Really enjoyed reading this thread and think I offer some unique perspective. Ran metal halides a decade ago and jumped on the LED craze with the AI SOL Blues when they first came out. I loved the color and was so happy with my purchase.... Months later my 2500$ investment demolished my reef and I had to bite the bullet and sell my AI SOLs.
THrough much research I settled on going "backwards" in technology and bought a ATI dimmable sunpower. Although the initial color didn't have the same pop, my corals quickly recouped and flourished under this 8 bulb fixture for years now.
The reason I found this thread is that one of my ballasts went out tonight. I know I am going to need to replace it, but it got me thinking. ... These lights are amazing !! Can't be happier with the "living" results" but there are some huge drawbacks!!
The heat from these units is off the charts, so much so that before the failsafe broke on the units they auto dimmed down constantly. In fact, even with a fish room in the basement and 500 gallons of water the lights heat the water up 4-5 degrees over a 12 hour cycle.
Also, the bulb cost is getting extravagant. At 25$ a bulb it costs me 200$ every six months, 400$ a year just to run these.... Not to mention the electric bill!!
Although I "hate" LED's maybe they have come a long way since my first experience and maybe I should give them another shot??
Honestly considering Radions, especially because I own an APEX...
The loss of heat alone is what really sways me along with the bulb costs, which I used to blow off as not a big deal but after 3 years and thousands in bulbs I am starting to reconsider (3 units over 300 gallon and 140 gallon).
Here's my tank- I guess the "happiness" of these animals is the biggest concern!
Jim
