Should I upgrade my lighting to LEDs?

[awexis]

I have a biocube 29 that was bought used. One of the ballasts blew out and to replace it will be around $50. I was honestly just thinking of changing the lights all together to LEDs. As of right now I have no corals, only some sea lettuce so the fact that I can only use one bulb isn't really affecting much. I might add corals one day and this switch would be the next step. I've seen many people mod the biocube and take out the pc lights and replace them with led strips. I was thinking about doing this. I've heard horror stories about switching to LEDs though. I'm not sure what to do. If I do buy LEDs strips I think I'll end up buying two of these ones, the actinic and white combo.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+10704+23510&pcatid=23510
What do you think?

 

[jkimball7]

I just retrofitted my 29 biocube to leds and I love it less heat coming from them than the original bulbs which helps I used rapid led retrofit kit it is made for the bio cube and fits perfect I'd check rapid led first I got 24 leds and a storm controller with everything I needed to install for like 260 bucks fast free shipping took me about 2 hours to install they have solderless leds or solder one depending on how handy you are I got the solderless it was pretty easy

 

[FDdragon]

I think the LEDs would be a good upgrade. Just keep checking online and you can buy a fixture to fit your tank for a low cost.

 

[zachfishman]

What I find really helpful is a cost comparison. Include the watt hours either lighting choice would cost you plus bulb replacement for T5 or MH:

For example, my Solana uses a 150w MH that costs $50 for a new bulb annually plus electric. That electric cost = 10hrs/day X 150watts X 365 days = 547.5 kilowatt hours per year = $71 annually (electric at ~13¢ per kilowatt). So... every year running a 150w MH costs me $121. This doesn't include the extra cost incurred by my AC to remove all that MH heat. Comparatively, a Kessil 360 running at 70watts (about right for my Solana) would only cost $33 annually. That's an $88 annual difference. The Kessil would pay for itself in 4.5 years (if bought new). Buy a used fixture and the timeframe shrinks. For reefers who need chillers LEDs pay off way faster.

Of course, this hobby was never about the money... :beer:

 

[ghellin]

The LEDs in your link are really more accent lighting, not lighting that woud grow any coral you may get someday. Go with the rapid kit if you can afford it, you will be able to meet any corals light demands.