MH v LED

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by debasis_global, Feb 4, 2011.

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  1. debasis_global

    debasis_global Astrea Snail

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    I am planing to buy a 14k MH for my 3'X2'X1.5' tank. But some of my frinds tell me to buy LED (14k). Can LED solve the purpose. I am confused.. pls help..
     
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  3. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    look into the boost leds. I ordered my first one and love it. its close to the same color temp as a 14k and burns alot cooler nd moree efficent, the only down side is that it will take 8 bulbs to do a 75 gallon tank i have going by the manufactor specs but they are running a sale on super bowl sunday.
     
  4. kstafford003

    kstafford003 Feather Star

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    Long term growth has not been documented with LED's yet. They have been however tested to show that their PAR values can compete with MH if you use enough of them and use lenses to focus the light down into the water. If you decide to go with LED's make sure you get them from a reputible dealer that can supply you with PAR data.
     
  5. kstafford003

    kstafford003 Feather Star

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    I have also been told you need 135watts of LED to equal 250watts metal halide. So that may help out as well.
     
  6. FaceOfDeceit

    FaceOfDeceit Hockey Beard

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    I disagree...it depends on the Optics used.
     
  7. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    ok let me help with this argument. To some extent the time frame of the leds have proven that they have good coral growth. they will compeate with the halides and the t5 with the correct amount of bulbs and or diods depending on which rout you go. I recived my led bulb yesterday and my zoas loved it. no t5 at all 10 watts of power, I have a 48x18x21 tank im setting up and the boost LED company said to have eight bulbs a mix of 40 and 60 degree optics to grow sps and softies. its more expensive but well worth it to me. but heres the web sight:

    BoostLED

    there are even a few members on here that have switched to the leds and love them over the t5s but i wont argue the usefulness of the halides and if you can get a good deal on them i would get them but IMO i would go with this company. you can even pm him and ask him som Q&A yourself.
     
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  9. ReefBruh

    ReefBruh Giant Squid

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    Depends on your purpose, only softies, mixed reef, sps.
     
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  10. M-Ocean Man

    M-Ocean Man Flame Angel

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    I agree with all of the above - though I have only been using LEDs for about 3 1/2 months now - I have only seen positive results.

    But it's all dependent on a ton of variables like what kind or corals you are going to keep, the size of the tank, depth of the tank, and what your budget is all play into whether you should go with MH or LED.
     
  11. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    Unfortunately, most people do not fairly compare LED, T5 and MH. The price that some pay for LED, is not always directly comparable to the T5 and MH fixtures they are replacing. There are all ranges of LED, MH, and T5 lighting fixtures. In most cases you get what you pay for. After you have determined what type of corals you want to keep, you should then decide what lighting you want.

    What corals are you going to keep?
    How much do you want to spend on lighting?
    Is the lighting going to be free hanging over the tank or in a canopy?
     
  12. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

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    there are places in the hobby for t5 led and halides, i have seen some instances where a coral will only grow under halides and not led's and vice versa, all the fixtures have their ups and downs what is comes down to is opinion. all of then can equal eachother in light output, but if you desire a certain look or something you might prefer one over another
     
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