Led vs metal halides which grows corals faster ?

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 08:56 PM

I just bought a 220 and I'm now trying to figure out wether to buy a led set up or metal halides. I would like to do a sps with some lps corals, but predominantly sps. The tank is 30 high 24 wide so my question is will led grow corals at the same rate metal halides will and survive past a year. I have not found any info on this. I like the led concept low heat low wattage programmable colors etc but is it worth it ?? I have been out of the hobby for 6 years and so much has changed just trying to catch up thanks for any info.

mbingha · 12/30/2013, 09:00 PM

Which car handles better, Ferrari or Lamborghini? That's essentially what you are asking.

President Evil · 12/30/2013, 09:24 PM

Though I am using a MH/T5 combo, everyone I know says a good quality LED setup will grow SPS as well as MH

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 09:27 PM

There is so many choices of led out there Any suggestions for my tank with trying to grow sps?

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 09:28 PM

The top two LEDs right now are Ecotech Radion Pros and GHL Mitras.

President Evil · 12/30/2013, 09:32 PM

Don't forget the "AI" product lines, they look great!

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 09:34 PM

So I would need 3 radion for my tank that is about $1650 right for all three or just two ?

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 09:36 PM

How long is your tank? They just came out with the wide angle lenses that will help with overall spread.

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 09:40 PM

I have seen the AI on YouTube they look nice but I want to make a trip to see them in person. I've seen the ecotech and they are nice just don't understand why everyone turns them down to 50% which they say is because they don't want to burn the corals, but correct me if I'm wrong but when you turn them down that's reducing the par that all sps need?

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 09:41 PM

I just ordered it 72 long

ridetheducati · 12/30/2013, 09:44 PM

Get the most expensive unit(s) you can find, I am told they are the best, not.

I hope you do not base your decision on a few Reef Central threads. Do your homework and physically see the unit in action before you purchase.

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe the painter

I have seen the AI on YouTube they look nice but I want to make a trip to see them in person. I've seen the ecotech and they are nice just don't understand why everyone turns them down to 50% which they say is because they don't want to burn the corals, but correct me if I'm wrong but when you turn them down that's reducing the par that all sps need?

PAR doesn't really work the same with LEDs.
This is why people have seriously underestimated the power of their fixtures and burned the coral. Get them and you'll understand.

BTW, it's not just about PAR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe the painter

I just ordered it 72 long

Yeah, you'll need three.
$749 each plus a hanging kit.
You might be able to get away with two mitras... I'm not familiar much with those though. I think there is a "Mitras Club" thread in the lighting forum.

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridetheducati

Get the most expensive unit(s) you can find, I am told they are the best, not.

I hope you do not base your decision on a few Reef Central threads. Do your homework and physically see the unit in action before you purchase.

Agreed.
And for an off the shelf unit, these two are generally regarded as the best for quality, spectrum, par, features, and customer service combined.

If you are a DIY kinda guy, there is always that route.
Or if any of those qualities are not important to you, you might be able to find another fixture that suites you better.
Just try to find tanks that have had the fixture over their tank long term.

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 09:55 PM

I'm not basing my decision on a few threads talked to a lot of people who own both led and metal and it's a hard decision for me when your spending that much money I can get 3ballest 4oo lumantek and three bulbs for 630. I already have 2 VHO atinics 72 long. I just want my tank to grow and be healthy and I know lighting is a big part of that.

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 10:00 PM

No reason to go LED if you are ok with the heat, energy usage and bulb replacements of MH. It's a proven technology, the light looks fantastic and the corals love it.

President Evil · 12/30/2013, 10:01 PM

you could always go for the cheaper LED fixtures like reef breeders, they run about 150 each, a couple of local LFS use them on their displays, and they look great. I don't know of anyone that has their LEDs on 100%. Most people run around 50%

President Evil · 12/30/2013, 10:06 PM

yeah like "d2mini" said.. go with MH's that is what I am using.
2 14000k 150 watt MH, 4 t5 bulbs. That set up will grow anything you want

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 10:12 PM

I was thinking of going w 400 watt 10000k x 3 plus 2 160watt vho or 3 radion it's a debate I have not come to terms yet of which one to choose

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 10:14 PM

All the tanks you see with huge sps corals on tank of the month all have metal halides well 85%

President Evil · 12/30/2013, 10:18 PM

I think you might be dissapointed with the colors with a 10000k bulb..14000 or 20000 k bulbs are much nicer looking, though looks are subjective..

