New Light Suggestion or DIY?

[Logan killer]

My last T5 bulb change was probably 2 years ago. I'm thinking I should changed my bulb this year, but with ATI T5 bulb price high, and probably won't be in stock much longer. Anyone got suggestion for Cheap Chinese LED? Used to like Radion, until price jump so high. Also open to DIY suggestion, since I got a bit free time on hand.

 

[mescobar]

You could go with the Nicrew HyperReef, they are essentially Radion clones with near identical housing. I've heard the software is lackluster. Might be better off buying used Radions instead?

The Dalua Illumagic X4 are pretty popular too and have a really good warranty on the LEDs, which themselves are individually replaceable. They've also been around a long time, so they have a good track record.

People seem to also really like the ReeFi LED Uno, they might be worth checking out as well.

 

[mescobar]

reef rookies recently uploaded a budget light video too

 

[drexel]

If I were to replace T5's, it would be with Quanta Helix bar combo. For the money and the spectrum, nothing else comes close to Quanta. They are fixed spectrums with 0-10v dimming and Luca is coming out with his one controller/timer soon. If you want fixtures, Nicrew are nice, but if the budget allows, Reefi Uno Pro is far superior to Radions all day long in regards to spectrum, power and warranty.

 

[Sold4JC]

I second the Quanta Helix bars. You get a lot for the money. Good par, spread, and control.

 

[scaramanga]

I love my Noopsyche K7 V3. I use 2 over my 75g. Getting 200 - 250 par on bottom and 350-400 par top of rocks running at only 60 percent all channels minus red and green I think(those are like 10 to 20). $150

I also use the Noopsyche k7 mini on my 15g Cube. similar setting and same par. $85

I just direct connect to these via the app to set and don't hook them up to wifi. Power outage does not reset them either.