Difference's between LED company's ?

[427HISS]

I'm new to LED's and have been doing a lot of researching, so what makes one company better than others ?
Prices range from $300 to over $ 2,000.

Comparing apples to apples, like the same size, watts, automatic dimming, etc......

Looks to me that the electronics are the same, just a different package, similar to cloths washers, there's like 5 actual manufactures, but company's just put their name on them, like Sears, Maytag etc.....

Ecotech is too expensive.

This has been very confusing and it's frying my brain !

 

[KologneKoral]

There are big to huge differences in quality. Many factors are involved, such as LED bins, foreward voltage types, lumen efficiency, lifetime,, as well as how they are driven, then there is the heat management, which is often cut short on cheaper fixtures. Lowers the life of the LEDs. Spectrum plays a role, of course, as well as ability to program and control, which brings one to softwares. Updateability. Are repairs-updates easy?

Then there are aesthetic factors to consider. I pay more for something that fits it purpose to my standards. Such as simple form, no cable spaghetti, noise level, can be adapted to new technologies, etc. Make the criteria that is important to you and you will notice how many options simply fall away.

It is like many things. If you do not look under the hood, you don't know what you are getting. Seeing the units is very important, as well as comparisons to others.

 

[glb]

There are big to huge differences in quality. Many factors are involved, such as LED bins, foreward voltage types, lumen efficiency, lifetime,, as well as how they are driven, then there is the heat management, which is often cut short on cheaper fixtures. Lowers the life of the LEDs. Spectrum plays a role, of course, as well as ability to program and control, which brings one to softwares. Updateability. Are repairs-updates easy?

Then there are aesthetic factors to consider. I pay more for something that fits it purpose to my standards. Such as simple form, no cable spaghetti, noise level, can be adapted to new technologies, etc. Make the criteria that is important to you and you will notice how many options simply fall away.

It is like many things. If you do not look under the hood, you don't know what you are getting. Seeing the units is very important, as well as comparisons to others.

Great advice. I'd also add that the most expensive lights may not be the best ones for your tank. You don't want to buy junk, but some of the high end lights may have features you don't need, such lightning storm effects. I'd just ask a lot of questions here and listen to what people say about their lights. After a lot of research, it will become more clear what's most important to you. Good luck!

 

[427HISS]

It's a daunting task to find what the corals need, then me. I've got it down to three brands, and hopefully with my research, speaking with the company's on the phone, and certainly not last, all you fellow reefers here on R2R. This is such a wonderful site with a lot of advise, information, photo's & video's of everyone's tanks. I highly appreciate all of you.

 

[glb]

How big is your tank?

 

[427HISS]

Just a 75g.

Most of the time in life, you get what you pay for, but sometimes you can find a great product from a great company, that do not charge & arm and leg like the more popular and well known brands. I realize that the Radions are a quality unit, but I also think they charge way too much when you have other vary comparable company's out there. The reason I research so much (with any,...product) is I hate to buy a piece of crap, as I don't have the money to mess around, so I buy the best I can with the money I have. I refuse to pay over $1,000 for lighting and I see a few good systems for under $800.

I'll post the 3-4 I'm looking at and see what you guys advise.

 

[glb]

Just a 75g.

Most of the time in life, you get what you pay for, but sometimes you can find a great product from a great company, that do not charge & arm and leg like the more popular and well known brands. I realize that the Radions are a quality unit, but I also think they charge way too much when you have other vary comparable company's out there. The reason I research so much (with any,...product) is I hate to buy a piece of crap, as I don't have the money to mess around, so I buy the best I can with the money I have. I refuse to pay over $1,000 for lighting and I see a few good systems for under $800.

I'll post the 3-4 I'm looking at and see what you guys advise.

That's the best way to go about it. People here will let you know what's worth it and where you can get high quality for less.