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Again, this is mater of context, not preference. A comparison is only valid if you setup a given context, i.e., if you compare oranges to oranges. We are obviously talking about SPS dominant tanks here.
I dont have an axe to grind with you - and since you are interested in cost comparisons - take these comments in a constructive way (i.e. to help you make a better comparison). Ihope any response back to me will be constructive as well. Im just throwing out ideas. Your first post said LED's are not cost effective for a 'reef tank'. That was a general comment and IMHO, the data you presented did not support that statement. If you change the topic to 'LEDs are not cost effective to light a 'HEAVY SPS tank', you may be correct - but I dont think you make your case.
Never suggested it was scientific. It is just practical use for us reefers, and I believe very useful info when choosing your light. The data used is from the BRS TV videos testing these lights and measuring PAR levels. I suggest you see those videos. Again, not my preference at all
I have learned several things reading these posts here - and have looked at all the BRS videos. Below is a screen grab from one of the videos. a 40 inch tank - With 2 Radion XR 30's at 12 inches - lower it is somewhat different - there are areas of higher and lower par, of course - but all of the levels are mostly within the range to easily grow SPS. And the coverage is pretty uniform in the tank.
One issue with the way you try to compare the 3 lights to analyze cost is that there is no reason to suggest that these three light choices are equivalent in quality/reliability/ability to grow corals. So how can any conclusions be made with regards to which one is the most cost-effective?
Again, my options are based on achieving the 250-350 PAR levels across the entire area of the tank that have been known to be required to grow most SPS. If you have a 4 foot tank but actually are only using 2 feet to grow SPS than what you are actyally saying is that your fixtures provide a 2foot coverage area, not a 4 foot.
What you can see from the videos and to a degree the picture I posted from the video - the 2 lights when used together do not act the same as 1 light (this is discussed in the video). In any case, there is no perfect solution because everyone has a different personal preference for lighting in their tanks.