Build My Led Vs Reefbrite

[CoryDude]

Looking for build my led reviews. I'm using 250w halides and currently have 2 reefbrite xho 15" blue strips. I'm adding 4 more strips to supplement the halides.

Reefbrite can make me a 15" strip with 6x blue and 6x royal blue. They use 3 w LEDs. But they run them at about 1w each.

Build my led can build a 12" strip with 15 LEDs that are a mix of blue and uv that are 1w each. I could even customize them and go with blue, royal blue, and uv.

Any thoughts?

[Zack]

BML is a much "nicer" fixture, but the prices are insanely high (IMO). I've seen more satisfied BML fixture users on sites than reefbrite, especially with all the cool customizations they offer.

[CoryDude]

Thanks Zach. The prices of the size I want are roughly the same between the two. The bml option of customizing and even adding a cyan is the most appealing aspect right now. I wish someone in SA stocked bml so I could compare them in person.

I've been pretty impressed with the reefbrites. They have a clear lens and a polished reflector and have a nice coverage area. I think this is going to end up being a coke vs Pepsi choice. Both are good but it really comes down to personal tastes.

[Flyride95]

No coke is clearly better! :)


180gal + 30gal sump with an awesome wave.

[Zack]

I believe Rob has a few, maybe he can put some input on them. The cyan really gave my corals a ton of pop when I had it in them compared to my hydras, it's an interesting tone for a reef, kinda hard to explain but it was very pleasant on the eyes.

[350gt]

Rc cola beats both ;)

[alton]

Cory I use two six footers 14k in color, it helps me cut down my MH use during these warmer temps. I bought the manual dimmers to run them at about 80%. The three year warranty is nice also

[CoryDude]

Thanks Alton. I really wish I could see them in person. The warranty and reviews seem to be positive for bml.So I went ahead and ordered both brands. 4 x 15" reefbrites xho with a blue/royal blue combo. And 2x 12" bml with 4x blue, 4x royal blue, 4x uv, and 3x cyan.So each 250 w halide pendent will be supplemented with four actinic led fixtures.

[CoryDude]

Once they're all in and installed I'll post reviews for both.

[Mr Cob]

I really like the BML fixtures and think they are worth the cost considering the quality. I don't have the newest fixtures from them. Picked mine up last year, a 6 footer and a 4 footer on the same hanging kit along with a dimmer on each. One is full reef spectrum with UV (really like this one) and the other is a custom configuration. They light the system below... all my zoas, softies and lps do very well under these fixtures and I have them hanging pretty high.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/11177984936_53b50c157d_b.jpg



some pics of the corals I grow under them...

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/11537544614_fdbce96c10_c.jpg


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/11459438435_b1e529578e_c.jpg


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/11673186906_1189efbb0a_c.jpg


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/11807745325_f074a17a2f_c.jpg

that's just under 2 BML fixtures. The led light strip you see in the first pic up top is just moonlight

[Flyride95]

Impressive!


180gal + 30gal sump with an awesome wave.

[CoryDude]

Yes. Thanks for sharing Rob! Your review makes me wish I had gone with bml entirely. I traded Troy V for 2 reefbrites and have been impressed with them as well. But bml provides so many more choices.

[Mr Cob]

Yeah, and they are surprisingly very strong lights. It was not originally my plan to stock that system with coral...it was primarily for clownfish growout. But after I got the lights in I was impressed with how bright they were...and raised my SG up and in the coral went. lol

Sent from my Samsung note3 using Tapatalk.

[CoryDude]

I don't have the newest fixtures from them.


First off, sweet pics. What did they change on the newer lights. And did you go with the 90 degree optics or a narrower spread?

[Mr Cob]

Thanks...you know me... cell phone pics :) (note 3)

Yes...I went with 90 degree optics and the newer fixtures they released recently are stronger. I don't recall the specific change. Probably a quick look at their site will give us that info. Perhaps 3w bulbs?

Sent from my Samsung note3 using Tapatalk.

[CoryDude]

Well sir, you are a photo pic master. I spoke with the owner briefly on mounting options. His attitude and the fact that they are built up in Austin was a strong selling point too. Aquatek is handling both orders and I can't wait to see them.

[Mr Cob]

Hahaa...yes "cell pic master" but not a photographer at all. I was paying Ric back in the day to take professional shots for the website and my little cell pics were nothing to compare to professional shots.

Awesome, I look forward to your updates dude.

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[Milly]

I purchased my bml fixture about a yr ago. 90 degree optics , 3 fixtures total. 2 on my 70g and one on my frag tank. Love them !


http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/03/uda8eher.jpg