Coral color with led vs halides?

Discussion in 'LED Aquarium Lighting' started by needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012.

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  1. needmorecowbell

    needmorecowbell Torch Coral

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    I've read some articles and watched a few videos of coral growth and color with metal halides vs. LEDs. The most organized one was that of the YouTube poster mr saltwater tank. After comparing the results, it seemed the corals with leds looked more bland and generally less attractive then the metal halide covered tank's.

    Could anyone explain why this is? I recently bought a 120w dimmable fixture that I love, but I'm hoping I won't be regretting it in the long run.
     
    needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012
    needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012
    #1

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  2. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    It really depends on your definition of good coral coloration.
     
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    #2
  3. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    led's hands down.
     
    chelseagrin, May 23, 2012
    chelseagrin, May 23, 2012
    #3
  4. needmorecowbell

    needmorecowbell Torch Coral

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    Brighter, more colorful. The ones under led in the video where almost brown in some cases, which I understand is a light issue. I saw a comparison pic of a tri color Acro, which was a more brown purple compared to the metal halides.
     
    needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012
    needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012
    #4
  5. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    Prove it! Show us what you got!
     
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    #5
  6. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    Really though I think it depends on the type of coral. This is the rankings that I would assess. Just my opinion.

    SPS - MH, T5, LED
    LPS - T5, MH, LED
    Softies - LED, T5, MH
     
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    #6

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  7. needmorecowbell

    needmorecowbell Torch Coral

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    Led is the worst for Los and sps.. Or the best?

    I know it has a lot to do with tank parameters too.. I'm sure the ones we dont measure matter some too.
     
    needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012
    needmorecowbell, May 23, 2012
    #7
  8. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

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    My rankings are from left to right.
     
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    gcarroll, May 23, 2012
    #8
  9. bwalker9801

    bwalker9801 Zoanthid

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    +1 I agree
     
    bwalker9801, May 23, 2012
    bwalker9801, May 23, 2012
    #9
  10. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    Agreed with gcarrol as well. I've grown a bit of everything under led, t5 and halide and I much prefer halide for growth, but I really like T5 for my display which is a mixed reef. Full spectrum diy led builds can make for some insane coloration but it takes time to do. It also depends what you would consider to be full spectrum. Combinations of the 3 lighting types can make some great results. T5 and led together sound very promising.
     
    norg., May 23, 2012
    norg., May 23, 2012
    #10
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