The Correct Light for the Job

[Tradewinds]

I have read countless lighting threads that debate why (insert your favorite lighting system here) is the best. I would like to look at this from a slightly different perspective, which is that our lighting needs may change as our tanks mature. Tank type and the inhabitants will also be a factor.

For the sake of discussion, let's say MH are the best for optimal coral growth, but what happens when the tank reaches its maximum potential with wall-to-wall coral? Would this be a good time to switch to LED, which by all means, would still provide adequate lighting, and allow the hobbyist to reduce the cost of operating the tank on a long-term basis.

Just as there are recommended tank sizes for different types of fish, is there any consensus on the correct light for the different types of tanks? For example:

FOWLR - T5 or LED
Softie Tank - T5 or LED
SPS - MH or LED

Instead of debating why my light is the best and yours is junk, maybe it would be wise to realize that each lighting type has its place in the hobby.

 

[Timber77]

i like mh better but 2000 watts down to under 200 without much change in coral growth has tipped led's. Lighting is very subjective, i like m80 ballasts overdriving radium bulbs if say electricity was suddenly free or cheap... it only took a few years for the leds to pay themselves off if you count in the power draw and not havign to buy 400-500 in bulbs every 9-12 months.

 

[ganjero]

i like mh better but 2000 watts down to under 200 without much change in coral growth has tipped led's. Lighting is very subjective, i like m80 ballasts overdriving radium bulbs if say electricity was suddenly free or cheap... it only took a few years for the leds to pay themselves off if you count in the power draw and not havign to buy 400-500 in bulbs every 9-12 months.

I'm not sure if you did this, but it is very unrealistic to say that you can replace 2000w of MH with less than 200w of LEDs. If this was done, then then the MH were not being used efficiently (user error).

To the OP, it is not so much about the technology but efficiently using each one of them. You cannot really pair the type or size of tank with a specific technology, it is more about intensity and that guidance exists.

FOWLR - very low intensity (PAR/PUR). The only time you should look for something that produce more lumens (amount of light the human eye perceives) per watts. This is for an obvious reason, all you want to achieve is visibility of your fish.

Softie Tank - low to medium intensity
LPS - Medium to high intensity
SPS - High intensity

Remember that is just a general guidance as there are some exceptions, like SPS that don't need high intensity, and coral placement can also achieve the intensity needed.

From that you can have a 300g FOWLR with 3 70w MH , or 4 NO 60" t12 or T8 bulbs, or just about 100w of LEDs, etc. but you can also have a 5g SPS tank with 1 70w MH bulb.

Again, you can achieve the corals lighting needs with all three popular technologies (MH, T5HO, LEDs) for any tank size, you just need to increase or decrease the intensity by using more or less light.

PS LEDs can be as or even more powerful than MH, specially when combined with lenses. The main issue with LEDs that some are having is bringing out deep reds in corals.