LED vs MH

[Reef Junkie]

I've run MH for most of my reefing life, at least 20+ years.
I've been running LED's now for approximately 4 years. I've had some great success with LED, but never saw the growth and color I've seen with MH.
With that, I'm taking my Radions down and replacing them with 750watts of MH.
I will post my results after 3-6 months.

Anyone else switch back?

 

[jpitch]

I don't think there's much of an argument when it comes to LED vs MH in the performance department. I'd switch back in a heartbeat if the power consumption wasn't so drastic.

 

[Reef Junkie]

Right, I think the bottom line for me is that MH is the closest thing to natural sunlight and that is what we’re trying to replicate.
I tried to get away with LED’s but in the end, they do not come close.
They will eventually make one that performs as well as MH and it will draw just as much power.

 

[outeastreef]

I really don't think there is a big difference between LED& MH. You need more LED to produce the same amount of par and light from a MH. I had a 220 gal tank with 4 AI's it could of used two more. They draw 2 amp on the input side. using 6 AI's that would be 12amps. Now if I use 3 300w MH that would be approx. 7.8 amps. The only draw back IMO would be using a chiller to combat the heat produced by MH.

 

[Reef Junkie]

Alternatively, you'll need your heaters less in the winter. Including Your Home heat.


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[cullyisgully]

The cost is what made me go to LED's but MH are better for growth or I would go back in a heartbeat

 

[Reef Junkie]

Same here.
I realize that the cost of running MH might be a necessary one.
Especially when you look at Joe Y. or Joe B’s tanks.

 

[pecan2phat]

If I had a tank in a large open above ground living area and the fixture was hung vs in a canopy, I would consider going back to MH lighting.
Small rooms or fish rooms, below grade basement setups were just not worth the excess heat and humidity produced IME.

 

[Reef Junkie]

I get that, Warren. Luckily, I have both.


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[pecan2phat]

Then there was the consideration of electrical use. In 2010 when I switched over from 1 MH/VHO setup and 2 other separate T5 setups (3 tanks), my immediate difference was $50~$55 a month less and $500 in yearly bulb changes. (more from June through Sept from chiller use)
Following year, I swapped out most of the magnetic pumps to DC pumps and that further reduced the electrical use by another $25~$30 a month.

But if all the above was not in consideration, I'd prefer my old MH/VHO application. While you can maintain SPS under LEDs, I don't believe that they thrive vs under MH lighting.

 

[Reef Junkie]

Exactly, so you're saving some money, but you're not getting the results you want.



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