I lol when non mh users horribly overstate the cost and replacement schedule. 12-18 months is typical. Not 6. Radium 250 watts are $80 on average. Probably the second most expensive hobby marketed bulb behind the iwasaki 6500k. Otherwise the Phoenix 14k (which lets be honest is basically a DE radium) and the entire line of Hamilton bulbs is $60. Sigh. I miss my Radiums. I've never had a light that looked so perfect all on its own
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I LOL when MH users make assumptions that anyone who makes a statement on replacement costs for MH means they're not a MH user or haven't been.
See what I did there?
I knew of many MH users in the past that were on replacement schedules for their bulbs between 6-8 months. I was also one of them.
It was specifically my choice of course, and yes you could technically keep that bulb going until it dies if you wanted, but that doesn't mean you should. I'm also not stating that you do or did. However some people actually DO.
It's been well documented the lifespan and changes within MH bulbs in the course of less than one year. We're not using them to see in a room or a shop, we're using them to stimulate and keep life alive, and to get certain colors from our specimens.
When swapping my radiums at 6-8 months, I legitimately saw a difference in color and the look of the tank. Did I "want" to replace them every 6-8 months? Of course not, but the difference visually was a necessity for me, after the bulb replacement I always saw a positive change in my corals as well.
After going over the cost of initial setup of my last tank plus replacement of bulbs or bulbs that randomly die (which definitely happens) After 6-7 years of owning a Vertex Illumina 4' LED fixture, I'm waaaaaaay head.
Even if I replaced my bulbs yearly, I would STILL be ahead.
Located in Canada, Radiums after tax were hitting me around 100 a pop or more sometimes, and I went through 2 GOOD QUALITY ballasts in 5 years. I also watched my friends go through their icecap ballasts over the years as well.
And every year that goes by I'll be farther and farther ahead financially while my other self would still be replacing bulbs.
Of course this decision is based on buying a high end fixture from the get go which should last a long time.
We now have full blown distributors of corals now using Radion's for the success of their business. We all know LED's are more than capable to grow SPS well, and get excellent colors.
What it comes down to, is the curve where you're ahead financially. Meaning the cost of the initial setup, the bulbs you choose to buy, the ballasts, and then that cost multiplied over your replacement schedule.
The average life of my fixture when calculated was over 12 years (I'd probably get over 20 years out of these LED's as they're only at 70% at max), at halflife now I'm already far ahead of a MH setup for cost.
Let me point out - 6 years ago, people thought spending over 2K for an LED light fixture was retarded. lol
I loved my MH setup and coloration, but after my experience with a high quality LED fixture, I would never go back.
In 10 years, I think you'll be hard pressed to find MH owners out there. It's old technology, has no versatility and lets be honest.... it shouldn't surprise anyone. The one's that will be hanging onto MH are the ones who personally like to stick with what works for them, not because it's "better."
My advice to the OP in this situation is simple. It's based on 3 things.
What is your budget?
If you buy a high end LED setup it will initially cost more than the MH setup. But it "should" last long enough for you to eventually save money VS the cost of replacing bulbs.
What do you want it to do?
Do you want great color and growth (Based on the bulb you get of course) or do you want great color and growth with endless capabilities?
Storms, cloud coverage, the ability for the brightness to peak at a certain time mid day, already implemented moon lights, a lunar cycle, etc.
The MH, is a Bulb that turns on and off. That's it, that's all.
What do YOU want to do with it?
LED's will require tweaking, finding schedules others are posting and trying, and then finding out what works best for your tank. You'll have to invest time researching and getting it to exactly what you want. This is also something people really enjoy. Others, not so much as they just want it to work.
For MH, just screw in the bulb and sit back. (make sure you get the right K bulb you like of course)
If you have the cash for an high quality LED setup and you're not intimidated with playing with it....Buy LED and never look back. :dance:
Plus when I look at the cost of building a canopy, fans, DIY reflectors, moonlights, etc....Even the initial amount of savings isn't that much.
