Anyone having Long term Success with SPS and LEDs?
- Thread starter BenJay
- Start date
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
The threads are definitely out there, you just have to dig a bit. The big mother thread in the DIY forum was started by Soundwave - he's had SPS under LEDs for more than a year, and has posted really good growth progress shots a few times in that period. He recently sold his original build and is doing a new build with better LEDs (XP-Gs instead of XR-Es).
I spend a lot of time in the LED threads in the DIY forums, and a lot of time playing with LED stuff, so if you have any specific questions, ask away!
I spend a lot of time in the LED threads in the DIY forums, and a lot of time playing with LED stuff, so if you have any specific questions, ask away!
I am thinking that is may be a fun winter project for me and I just wanted to make sure that people are having success with it.
How oftern are the LEDs being upgraded? Is there a decent chance that once I spend all of the money on LEDs there will be a better generation out there?
How oftern are the LEDs being upgraded? Is there a decent chance that once I spend all of the money on LEDs there will be a better generation out there?
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
Like just about all semiconductors, LEDs are advancing according to Moore's law - performance is nearly doubling every 18 months or so. The typical measurement for efficacy (efficiency) for LEDs is lumens produced per watt. The "gold standard" from the early DIY days was the Cree XR-E, which topped out just under 100 lumens per watt for cool white. That was a year or two ago. This past winter, the Cree XP-G came out, which is around 140 lumens/watt at best. Cree has announced that this fall they will have a new LED out. It will probably approach 200 lumens/watt.
So, really, it's like any other electronics. You can go buy an iPod today, and next year there will be a cheaper one that has twice as much storage. So you really just need to decide if you want LEDs now bad enough to jump in, or if you're OK holding out for a year and seeing what happens.
FWIW I really don't think any of the current commercial LED products for the reefkeeping hobby are worthwhile, unless you've got bucks to spend. Few of them use best-of-breed LEDs, and those that do are typically around $25 - $30 per LED. On the other hand, it's common to DIY a fixture with the same or better components for $15 per LED.
So, really, it's like any other electronics. You can go buy an iPod today, and next year there will be a cheaper one that has twice as much storage. So you really just need to decide if you want LEDs now bad enough to jump in, or if you're OK holding out for a year and seeing what happens.
FWIW I really don't think any of the current commercial LED products for the reefkeeping hobby are worthwhile, unless you've got bucks to spend. Few of them use best-of-breed LEDs, and those that do are typically around $25 - $30 per LED. On the other hand, it's common to DIY a fixture with the same or better components for $15 per LED.
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
Paradiddle7
New member
On the topic of CREE. It's one of my favorite stocks. I started following it over 2 years ago and it's almost tripled since then. PANL is one of my favorites in the OLED sector. CREE is still going to 80-100 probably this year, if the market doesn't fall apart.
S Helinski
Active member
I have recently sold my firstborn, and have begun an amazing adventure into the realm of LED technology! It will either be the best aquarium decision I've ever made, or a great waste of money, as the technology improves exponentially... One way or another, so far I'm under the impression that LED's will lead the way in the next few years! The PAR results are amazing for the wattage. The LED's do get hot, but they can actually be touched without burning flesh. I have SPS growing under them, and in some cases, they have been too intense for some of my SPS colonies. I have to say that so far Halides are still the guarenteed way to go for growing corals, but in the next few years, LED's may change that...
Steve
Steve
Jacwil
New member
:eek2:
S Helinski
Active member
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but i don't appreciate being quoted out of context. My experience has told me that halides get the job done. In a few months, I'll be able to determine if LED's can do the same with 90% less wattage... My bet is on the LED's...
Steve
Steve
Jacwil
New member
Steve, you are mos' def. entitled to your opinion. Wasn't trying to offend, or start anything. My apologies. It's just a bold statement to say that "if you want guaranteed coral growth, use MH's."
That being said, I can't wait to start playing around with LED's. I have a PB and some Stunner Strips, but really want to delve into some DIY LED's...
That being said, I can't wait to start playing around with LED's. I have a PB and some Stunner Strips, but really want to delve into some DIY LED's...
