New Lighting Technology?...

[titus]

Hello,

It'd be interesting to see how the new plasma stuff pans out. It looks dangerous though.

Titus

[BlueAbyss]

Hmm, most of the data I've seen on LEDs was using 45 degree optics, which will make the penetration (and par numbers) much better. I think that LEDs are perfect for smaller tanks anyhow... why bother with a bunch of little lights over a big tank when a few large MHs would do the job better (and just as efficiently)?

I took note of this new plasma technology when it was first announced, and I think it shows some promise as a replacement (or alternative) to MH. I'll be watching this closely... thanks for posting!

[Ron99]

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

Hmm, most of the data I've seen on LEDs was using 45 degree optics, which will make the penetration (and par numbers) much better. I think that LEDs are perfect for smaller tanks anyhow... why bother with a bunch of little lights over a big tank when a few large MHs would do the job better (and just as efficiently)?

Actually, the LEDs should be more efficient. They convert more energy into light than heat compared to MH. They will use less power than a comparable MH set up and transfer little to no heat to the tank so you're less likely to need a chiller. Also, as long as you manage the heat around the LEDs themselves, they will last for 50,000+ hours so that's a big cost savings in bulb changes too.

Also, you can control the blue and white LEDs separately to fine tune your colour temperature to exactly what you want.