Lighting MH vs. LED?!?

[SaltWaterN00b]

I found some interesting articles about high output LED's just as good/better as MH? Anyone want to elaborate on this? The only bad thing (ive read so far) is the cost of the LED systems....

 

[Killerdrgn]

Ask Wingo/AquaProBuilder he's selling LED systems.

 

[SaltWaterN00b]

Ask Wingo/AquaProBuilder he's selling LED systems.

Really? I need to speak to him....Im very curious about getting one....

 

[georgelc86]

He builds them also.

 

[SaltWaterN00b]

I was just looking at them, the prices are rediculous. Seriously what makes them so expensive?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

The technology is new, there is little competition out there and it might save you money in the long run with light bulb expense. The technology hasn't been around long enough to be proven as a replacement for MH lighting. The decision is yours.

 

[SaltWaterN00b]

so basically there is no real reason? Youre right about the long term studies but DAMN there is alot of articles pro-LED.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Of course there will be plenty of pro articles. The technology is very cutting edge, if you look at it the emergency services has been testing LED lighting on emergency vehicles for almost 10 years. They are brighter and draw less off of the vehicles electrical system. For aquarium purposes the idea is a great one, it's just the expense in my opinion isn't justified because of the amount of time it has been put to use in the aquarium trade. In my opinion it isn't a proven technology yet. Given a couple of years I might change my standpoint but for right now it is highly unlikely.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

In a couple of years the price point will drop and the technology will be even better.....my gut tells me that it will be sooner than we think....)

 

[qy7400]

If you want to see one in action James, the host of the LIRA meetings, runs one on his 150G bow; he's always more than happy to share his likes and dislikes on it. Next meeting is tomorrow, his office is real easy to get to right off the LIE.

 

[tosiek]

there are pro's and cons on each system. IMO, i have not seen LED's to give the same color people are used to off corals and the light in the tank as well. Yes, coral are colorful on the newer LED systems but i would prefer MH over LED's. All the LED systems i have seen look alot like T5's over a tank. colors floresce but they don't have the same look as they do under a good MH bulb. Most people i have heard of or know that have LED's aren't as happy with the LED's vs their MH system before. But they were running the old LED's and not the newer versions which have improved a bit.

Your pretty much paying for the toys that come with the LED's like light cycles and dimming and color changes as well as the lower electric costs and heat. And If i was running a softie/lps tank and had money to blow i would get a LED fixture.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Give it few more years (6-10) and LEDs will be where T5 are today --->>> read popular and cheap