why switch to LED???? Advise please

[schreck081884]

Thinking of switching my reef lighting from metal halide 250s and t5 actinincs to LED. the less power consumption and rediculous color of the blue LED lighting is drawing me in. There are many kinds on the market. from what i have seen so far and reviews i have read 3w cree leds are the way to go. i just dont know what kind to go with. my tank is a 93 cube loaded with zoas shrooms frog and leathers. no sps. im looking for advise from the knowledgable members on arc. HELP everybody, i need opinions!!!!!!!!!

 

[jbdreefs]

I run the 3w bridgelux, and I'm happy. I spoke to another member tonight who is running the same chips and he seemed very pleased.

Obviously energy consumption is a huge benefit.

 

[jimknutson]

I am running bridglux and my corals could not be happier.

 

[bulkrate]

There are several benefits...little/no heat transfer into your aquarium (possibly lessening or removing the need for a chiller), reduced evaporation in smaller capacity tanks, noticable energy cost savings. Not to mention a significantly longer duty cycle (on quality units, 5-10 years!) during which the output stays in a pretty consistent spectrum and color temp.

I believe T5HO bulbs need to be replaced every 6-12 months, metal halides every 9-18. Power compact every 4-6 in order to stay close to their original rated output. This adds up in $$$ and the abrupt switch can really stress corals out come replacement time if done too rapidly.

Of course, switching to LEDs (or making changes to an existing LED fixture) can do exactly the same thing, possibly moreso. I just swapped one of my tank's 12K/445 modules with a 445/Magenta one running at the same dimmer settings and almost nuked a couple of ricordias I picked up at the frag swap a couple weeks back.

 

[schreck081884]

what brands does everyone reccomend?

 

[db366]

The best bang for your buck with all the proper colors is lilrobbs led light. It is a custom black box led from china.

Sent from my VM670 using Tapatalk

 

[superclown]

I'm going with a set myself I souls pm Lilrob for more info

 

[bdooley]

+1 on the black box LEDs . I switched my 8 bulb t5 set up out with two of these and I'm very pleased . And heat and evaporation is way less .

 

[wmboots]

Ok Lilrob whats the info on your black box
everyone whos seen it says it sets the standard for LED's and I'm interested in anything that will improve my tank and save $$$ in the long run

 

[superclown]

wmboots;746321 wrote: Ok Lilrob whats the info on your black box
everyone whos seen it says it sets the standard for LED's and I'm interested in anything that will improve my tank and save $$$ in the long run

Search the term member modified

Should net u some info until u get a chance to talk to him

 

[acroholic]

You'd be best to PM lilRobb directly for info.