Halides vs LED

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Robman, Jan 9, 2013.

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Metal Halides vs LED

  1. Metal Halides all the way!

    27.1%
  2. LED, It is the future!

    54.2%
  3. Dont know the difference

    2.1%
  4. I have both

    16.7%
  1. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    I know that LED and being green is the new trend. As an old reefer I don't think there is any substitute for reef lighting than good old fashioned Metal Halides. The shimmer, and the clarity are unmatched!! Plus there are still a lot of unknowns about led. Answer the poll. This should be fun!
     
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  3. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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  4. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    LEDs can have more shimmer than halides, but depends on the configuration. Color wise, there are just so much more options with LEDs. I have both and the both surge their purpose. Currently two tanks with halides, one with a mix of halides and PC, the other with halide and LED. Also, two tanks with just LED. Light is light though, doesn't matter where it comes from, but both have their benefits and limitations (which have been discussed to death ;) )


    Edit: forgot one, also have Fluval edge with all LED.
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2013
  5. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    Nice!!!
     
  6. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

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    What about reliability?
    .
     
  7. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    I voted led's because that is what I am about to go with. I personally am very interested in the ability to change your color
     
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  9. ontop27

    ontop27 Ritteri Anemone

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    T5s haha..but if i have to pick between id say halides..alot of people are switching back from leds including me
     
  10. 55gfowlr

    55gfowlr Zoanthid

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    Curious, which brand did you buy and what cons did you see? (Just so I can add to my library of do's and dont's with LED) (Also, I think this question swings right along with the thread, so it's technically not hijacking) ;D
     
  11. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    You should add T5 in there... But all 3 have + and - it really depends on what's important to you....

    If heat's an issue, then MH is awful
    If perfect spectrum is the issue, then LED haven't quite caught up
    If you love shimmer T5 stinks.

    IF you want to grow colorful corals, then all 3 will do wonderfully.
     
  12. barbianj

    barbianj Hammer Head Shark

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    Heat and power consumption of a MH system are hard to overcome.

    The biggest drawback to LED has been price, but that is changing quickly.

    IMO, many people have underestimated how much usable light LED's are putting out, and overdo the light cycle on their tanks. Switching to LED's has a bigger learning curve than lights of the past.