Need to loose the M/H lights, help me pick.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Also watts are watts and calculating electricity savings is elementary math. There is either is saving potential or there isn't, it will vary by application but it's not a myth or witchcraft.

I think the math to calculate the watts with LED is a bit more complicated, as the ramping up and down would be tough.
Where my MH were on for a set period, my LED were on 24/7, but at varying levels.
My heat issues were specific to my installation, canopy in a warm room. Not all installations would retain heating issues. I suspect most would not.

Overall though, I saw no noticeable change in my bill over the 12 month period.

And while I prefer MH and am going back that way, LED does offer features that are hard to ignore.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I think the math to calculate the watts with LED is a bit more complicated, as the ramping up and down would be tough.

Not really, it's area under the curve of watts vs time multiplied by the electricity rate, still simple math. Regardless how complicated you want to make it if you're LEDs are rated at half the power of the halides you could expect about half the consumption, if you ramp them up you probably don't need them to peak at 100% for the same time that you previously ran halides for. Most people also rarely run them at 100%.

In the grand scheme of things saving a hundred watts or so applied over a few hours isn't overly significant. LEDs certainly don't save people money.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Not really, it's area under the curve of watts vs time multiplied by the electricity rate, still simple math.

Simple to who??

But ya, not a big savings over a year. I will concur that there may be a lot of reasons to change to LED, but saving money isn't one of them!

[sphelps]

lol, well like I said it's elementary math so ideally simple to anyone who's completed that level of education and cares to remember it.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by sphelps

lnd cares to remember it.

Therein lies the problem I just had flashbacks of analytical chemistry class. "shudders"

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Therein lies the problem I just had flashbacks of analytical chemistry class. "shudders"

No kidding, I still have exam nightmares

[swill]

Wow, I'm shocked with the response, mostly of all the "get a new chiller" comments. I thought for sure most would recommend getting LED's. I do care about my hydro bills but I've got a Hot Tub, loads of aquariums and 4 kids so really I'm thinking switching to LED's would not change the bills much. I will have to think about this one. I do love how my tank look with the M/H lights. I'd hate to see bleaching or corals lost due to a change.

Thank you everyone for your comments.