What is the equivalent in LED to 400w MH?

I was at my LFS and he just installed the Cannon LED Pendant 12,000K White 100 watt Elliptical on his frag tank. He was not sure what the equivalent was to MH, but after 6 years of shopping there, I knew it was brighter than the 250w MH he used to have on it.

So is there a actual formula when comparing LED to MH using the watt rating? I have 2 250 w HQI on my 210 now, and I wanted to upgrade to 400w MH but he was saying these ecoxitic cannons will replace MH and I should use them instead.

So what is the real deal on LED to MH comparisons?

 

I think this is a tough question to answer. There are a lot of factors that would come into play. I know the on Aqua Illuminations website they compare on of the SOL fixtures to 270 watts of MH. The fixture uses 75 watts of LED.

 

If the above comment is true, I've seen some 120w LED fixtures so that'd be around 400w of standard light if the ratio holds true. Prepare to pay big bucks though.

 

If that is true, then a 100w led should be equal to a 360w MH

 

There are many factors that come into play with LEDS. Such as optics on the LED's, distance from water level, and other things suck as the actual leds used. Im hoping that someone with more experience with leds will chime in. gcarrol is a member on 3reef that IMO knows his stuff about led lighting. maybe he will see this thread and chime in.

 

I really hope there is a easy formula for this, because the LED route seems much easier than MH.

 

Im afraid that this probably wont be the case.

if you havent already read it, here is a thread with a lot of different opinions and information.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/led-aquarium-lighting/mh-v-led-103837.html

 

From what I've read LED's arnt good for anything beyond 18inches deep.

 

I will take my 400 MH anyday. just saying;D

 

I'll second the MH anyday.