Eco tech raidon hanging setup

[Reef Swimmer]

What can I use to make a hanging setup for Ecotech Raidons.

[350gt]

With that much invested..... I wouldnt trust anything but the original stuff... Too risky imo

[Zack]

+1

[Big_Pun]

how many are you hanging

[klwheat]

I've hung one of mine with the screw in connectors it comes with and some "ninja cord" (no idea what else its called...lol) my other 2 are hanging with ecotech hanging kits. A little pricey....but no where near as expensive as replacing lights :-)

[Reef Swimmer]

I'm getting 2 but still up in the air between AI hydras and Raidons.

[klwheat]

Well, I love my radions for what it's worth. Are they going in a canopy, or where are you planning to put them?

[Reef Swimmer]

Hanging them or putting them in a canopy.

[CoryDude]

If I were spending $1300 on lights, $45 bucks for the hanging kit would be a no-brainer.

Ive been doing this for almost 20 years and here is my opinion on lighting your tank. If you have the money, go with the ai's or ecotech's. They're both great companies, and the lights are amazing. They're bright, customer service is....wait for it....LEGENDARY, and they offer a lot of options like customizing your overall color temp and photoperiod. I went with ai's because they cost less and can be controlled with the new ai wireless controller.

But halides are cheap and getting cheaper as the manufacturers reduce prices to keep customers from switching to LEDs. Yeah, they're hot, but if you suspend them over a tank you'll only notice a slight increase in the room temp. They're bright and your corals will have insane deep colors. There's a reason halides have been in use for so long. They work and they do a darn good job at that.

You won't go wrong with any of your choices, but don't skimp on the small things like hanging kits if you decide to go led.

[Reef Swimmer]

I would run halides but no one around here stocks the bulbs. I'm still iffy if I want Raidons or hydras.

[350gt]

A few shops carry bulbs and you can always buy a spare to keep on hand.....shouldnt have to replace that often..

[Reef Swimmer]

My e-bill has already gone up 80 bucks and LEDs will bring it down some. But t5s and metal halides will just make it go up more.

[Reef Swimmer]

Also going with AI's. Ecotech makes a great light and their customer service is awsome to say the least. But I can't see spending 1300 for lights. On another note does anyone do metal work. Me and my wife and looking for someone to make a metal monagram to hang on the wall and suspend my lights from instead of just L brackets.

[ducati996]

My e-bill has already gone up 80 bucks and LEDs will bring it down some. But t5s and metal halides will just make it go up more.

Leds ain't gonna bring that bill down that much

[350gt]

$80 for electricty???.....


That is cheap, thats my water bill :P

[Reef Swimmer]

No it went up 80 bucks. My e-bill is 180 to 200. Before my tank it was 130 max.

[350gt]

Ahhh ok.

[klwheat]

man..i wish that was my e-bill. Ive been running tanks since i moved in here basically...but last month was $400 :-(

[Scutterborn]

man..i wish that was my e-bill. Ive been running tanks since i moved in here basically...but last month was $400 :-(

That's been the last two months for me.

[MARKIS210]

Depending on the setup, LEDs could save hundreds over the life of the tank. Took this from Steve's LEDs

1) 200 gallon tank using 8 48" T5 HO Fluorescent bulbs.


(Approximately 2,500 lumens per sq ft over 6'X2 area)


Initial bulb purchase: 8 X $20.00 = $160.00


Must replace bulbs once per year = $160.00 X 3 years = $320.00


Electricity used over 3 year period = $737.94


Electricity used by a water chiller over 3 years = $221.74


Total cost of maintenance over 3 years for T5s = $1,439.68



2) 200 gallon tank using 1000W of Metal Halide Bulbs

(Approximately 3,000 lumens per sq ft over 6'X2 area)

Initial bulb purchase: $0.00, included with the fixture

Must replace bulbs every 9 months: $60 X 4 bulbs X 4 changes in 3 years = $960.00

Electricity used over 3 year period : 1,708.20

Electricity used by a water chiller over 3 years = $454.57
(Does not include extra running time by your central A/C)


Total cost of maintenance over 3 years for T5s = $3,122.77





3) 200 gallon tank using 2 modules, with 84 high power LEDs.


(Approximately 3,000 lumens per sq ft over 6'X2' area)


Initial bulb purchase: $0.00, they come already included with the kit!!!


Must replace bulbs 0 times per year = $0.00



Electricity used over 3 year period = $286.61

Electricity used by a water chiller over 3 years = No longer required, LEDs run cool.




Total cost of maintenance over 3 years for LEDs = $286.61



I don't blame ya trying to save a buck man, things add up fast.

[Scutterborn]

That doesn't factor in the initial start up cost though. Good write up.

[Reef Swimmer]

Yeah getting it up and running the right way with a new return pump, better skimmer, a circulation pump, an over flowbox plumbed to the tank and modifed sump cost an extra 400. I know T5s and metal halides work cause i have seen it but i dont wana spend more money on bulbs when there is a better light system out there. I just have to choose the one that's right for me and what I can afford. Pollys and the guys here on maast have been a huge help with advice, frags and equipment. I know when I get my LEDs the T5s will be given away as well as the anthilla when I get more corals when my tank is ready for it. There's corals and fish I want right now but my tank ain't ready. I am happy for what I got now and will be greatful when I can get the corals I want.

[MARKIS210]

Kinda makes me sad how much i've spent so far on my build, and it is not even done haha.