Are you happy with your LED's???

[doch]

Well boys and girls, I'm in a dilemma. I'm going to be swapping tanks from my current 55 over to my new shiny 160. Super excited! Anyways... I bought 10 bulbs worth of t5 fixture, and am now having second thoughts. Essentially, I didn't do enough research about LED's prior to buying my t5's. Now that I've had a little extra time, and ran across a few articles and sites regarding DIY LED setups... I'm kicking myself.

So... here's the question for those of you that are running LED's on an SPS setup... are you happy with them, and would you do it again? Also, what did you switch from... T5, or MH?

If you could, pleas include a little info on your switch and set up.

Thanks!

[parkinsn]

Tagging along. Also to add to the OP's questions can you please post brand of LED either DIY or store bought that you are using. Along with tank specs.

[amoreira]

I switched from 3x250W MH + 4x80W T5HO on a standard 180 gal tank (6x2x2). The unit I switched to is a Aquaillumination SuperBlue Unit with 6x75W fixtures. My corals love it. My algae problems have reduced. I like the rampability of the lights and the reduction in waste heat. I don't have to cool the tank with fans most of the year.

[Pirates_Gold]

Switched to 3x400W SE MH to 6xAquaIllumination LED Modules and totally impressed with Natural shimmer, Lightning storms, Built-in controller (for intensity, timers, moon phases, etc.). Was also able to remove my inline chiller....so NO Heat issues. The coral response was fantastic too. I purchased these LED's from The Reef Shoppe.

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by Pirates_Gold

Switched to 3x400W SE MH to 6xAquaIllumination LED Modules and totally impressed with Natural shimmer, Lightning storms, Built-in controller (for intensity, timers, moon phases, etc.). Was also able to remove my inline chiller....so NO Heat issues. The coral response was fantastic too. I purchased these LED's from The Reef Shoppe.

Dude how much light does this put out?
What size tank are you lighting now?
On a 96 " tank how many LED's units would I need?
I have all LPS and 3 huge clams squamosa's and 3 SPS at the top of the rock work.

[Pirates_Gold]

Originally Posted by asmodeus

Dude how much light does this put out?
What size tank are you lighting now?
On a 96 " tank how many LED's units would I need?
I have all LPS and 3 huge clams squamosa's and 3 SPS at the top of the rock work.

That depends on the depth fo your tank and width of your tank, however, lighting requirements also depend on coral and clam placement. If your tank is only 24" wide, I would suggest 8 of the AquaIllumination LED Modules. I have seen the 30" and 36" wide tanks where 2xmodules are required for ample light coverage. Mine is 30" deep and still getting excellent par values at that depth. The tank is SPS dominated, but do have Clam and Carpet Anemone in the sand bed. All are doing fantastic for 1.5 years now.

If your looking for a great light. Check out orphek. The pr156 is an awesome light. I think orphek is about the best you can do led wise at the moment because they seem to be the only company producing diodes specifically designed for aquarium use. Sure the ai has tons of Cree LEDs but most of the white spectrums pur is wasted but not being optimum for coral growth.
Just my 2 cents.

[msjboy]

I also see http://orphek.com/wordpress/new-product-t5t8-led-tubes/ by orphek is pretty cool for those who invested in t5 canopies. Also, The newest orphek lites just came out this couple months can also use cheap ikea lights they say. They also have a uv with the bku and white LEDs. Besides marine depot.com, whwere can one buy it readily in canada.?
Msjboy

[sphelps]

This poll is too early, the majority of current LED owners have only been using them for less than a year. LEDs work, the par numbers and data are plenty proof of that but the question is (and has been) how will they serve you 5+ years from now. These fixtures have to last many years without any problem in order for the payback to work out. Plus imagine what will be available for lighting 5 years from now, will people still be happy with their LED fixtures then? Will they still be happy with only blue and white color options? Will all these newer companies continue to provide upgrades to those special fixtures and how much will they cost? Will people miss the effect from the new bulb changes, you know that new bulb smell?

I'm much more comfortable with LEDs now than I was before but you're still dealing with new technology (new to the application) that is advancing at a rate not ever seen previosuly with reef lighting. What was good last year isn't anymore and as new technology advances the previous models become obsolete.

Also consider resale, LED fixtures probably have the worst return compared to other fixtures so if you want to upgrade a few years down the road don't count on your current LED fixture helping you out.

As for the effect of LEDs, personally I think MH and T5 tanks offer better color and overall effect depending on what you're looking for. LEDs offer that controllability but at steady state I don't consider them king but this is personal preference.

Your not quite right on your led rant sorry. Mh and t5's and pc the best method of comparison is par. But for LEDs the best measurement of their effectiveness is pur.
Mh and t5 only have the blue an white look. LEDs have numerous color combinations blue, royal blue, white , red, violet, ultraviolet to just name a few. LEDs are replacing hid lighting in the rest of worlds application so its safe to assume they will be here for a while. They run a lot more efficient than halides an cooler.

Long term resale is not something most companies are looking for. Because they designed their units to be able to be upgraded that is why they are modular. You don't have to buy bulbs every eight months but you will have the option to swap put for better diodes.

Mh are awesome for coral growth but LEDs are now showing to be as effective. And have more of an ability to make your colors pop. The long term data isn't there yet. But it will be after the short term results we have seen.