AI Vega / Cheap Fixture / DIY

[beerfish]

I've been researching lights for my new build and I've decided I want to go with LED. I don't really care about all of the light type debates, as I have one reason to go with LED that T5, MH, and PC can't compete with. I never remember to change bulbs.

So I love the AI Vega Color. The light seems amazing, and I love the effects. I don't love the price tag.

A cheaper fixture will be significantly less money, but lack the features.

The final option is a DIY fixture. The same LEDs used in the Vega, along with the heat sink would cost about $100 without drivers. Six drivers (individual control on every color) would cost about $180 and with additional parts, I could build a comparable fixture for around $300. This wouldn't include a controller, but if I picked up an Arduino, I could easily program a controller that would give me individual control over each color, and allow me to program effects. This would put the total cost at around $400, but would allow me a lot more flexibility. Additionally, it would allow me to program a feature that I've always wanted, that no light fixture I know of has. I've always wanted a light fixture that would pull a weather report from an area, and reproduce the weather in that area every day.

Since I want to get the tank up quickly, I'm looking at a used fixture for now, but moving forward, I'm trying to decide what my final lighting will be.

Thoughts anyone?

 

[E.intheC]

What size tank are you going with?

I think DIY can be a good way to go, but I have no patience (not to mention soldering skills) to make my own light fixture. Plus it would be very difficult (for me) to make a clean looking light.

I like the Vega color but I'm going to throw out two additional options .

The first is a Radion. The 1st gen lights are now available for $600. The second suggestion is the Maxspect Razr. These actually have warm white and violet LEDs, which is definitely a step in the right direction. They're cheaper, but I'm not 100% confident with Maxspect reliability yet. These fixtures look good though.

Also, I would NOT buy a cheap LED fixture. IMO, it's a waste of money. Quality LEDs and parts (plus actual thought in the design), not to mention warranty support, is worth the price difference.

 

[andylee]

Budget, time, technical ability.
Unless you are putting it into a canopy, the DIYs will probably never look as clean as a a commerically built unit. Appearance was very important for my wife, since this tank was being set up in our living room.
Maybe I lucked out, but I've had pretty good luck with the cheapo units; one a standard block and the one that I am using now (which was not really cheap, but cheaper than the big name brands). I've had good growth, even of SPS and the lights have been very reliable.
I'm not sure I would spend money on a "temporary" lighting solution. Gradual upgrades always wind up costing more, plus the re-acclimatization for a new light might be stressful for your corals.

 

[beerfish]

The tank is a 40g breeder.

Just bought a nice used 24 LED CREE fixture to serve as a temporary light until I make a decision on the final lighting.

The Radion lights cost more, and I prefer the Vega Color, so I wouldn't consider them as an option, since they cost more than the light I like.

Technical ability isn't really an issue. I can solder, and have all the tools I need, and appearance isn't an issue, since I can make the light look good if I choose to go DIY.

I guess the decision for me is weather the additional flexibility I have with DIY is worth the time and effort. Once the DIY is finished, it's probably going to be close in price to the Vega. I might try creating a small supplemental light fixture and see how it turns out, then replace the main light if it works.

 

[E.intheC]

I don't feel that a Vega (or Radion) will be enough light for a 40 breeder, personally. Maybe if you have it raised up really high and keep corals in the middle of the tank.

Looks like DIY is the best option in your case. Good luck.

 

[beerfish]

I don't feel that a Vega (or Radion) will be enough light for a 40 breeder, personally. Maybe if you have it raised up really high and keep corals in the middle of the tank.

Looks like DIY is the best option in your case. Good luck.

Yeah, I considered that. I'm going to see what kind of spread I have on the unit I just bought, and make a determination from there on needing one or two Vegas.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

how do you plan on covering the whole tank if you are using only ONE AI? Looks like DIY with a longer heatsink is the way to go with the budget consideration.

 

[beerfish]

The fixture I got is roughly the same size as a Vega, so I'm going to see how the coverage is. The 40g doesn't have a brace, so it may be ok, even if the corners are a bit dark.

Budget isn't really the issue. I'm looking for the best, most flexible light for a reasonable price. As I mentioned, if I DIY the way I want, it will cost around the same as the AI light, but I'll have more flexibility.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Oh when I say "budget" I mean to confine the spending to a SINGLE AI not TWO AI.

So I would strongly suggest you to DIY and best with a longer heatsink.

 

[beerfish]

Actually, if I DIY, I'll probably go with 2 heat sinks.

I've looked at your lights as well, and read some good reviews. My issue is really the features that come on the controller, which is why I like the Vega so much.

If I go the DIY route and make the controller the way I'm hoping it will work, I'll call you about producing them.

 

[Jakef150]

How about rapidled ? They sell solder less



http://www.rapidled.com/40g-breeder/ and you can add or change color to your like

Jake