I'll answer that question since I've already inquired and got an answer from Jeremy
12" 200 model - Rebel LEDs $874.99
12" 260 model - Cree LEDs $999.99
Summer's almost over so I'm waiting until spring. The MH heat issue will be over in a couple of weeks. I have a few extra new MH bulbs and T5s so I'm waiting and gonna follow the threads for a bit.
Actually the 200 model uses Cree XPE whites and 260 uses XPG white.
According to Cree the XPEs are @min 112 lm/W while advertised @ 100.
260 model uses Cree XPG @ 139 lm/W
Frankly the 200 is even too much light, this is what I have been using and have to dim the whites down to 55% on a 24" tank.
The issue is that no other manufacturer advertises which blue and RB LEDs they use, although Vertex had no problem giving me this data when I emailed them.
I tried to get the same data from AI but they just ignored me!
I remember I even asked here on this forum but AI would not share this info, so that was one more reason why I got the vertex.
Pacific sun also advertises what Blue and RB they use but not AI! Again as always huge price difference and intensity between the lowest blue and higest one from Cree.
I think one of the major reasons why these overpower AI is the stronger blue although I have no way to test that!
Per Vertex they use:
260:
Blue 30.6 lm/w
RB 425mV
200:
Blue 23.5 lm/w
RB 350mV
In my mind for anything 24" deep or less the 260 is too overkill, JMHO
Cheers
Dave