Joe the painter · 12/30/2013, 10:22 PM

I will check out the 14000k and the search for a tank that has had led radions for a year is on thanks for the help

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 10:24 PM

Yeah, if you want to grow coral, you absolutely can't go wrong with MH.
LEDs can grow coral, but i think they are all still a compromise to get all the other features at this point, compared to MH.
A MH/T5 combo, in my opinion, still can't be beat for healthy, set-and-forget coral growth. And this is coming from a long time Radion owner. But I love being able to slowly ramp up and down, choose whatever spectrum I want, no bulb replacements, no heat, and being able to make changes to my graph on a whim, or import someone else graph. It all depends what you want in a fixture.

GroktheCube · 12/30/2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe the painter

There is so many choices of led out there Any suggestions for my tank with trying to grow sps?

In addition to those already mentioned, PacSun and ATI T5/LED hybrid are two I'd definitely check out. I really like the fact that PacSun doesn't use any white LEDs in some of their units. Based on all the reading I've done, I think that's a step in the right direction.

MHs (especially 20K Radiums) + actinic T5s or VHOs is probably the most "proven" lighting setup in the hobby. LEDs take a bit more analysis, thought, and tweaking.

Hindsight being 20/20, I probably would have gone with 20k radiums + actinic T5s when I first set up my tank if I knew then what I know now.

President Evil · 12/30/2013, 10:30 PM

I am a MH guy.. still I have seen some amazing LED tanks.. you can not go wrong with either one.. I have seen a really nice LED/T5 tanks, I suppose it is all subjective as to which is better... The jury is still out...

glmule · 12/31/2013, 07:25 AM

I just did a DIY led system from Steves Led's for my 180. I have to say that I am more then pleased with this system. If you are electronic savy at all then I would look into DIY options. I bought the led system with typhoon controller for less then $800. I looked into all the other choices but could't bring myself to spend that kind of cash.

12/30/2013, 08:56 PM	#1
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	Led vs metal halides which grows corals faster ? I just bought a 220 and I'm now trying to figure out wether to buy a led set up or metal halides. I would like to do a sps with some lps corals, but predominantly sps. The tank is 30 high 24 wide so my question is will led grow corals at the same rate metal halides will and survive past a year. I have not found any info on this. I like the led concept low heat low wattage programmable colors etc but is it worth it ?? I have been out of the hobby for 6 years and so much has changed just trying to catch up thanks for any info.

12/30/2013, 09:00 PM	#2
mbingha Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 730	Which car handles better, Ferrari or Lamborghini? That's essentially what you are asking. __________________ 75 Gallon Mixed Reef in the works 30 Gallon Sump 28 Gallon JBJ 28 HQI

12/30/2013, 09:24 PM	#3
President Evil Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 66	Though I am using a MH/T5 combo, everyone I know says a good quality LED setup will grow SPS as well as MH __________________ 89' 351 whp @ 9 psi 7mgte 550cc, Walbro 400lph, HKS 264 Cams, HKS cam gears, HKS dragger, chrome sawblades.

12/30/2013, 09:28 PM	#5
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	The top two LEDs right now are Ecotech Radion Pros and GHL Mitras. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

12/30/2013, 09:32 PM	#6
President Evil Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 66	Don't forget the "AI" product lines, they look great! __________________ 89' 351 whp @ 9 psi 7mgte 550cc, Walbro 400lph, HKS 264 Cams, HKS cam gears, HKS dragger, chrome sawblades.

12/30/2013, 09:27 PM	#4
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	There is so many choices of led out there Any suggestions for my tank with trying to grow sps?

12/30/2013, 09:34 PM	#7
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	So I would need 3 radion for my tank that is about $1650 right for all three or just two ?

