank with chalices on the bottom a red carpet on bottom and some sps low to mid high in the tank. SoLiD came over with his par meter and we got some pretty decent results. On the bottom it was 100 to 200 par varying from spot to spot but on top it was between 400 and 500 par. I'm running a mix of 40 degree and 100 degree lenses at about a 10" height. The only problem I've had so far is one power supply went out on me this weekend for some reason. But even the power supply is cheaper than my old mh radion bulb lol

[buck27]

Oh, here's a couple pics

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934816-0602-f753.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934816-060e-7baa.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934816-0622-b149.jpg