Replacing PC with Leds

[Mbodell]

I have been keeping my eyes on the reef brite LED's (http://reefbuilders.com/2010/01/04/reefbrite-actinic-led-striplights-lighting-up-50-square-feet-of-r) and I was thinking of replacing my 2 130 watt pc bulbs from my 48" outer orbit fixture with them. For $260 for a 48" light it would be the same cost as buying 1 years worth of bulbs and I would have a lower power usage.

It seems like a better idea than converting over to t5s if the lights have a good par output. What does everyone think?
Has anyone seen them in person or have a link to any par readings from them?

 

[Edwardw771]

LEDs are the way to go.

 

[Mbodell]

I am just worried the output might not be enough. I guess I will preorder them and see.

 

[ReeferNets]

This afternoon this website is gonna get a first hand look at one LED fixture's unveiling.

 

[magic]

This afternoon this website is gonna get a first hand look at one LED fixture's unveiling.

Drum roll, please!

 

[Mbodell]

ok, so say that I am checking out now on my preorder, do I wait? Will it be in the same price bracket?

edit: Now I am wondering if the reefbrites are 25 watts per 48" strip. That would be about right if they are 1 watt crees and would explain the cheap price.

 

[Nickjr000]

I like leds. My friend has a few strips and wherever they hit it's a nice color they make.

 

[JRWOHLER]

How about the Ice Cap T5 sized ones?

 

[Mbodell]

The icecap ones are not meant for growth. They are using .1 watt leds. These are apparently using 3 watt leds that are underdriven. After talking with a few people I think the reef brites will be the way to go for now. I also found out that uvl has a pc with a reflector built into them.

 

[Dave]

Mike have you seen this thread?

http://web1.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1761942

 

[Mbodell]

So do I spend the $600 on a making one.... I need about $200 worth of bulbs now, so this deal is making me think. http://www.rapidled.com/servlet/the-32/48-Premium-LED-DIY/Detail

 

[Dave]

My 2 cents - If you are comfortable with LEDs and the build involved, I would spend the 6 bills over the 2.

I am all about the long term gain.

I think you said you were on a 6 month replacement cycle....so in 1.5 years it will have paid for itself...and that is only if you factor in bulb replacement.

 

[Mbodell]

I know and I could sell my lighting fixture as well. I just have to decide if I want to do all that drilling and tapping on a heat sink by hand without a drill press. I don't want to glue the leds so that is my biggest hesitation.

 

[Tazmaniancowboy]

Mike I have access to a drill press. We could go drill or you could mark out and I'll drill. Let me know

Taz

 

[Mbodell]

thanks don, I will probably take you up on that when I am ready.