12/30/2013, 09:36 PM	#8
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	How long is your tank? They just came out with the wide angle lenses that will help with overall spread. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

12/30/2013, 09:40 PM	#9
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	I have seen the AI on YouTube they look nice but I want to make a trip to see them in person. I've seen the ecotech and they are nice just don't understand why everyone turns them down to 50% which they say is because they don't want to burn the corals, but correct me if I'm wrong but when you turn them down that's reducing the par that all sps need?

12/30/2013, 09:41 PM	#10
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	I just ordered it 72 long

12/30/2013, 09:44 PM	#11
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	Get the most expensive unit(s) you can find, I am told they are the best, not. I hope you do not base your decision on a few Reef Central threads. Do your homework and physically see the unit in action before you purchase. __________________ "Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor

12/30/2013, 09:55 PM	#14
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	I'm not basing my decision on a few threads talked to a lot of people who own both led and metal and it's a hard decision for me when your spending that much money I can get 3ballest 4oo lumantek and three bulbs for 630. I already have 2 VHO atinics 72 long. I just want my tank to grow and be healthy and I know lighting is a big part of that.

12/30/2013, 10:00 PM	#15
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	No reason to go LED if you are ok with the heat, energy usage and bulb replacements of MH. It's a proven technology, the light looks fantastic and the corals love it. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

12/30/2013, 10:01 PM	#16
President Evil Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 66	you could always go for the cheaper LED fixtures like reef breeders, they run about 150 each, a couple of local LFS use them on their displays, and they look great. I don't know of anyone that has their LEDs on 100%. Most people run around 50% __________________ 89' 351 whp @ 9 psi 7mgte 550cc, Walbro 400lph, HKS 264 Cams, HKS cam gears, HKS dragger, chrome sawblades.

12/30/2013, 10:06 PM	#17
President Evil Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 66	yeah like "d2mini" said.. go with MH's that is what I am using. 2 14000k 150 watt MH, 4 t5 bulbs. That set up will grow anything you want __________________ 89' 351 whp @ 9 psi 7mgte 550cc, Walbro 400lph, HKS 264 Cams, HKS cam gears, HKS dragger, chrome sawblades.

12/30/2013, 10:12 PM	#18
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	I was thinking of going w 400 watt 10000k x 3 plus 2 160watt vho or 3 radion it's a debate I have not come to terms yet of which one to choose

12/30/2013, 10:14 PM	#19
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	All the tanks you see with huge sps corals on tank of the month all have metal halides well 85%

12/30/2013, 10:18 PM	#20
President Evil Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 66	I think you might be dissapointed with the colors with a 10000k bulb..14000 or 20000 k bulbs are much nicer looking, though looks are subjective.. __________________ 89' 351 whp @ 9 psi 7mgte 550cc, Walbro 400lph, HKS 264 Cams, HKS cam gears, HKS dragger, chrome sawblades.

12/30/2013, 10:22 PM	#21
Joe the painter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 56	I will check out the 14000k and the search for a tank that has had led radions for a year is on thanks for the help

12/30/2013, 10:24 PM	#22
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	Yeah, if you want to grow coral, you absolutely can't go wrong with MH. LEDs can grow coral, but i think they are all still a compromise to get all the other features at this point, compared to MH. A MH/T5 combo, in my opinion, still can't be beat for healthy, set-and-forget coral growth. And this is coming from a long time Radion owner. But I love being able to slowly ramp up and down, choose whatever spectrum I want, no bulb replacements, no heat, and being able to make changes to my graph on a whim, or import someone else graph. It all depends what you want in a fixture. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

12/30/2013, 10:30 PM	#24
President Evil Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 66	I am a MH guy.. still I have seen some amazing LED tanks.. you can not go wrong with either one.. I have seen a really nice LED/T5 tanks, I suppose it is all subjective as to which is better... The jury is still out... __________________ 89' 351 whp @ 9 psi 7mgte 550cc, Walbro 400lph, HKS 264 Cams, HKS cam gears, HKS dragger, chrome sawblades.

12/31/2013, 07:25 AM	#25
glmule Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: iowa Posts: 31	I just did a DIY led system from Steves Led's for my 180. I have to say that I am more then pleased with this system. If you are electronic savy at all then I would look into DIY options. I bought the led system with typhoon controller for less then $800. I looked into all the other choices but could't bring myself to spend that kind of cash.