Here's my problem currently running a 65 gallon reef and fish tank for the past four years. Just bought a 210 gallon i'm making my own refugium out of a 75 gallon tank. I've been reading a lot on led's and most people are saying Orphek system is the way to go. Yes more expensive up front but long run pays off. Metal halide everyone knows about whats your guys opinion and experience. Thanks:grumble:
Led vs Metal Halide!!! HELP
- Thread starter reef_bug
- Start date
Piratefish
SPS Freak
Well I think its still a little early for the LEDs but those Orphek lights are sweet.
winnie
Reefing newb
I run four of these over my 120, and I LOVE them.
ECORAY TM 60 HIGH PAR LED LIGHT
However, I have never run MHs, so I can't give you a comparison from my experience.
Here is my build thread...see what you think!
ECORAY TM 60 HIGH PAR LED LIGHT
However, I have never run MHs, so I can't give you a comparison from my experience.
Here is my build thread...see what you think!
parrotchute
DUSTOFF MEDEVAC
My vote is in for Aqua Illumination lights - I've been using them and they are wonderful. And putting out a LOT of light - more than enough to sustain hard corals and clams.
Bifferwine
I am a girl
T5 is strong enough to keep anything, if you have the right number of bulbs (and individual reflectors help too). How long is your tank? There are good T5 systems that are 48" long that will allow you to keep whatever you want. I use T5s over my 90.
Aquatic
Reefing newb
Given LED is new technology, it does save a lot of energy costs so that's a huge plus in my book. If money isn't a problem, Metal Halide is a great lighting choice. I've seen the ecoray lighting that winnie has and they look really good as well!
Bifferwine
I am a girl
Oh sorry, I thought you were speaking of your 65.
For a 210, it will be difficult to use T5s. I know there are some 72" fixtures out there, but the depth of the tank would be better suited to MH or LED.
For a 210, it will be difficult to use T5s. I know there are some 72" fixtures out there, but the depth of the tank would be better suited to MH or LED.
Bifferwine
I am a girl
You most likely won't need a chiller with MH lights. Very few people use chillers. Even over my 240, I had 4 x 250 watt MH and T5s and didn't need a chiller... And I live in Arizona where it's really hot.
I've never heard of the Orpheks, but the other brands mentioned already seem to be popular.
I've never heard of the Orpheks, but the other brands mentioned already seem to be popular.
how close are you running your halides to the water and whats your average temp? Are u just running atinic's with the MH? Cause my 65 gal, I have 4-48' VHO with a fan on my sump and my temp is around 78-79 and i keep the temp in my house at 74. Im in south florida and think its going be tough to run it without a chiller.:grumble:
Bifferwine
I am a girl
78 to 79 is perfect. Even low 80s is fine. As long as the temps are stable.
My halides were about 12" from the surface, and I had two clip on fans blowing across the water.
Right now, I have a 90 gallon, and my tank's temp stays between 82 and 84. My house's temp stays in the high 70s to low 80s.
My halides were about 12" from the surface, and I had two clip on fans blowing across the water.
Right now, I have a 90 gallon, and my tank's temp stays between 82 and 84. My house's temp stays in the high 70s to low 80s.
Aquatic
Reefing newb
What if you had a suspended MH fixture? Wouldn't that help with heat issues so you might not need a chiller?
ccCapt
Reef Hacker
LED's are definitely the way to go if the upfront cost is affordable to you.
Feature Article: Quantitative Comparison of Reef Aquarium Lighting Technologies: Metal Halide, T5 Fluorescent and LED | Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine
"Based on this quantitative data, is its quite obvious that the LEDs have come of age in providing a viable solution to lighting reef aquaria. While a lot of other factors that may be involved in making decisions such as power savings, cost, longevity, controllability, cost of ownership etc. these are not the factors considered here. Based solely on quantitative light output data, I am excited about the future of this technology for reef aquarium use. "
Feature Article: Quantitative Comparison of Reef Aquarium Lighting Technologies: Metal Halide, T5 Fluorescent and LED | Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine
"Based on this quantitative data, is its quite obvious that the LEDs have come of age in providing a viable solution to lighting reef aquaria. While a lot of other factors that may be involved in making decisions such as power savings, cost, longevity, controllability, cost of ownership etc. these are not the factors considered here. Based solely on quantitative light output data, I am excited about the future of this technology for reef aquarium use. "
d2mini
Reef enthusiast
I've never heard of this brand.
What is their pricing and features/programming like compared to the Aqua Illumination Sol LEDs?
What is their pricing and features/programming like compared to the Aqua Illumination Sol LEDs?
d2mini
Reef enthusiast
Ya, mine is suspended and I need a heater.
d2mini
Reef enthusiast
I looked up this brand. Chinese made (not necessarily a bad thing) and lots of shilling on reefcentral. :scratchch
Shilling or not they do have a nice fixture and near as I can tell they are the only ones out there who actually have a 15k white LED.
Saw some of the AI Sol blues....way too blue for my tastes....
Orphek fixture appears to be the best substitute for MH.
This is a side by side comparison on a private tank. The video is halfway down.
Orphek | superior led lighting
