LED Comparisons, rankings, charts

[Knishfish]

I'm planning a 7' x 2' x 2' tank and am facing a quandary about the best LEDs to go with for SPS. I just came across this article:

http://aquarium-digest.com/2014/01/07/what-to-consider-when-choosing-your-aquarium-lights/

and would like to hear what others think. Is the TMC AquaRay so far superior as claimed by the author?

 

[rtparty]

I will go out on a limb here and say that that article is probably very biased for a reason.

No way TMC makes the best LED on the market. GHL and Ecotech are probably the top two but I'd only ever spend my money on GHL.

I don't own either so I am not biased either way. My own opinion is metal halides. The Hamilton Cebu Sun in the 72" fixture with 3 - 250w Radiums and 4 T5s.

Just an opinion.

 

[Knishfish]

Hey Ryan,

I also questioned the objectivity but there were 2 things that drove me to post the question and see if there could be a renewed LED discussion:

1) the PUR vs. PAR argument - is this valid and
2) pulse width modulation (PWM) resulting in lower heat and no need for fans. I wonder if this truly is next generation or hooey!

(After 15 years, I'm moving away from MH. My Hydro bill has dropped by $100/month. No more chiller and no more poached fish! I was tired of the heat, temperature fluctuations, the occasional burn, not being able to open the hood in the family room without blinding my guests, etc. Sure, they were good lights for that era but I do think things are moving on. It's just that we seem to be in that transition period where LEDs just haven't yet matured enough.)

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[BiggsTheGoalie]

Just based on the wattage/output comparisons those numbers look sketchy at best. That said, I've not used LEDs so I might be completely wrong too. But I don't think I am... :lmao:

 

[pompeyjohn]

Whilst reading up on TMC I found this link.

http://aquariumopinions.com/2013/01/20/************-led-showdown-2012-2013/

 

[Reefvet]

Is the TMC AquaRay so far superior as claimed by the author?

IF that were the case don't you think there would be countless threads and posts referencing this relatively small player in the LED game ?

Who is the author by the way ?

I got a good laugh when I read the cons on the comparison chart of LEDs. If that doesn't indicate huge bias I don't know what would.

 

[Reefvet]

Whilst reading up on TMC I found this link.

http://aquariumopinions.com/2013/01/20/************-led-showdown-2012-2013/

Your links have been neutered by the link police here at RC.

 

[Knishfish]

Hey Reefvet,

I share your skepticism (which is why I posted in the first place). That said, are you aware of any other recent such charts that have been done? I would love to see a recent chart that lines up the LED vendors. I also am not driven by brand names - I am looking for the best value. To me that means the top LED system to grow SPS for the best total cost of ownership (initial price + repairs + ongoing power costs). I care about the science (spectrum, par/pur, lenses/diffusion, natural colour blending, etc.). So that would include Radeon Pro, Hydra 52, Kessil + other vendors to round things out.

 

[saltyair]

Here is a great article http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/8/review