JBDreefs;1054902 wrote: I broke up with FaceBook years ago and can't follow the link. I am very interested in reading what was included there. Anyone want to copy and paste it?
From my research, more expensive units are built with more quality parts, research to back up the design, and better bells and whistles with regard to technology.
With regard to LEDs, specifically, more expensive units typically use "better bins". I believe this means that the diode emits light closer to what has been spec'd for the LED design. In other words, a 6500K diode produces 6500K light, not 6200K. The same applies to output measurements such as PAR. The better BINs are more consistent and pricier.
With regards to technology, the more expensive units typically have better dimming resolution and control (manual vs. cloud based, automated, etc.). Usually the more expensive units have more innovative cooling solutions (not necessarily better) that allow a "cooler" and often slimmer fixture profile.
With the trend moving more towards a full spectrum fixture, I am not sure that LEDs of a specific color temp are as important as once thought, and the variability in output (par, etc) can be resolved through dimming capabilities. I have yet to meet one person who runs an LED fixture at 100%. If PAR isn't enough, turn it up!
At the end of the day, I would expect a cheaper fixture to have less controllability, minimal warranty, and not be accompanied with excellent customer service. I do hear good things about RB fixtures, but they are more expensive when compared to the cheap eBay fixtures.
The argument about there being more of the cheaper units being used doesn't really seem valid. You can't compare items, in terms of the number sold, when they are clearly in different pricing tiers. There are many examples where a cheaper version out sells a superior product.
I have also dabbled into hydroponics where I learned that a blue spectrum promotes vegetative growth while a red spectrum promotes flowering. With that said, algae/plants won't grow without a food source.
I think reefing is a lot like fishing where the saying is to use what gives you the most confidence. Ultimately, the tool you are most proficient with will likely give you the most success. Similarly, there usually isn't one best answer, but rather a few good options.