Disappointed with LED's Venting

[MIOR6485]

I have a 200 gal BB reef that has been running since 2003. In 2010, I decided to take the plunge and move away from 250w HQI fixtures. At that time there was not as many LED vendors as I see today, especially to fill larger tanks. I decided to go with the evil Par 38 lights which was the cheapest way to light a 200 brick although $1500 is not pocket change for most. As most of us, I justified the cost based on the return on investment that showed, based on 50,000hrs life, that it was cost beneficial. Regardless, its 2014 and these bulbs are dropping like fly's. The begin to flicker for about two months which results in inconsistent starts then they go out. I love the LEDS and the benefits they provided my tank but I was disappointed in the hype regarding their life expectancy. My impression is the LED vendors word it in such a way that imply that the life of the LED bulb carries over to the fixture. The LEDS may be great but the drivers su-k. There is no guarantee in this hobby and I have learned that throughout the years but now that I'm actually looking again I am very cautious and would like to here feed back. Was this issue only happening during the initial R&D of the LED fixture or are the current fixtures much better? Thanks for any advice.

[Zack]

I know the evil made fixtures were not in production for very long, and even while in stock, many people had issues with them. I'd personally go with a better company that gives you upgrade options like ai or exotech

also so in not sure what current and voltage etc those lights were on, or even the conditions you exposed them to (heat, salt creep) etc.. So no saying for sure if a brand change would do. I run them @85% max for longevity of the fixture and have had no issues in 3 years with my fixtures. I've owned DIY, rapid, slimline, ai sols, hydra, nano

[Big_Pun]

ya those LEDs were defiantly not great. the great thing about spending the extra cash and getting a quality fixture is the r&d and a warranty that goes into them. I my self was not led fan at all. but I really like my current light, not only is look the same the(color shimmer ) but the growth has been the same(vertex illunina 260). AI, orphek, ecotech make great fixtures too. another thing is most parts are easily replaced or upgraded in the new fixtures. if you wanna go back I have a 4ft icecap fixture with mh and t5 you can buy lol. sorry about your experience with those lights

[350gt]

50000 hours pffft lol

That sucks though, but leds have came a long way in the 3-4 years...

[Pennies2Cents]

BOOO To LEDS... Not my favorite lighting..

[MIOR6485]

I appreciate the comments. With simplicity in mind, what is the opinion on the reefbreeders Value LED setup. thanks

[350gt]

3-4 years is a good run with not having to change bulbs, no added heat resulting in cooling costs.....
From a cheaper brand of led makes it even better imo...

Being that they were par38 bulbs, im sure they were not dimmable and running at 100%....

[Zack]

Exactly ^

there great fixtures just not controllable and do not have a ton of features.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

With the price of LEDs being a couple of bucks . . .Wait dont get me started . . .

[350gt]

BOOO To LEDS... Not my favorite lighting..

Just need the right fixture....

[Pennies2Cents]

True 350, but at the expense of how many corals lost and $$ wasted before we find the right one. :(

[FireWater]

There have been several folks that have ran ReefBreeders with success. I myself preferred to go with a company that has put time and research into the development process. At the time I chose my lights I decided on the AI Vegas.

It all depends on what you want out of the lights. Dimming capabilities? Upgrades in the future? Ability to control each channel via a company made controller or through one such as RK or Apex?

One of the biggest issues I see with led is spectrum and avoiding the single point source. That is where t5 and mh beat led.

[Flyride95]

I personally love my LEDs. But I agree with you about avoiding the single point source and spectrum John. I am running Reef Breeders and my corals are growing great and looking awesome.


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[BBQHILLBILLY]

I miss my LEDs for sure. May be building some more powerful diy fixtures with 5watt leds in the future.
Just need to find the right controller.

[LuckySingh]

I am not a led fan but may try again in near future

[OneReef]

The only fixture that caught my attention was the Radion on Minh's tank. Reason for my DIY Radion Build, I matched the G3 LED's for the most part. Add on a Coralux StormX with 16 controllable channels, sunset/sunrise, storm, its great. Cant wait to put it to use. I am keeping all 4 250w MH fixtures and ballasts though, just in case.

[Dean]

I have been using the Maxspect Razor 160 watt for about 7 months now and really like it. Good coral growth, programmable enough for my liking, and more than powerful enough as I am only using it at 65% power. I did have to go through a learning curve with it though as it can certainly burn coral.

[350gt]

True 350, but at the expense of how many corals lost and $$ wasted before we find the right one. :(

Many including me are using fixtures that are out now and completely happy...

Most that have issues are not using them the right way or have underlying issues.....

Only person thats has me scratching my head is coreydude(i think) that gave up.... I dont think he loss coral but wasnt happy with the colors.... I was really pulling for him..

[BBQHILLBILLY]

The only fixture that caught my attention was the Radion on Minh's tank. Reason for my DIY Radion Build, I matched the G3 LED's for the most part. Add on a Coralux StormX with 16 controllable channels, sunset/sunrise, storm, its great. Cant wait to put it to use. I am keeping all 4 250w MH fixtures and ballasts though, just in case.


OneReef can you send me the link for the controller thks pm or put it here appreciate it

[koa25]

Quick google search got me this guy.
http://coralux.net/

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[OneReef]

Yup, that's the right site and it's the StormX not the regular Storm

-Ram

[alton]

I have really enjoyed the LED ride, picking up MH pendants and ballast for pennies. Lighting a large tank for the money still belongs to MH. I change my lamps on average 16 to 18 months. Which about how long some on MAAST keep there led fixtures before changing to the latest greatest fixture. (Sorry I had to plug that in) Right now I am using 4 stunner strips on my wife's 10 gallon, 2 - 6' build my led on my 300 along with 3 x 250w MH. I like the color of the BMYLED and the fact I can leave them on for 12 hours at 80% which should help them last 5+ years. During the winter I run the MH for up to 10 hours to keep my tank/house warm, and then cutting back to six in the summer. When someone comes out with a 5 year warranty I may switch altogether, but otherwise your fixture is only as good as the warranty.

[envy]

I have seen the storm setting for AI its cool and all but what advantage does it actually have? For those who have it as part of the setting and use it have you noticed better growth when used compared to not being used?

[350gt]

I seriously doubt its beneficial.... But more for show or wow factor.... I dont use it, freaks out the fish.. I do use the cloud feature which is pretty neat, beneficial? Who knows, but it just looks nice....

You can set either to random at 0-100% chance per day...

[FireWater]

I use the cloud feature and the lunar cycle. No clue if it's beneficial or not.