Need information on LED lighting

[ksicard]

As the topic title says, I'm in need of info on LED's. There pro's and con's etc....
I have a RSM 130d (34g) and I'm thinking of upgrading the lights and I want to know how LED's work and whats the big deal about them. There are a few LED kits made for the RSM 130d and I'm heavily considering them. The current t5 power compacts dont cut it for me and I'd like to keep some SPS as my water quality is near perfect as maintence is easily done with a small tank. So please fill my head on the wonders of LED's. Thanks ahead of time.

 

[rdnelson]

Many will say LED is garbage and Metal Halide is the way to go. I run cheap knock off LED fixtures and have no complaints at all. The big advantage is they consume less power and generate less heat. In addition, no lamps to replace on a regular basis like T5 or Metal Halide.

 

[dylpik27]

rdnelson99;819181 wrote: Many will say LED is garbage and Metal Halide is the way to go. I run cheap knock off LED fixtures and have no complaints at all. The big advantage is they consume less power and generate less heat. In addition, no lamps to replace on a regular basis like T5 or Metal Halide.

+1

I saw better growth when I had t5s, but no where near the color. Depends on what you're looking for - to me, color and the low costs of ownership the LEDs offer is preferable.

 

[rdnelson]

I get just as much growth with my LEDs as I did with a 6 lamp T5. Can't compare to MH because I have never run any.

 

[ksicard]

The 130D comes stock with power compacts. I'm looking for an upgrade in lighting so that my corals will look the best they can and i'd like to keep SPS.
so far i've found:
http://www.modularled.ca/red-sea-max-130-130d/">Red Sea MAX 130/130D - Modular LED.ca</a>
[IMG]http://www.rapidled.com/red-sea-max-130d/">Retrofit kits - Nano Kits - Red Sea Max 130D - Rapid LED</a>
[IMG]http://shop.stevesleds.com/Red-Sea-Max-130-and-130D-LED-retrofit-kit-RSM130.htm">Red Sea Max 130 LED retrofit kit</a>
[IMG]http://proledsupply.com/contents/en-us/d3.html">Red Sea Max 130D LED Kits</a>

I'd like to know whats the best possible route for achieving my goal to have better looking corals and to proide enough light for SPS.

 

[ripped tide]

I've found that my SPS look the best, and grow the fastest with halides. Remember, everything is in the eye of the beholder.


For the Red Sea max, I'd retrofit t-5s.

If softies or Lps only, I'd probably use the LEDs. The problem is: I like SPS.

 

[glxtrix]

Ripped Tide;819265 wrote: I've found that my SPS look the best, and grow the fastest with halides. Remember, everything is in the eye of the beholder.


For the Red Sea max, I'd retrofit t-5s.

If softies or Lps only, I'd probably use the LEDs. The problem is: I like SPS.

:up: