Trying to do a little research

[tgriffin]

I am trying to do some research on LED's. I know there is a ton of info out there but I like hearing it from people in this club instead of folks I've never heard of on the net on other forums. I am curious who has gone from a "400" watt Metal Halide(s) to all LED only. I am wanting to know about any growth changes, if any.... Good or Bad. Also am curious about the different fixtures folks are using or DIY if that is the route you went. I understand that these probably do great for a softy or lps. I mainly have SPS so I would like to see some pics and hear from those that were doing predominately SPS with MH's and switched to LED's. Any info like depth of tank and things of that nature would be great

Thanks

 

[mockery]

I'm hopefully doing my switch over this weekend. From a single 250 mh to LED's.

I'll let you know how it goes. But the colors are awesome.

 

[coolsurf]

I did a DIY build and switched from a 250W MH to LED. IMO, there is no comparison. I am extremely happy with ALL aspects of the build and the results. Coloration is excellent and growth is fantastic.

Several members have seen the results and can attest to my comments.

 

[ralph atl]

Dave did...

 

[gregoryleonard]

+1
I switched from 3 250 watt MH over to 3 120 watt LEDs 1 month ago. Colors on sps coras are starting to really pop, and growth is starting to pick up, not to mention the awesome look of all the corals under the actinic lights!
Would strongly recommend taking the plunge:up::up:

 

[grouper therapy]

coolsurf;676815 wrote: I did a DIY build and switched from a 250W MH to LED. IMO, there is no comparison. I am extremely happy with ALL aspects of the build and the results. Coloration is excellent and growth is fantastic.

Several members have seen the results and can attest to my comments.

Pics so we all can attest!

 

[tgriffin]

I know that they are a very good replacement for a 250 watter. My only concern is that they might not have the same punch that a 400 watter has. I'm not saying they don't..... I would just like to see what folks tanks look like before and after that were using 400 watters

Edit: I'm not trying to stir up a hornets nest..... Trust me, I think that LED's will eventually replace the MH. I want to go that route, but I'd like to see pictures of before and after pics of the same tank with some time to compare growth and color changes if any.

Thanks

 

[coolsurf]

tgriffin;676853 wrote: I know that they are a very good replacement for a 250 watter. My only concern is that they might not have the same punch that a 400 watter has. I'm not saying they don't..... I would just like to see what folks tanks look like before and after that were using 400 watters

Edit: I'm not trying to stir up a hornets nest..... Trust me, I think that LED's will eventually replace the MH. I want to go that route, but I'd like to see pictures of before and after pics of the same tank with some time to compare growth and color changes if any.

Thanks

Well considering I used 3W high power LED's, there are 5W available along with other wattage's. You can add more LED's to bring wattages up or use differrent types to build pendants. With that being said, there is always a way to match the MH wattage.

(Thanks Angela...BTW, for those wanting to see update pics, I'll work on getting them and post on another thread...thanks.)

 

[guerry]

I switch from 2 400 watt and 2 250watt mh to LEDs, I'm using 144 3watt emitters at 50% and have double the par as I had with MH lighting. I can turn them up and get over 600par at 12" below water surfase, my LED fixture is mounted 13" above tank. I find that anything over 500par at these levels actually slows growth. The best part is no heat which has now allowed me to remove chiller, on my system over the last 6 months I've been abble drop power bill over $100. a month and the family room is now nice and cool! As for pic's David these are for you bud first is mh lighting

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this is tank with LEDs

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and here's a few corals growing under leds

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Tyson if you need any help with DIY LED build give a shout

 

[tgriffin]

Awesome Guerry! That's what I wanted to see! Will be in touch I promise. I might have to make a trip to S. GA

 

[guerry]

no problem, come on down my friends are always welcome here. I just took these two pic's there is no photo edit here blues only at 1% morning sun rise starting

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Edit: Oh my next door neighbor has 3500' run way so you could just land next door grass strip though

 

[tgriffin]

I actually might be able to do that. One of the guys I work with has a cessna 172 that I could bring in to that strip. Will be in touch

 

[guerry]

just let me know I can get neighbor to get all the map settings you need

 

[thesilence87]

coolsurf;676815 wrote: I did a DIY build and switched from a 250W MH to LED. IMO, there is no comparison. I am extremely happy with ALL aspects of the build and the results. Coloration is excellent and growth is fantastic.

Several members have seen the results and can attest to my comments.

Having seen his tank, I can attest as well. The even lighting throughout the tank made for some VIVID colors while retaining that nice shimmer MH's have.

 

[rockdog]

tgriffin;676939 wrote: I actually might be able to do that. One of the guys I work with has a cessna 172 that I could bring in to that strip. Will be in touch

If you make this trip I'm comming too!! I think I could even put it down on 3500' of grass!!

 

[tgriffin]

Rockdog;677056 wrote: If you make this trip I'm comming too!! I think I could even put it down on 3500' of grass!!

Sounds good

Edit: Hey Guerry

What is the coral that is in the 6th pic?

 

[crew]

I think you are probably already sold, but I figured I would throw in my $.02

I would bet my DIY LED fixture is as bright or bright than a 250 MH and I only have 20 LED's on my fixture. The color is far and away better than any lights I've seen before, and even my T5 actinics can't compare to the pop.

 

[tgriffin]

Crew;677065 wrote: I think you are probably already sold, but I figured I would throw in my $.02

I would bet my DIY LED fixture is as bright or bright than a 250 MH and I only have 20 LED's on my fixture. The color is far and away better than any lights I've seen before, and even my T5 actinics can't compare to the pop.

Sounds awesome. Can't wait to see some pics!

 

[guerry]

that coral is a ORA borealis acropora

 

[tgriffin]

Guerry;677104 wrote: that coral is a ORA borealis acropora

I like!