Metal Halide vs. LED Rates of Photosynthesis
- Thread starter Dana Riddle
- Start date
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Bpb
2500 Club Member
The risk of reef tank lighting causing long term degeneration is probably a bit over stated. Any permanent eye degeneration the average hobbyist may experience in life, I would sooner attribute to sunlight exposure
Nonya
Valuable Member
WebMD: "Almost all blue light passes straight through to the back of your retina. Some research has shown blue light may increase the risk of macular degeneration, a disease of the retina. Research shows blue light exposure may lead to age-related macular degeneration, or AMD."
Odd how that sounds like a parallel to how blue light penetrates deep into the ocean.
Bpb
2500 Club Member
Orange glasses for you then it sounds like, eh?
Nonya
Valuable Member
LOL, I've used yellow shooting glasses, and even tried my orange ski goggles. My glasses don't fit in them very well, though.
They say that rose colored glasses are also good. You have to be a real optimist to wear them. Thank you. I'll be here all week!
SunnyX
ReefSite.com
Lots of back and forth in this thread, and I don't want to delve too deeply into the fray but will offer some of my own experiences with a variety of lighting options.
Over the past 25 years that I have been reefing, I have used a variety of lighting methods and found success with them all. In short, I have found no discernable difference in growth and or coloration of corals between MH, T5 and LED. The differences strictly come down to cost, tank location/setup, and personal preferences.
Well, simple answer is that my current system of LED's have produced similar growth and coloration when compared to the T5's that I have used in the past.(RADION G5)
SPS have done well and colored up nicely but there are a few quirks I would like to point out in comparison to my experiences with T5 and even Metal Halide:
If I was starting this setup fresh I would have gone with 100% T5 and saved myself a good bit of money. Who knows, in time I may end up going that route but for now I am happy with the Radions. Besides, I wouldn't put too much stock into the lighting itself. Flow and good live rock will always take precedence, at least in this humble reefers opinion.
TL;DR All lights will grow corals. I have found no difference between the MH, T5 and LED's.
Examples of my setups under varying light sources
Metal Halide
T5
LED
These last picture are on a one week old setup that was upgraded from the small reef shown above. Running Radion G5's. The corals lost quite a bit of color in the move, so perhaps its not the best example, but in a few weeks time they will look right again.
Over the past 25 years that I have been reefing, I have used a variety of lighting methods and found success with them all. In short, I have found no discernable difference in growth and or coloration of corals between MH, T5 and LED. The differences strictly come down to cost, tank location/setup, and personal preferences.
Well, simple answer is that my current system of LED's have produced similar growth and coloration when compared to the T5's that I have used in the past.(RADION G5)
SPS have done well and colored up nicely but there are a few quirks I would like to point out in comparison to my experiences with T5 and even Metal Halide:
- While the spread is fairly even, there are still some hot spots. While they do not affect SPS too much they do bother Zoas. In some cases, the Zoas would lighten up and shrivel until moved to a shadier spot.
- Adding the diffusers made a HUGE difference. Ecotech should have included them as standard equipment. I personally would not run the Radion G5's without a diffuser. Once added, I had more even growth and less disparities with my LPS/ZOAs.
- LED's were the best choice for my specific situation. If I didn't already have a couple G5's I would have gone with an 8x80W T5 fixture. In-wall, I would have run Metal Halide in Lumenarc III reflectors. I have found nothing that can reproduce the look of MH. LED and T5 are flat in comparison.
- Another thing to note is that there are too many variables when it comes to LED. There are templates built into the units but with the amount of options at your fingertips I believe it causes more issues than it solves.
- One of the biggest issues I have experienced and heard from fellow reefers is how to correctly set the intensity. Even after using a PAR meter you still have discrepancies and issues. Plus, reefers as a whole tend to tinker too much and these large deviations from the standard and proven templates such as AB+ create many a headache. If you stick to the templates and stray too far, you will find success with the lights. That of course is provided that you have correctly set the intensity.
- The beauty of T5 is that the guesswork has been taken out and you are getting the best results out of the box. The spectrum and intensity is factory set and done so with the purpose of growing and coloring up corals.
If I was starting this setup fresh I would have gone with 100% T5 and saved myself a good bit of money. Who knows, in time I may end up going that route but for now I am happy with the Radions. Besides, I wouldn't put too much stock into the lighting itself. Flow and good live rock will always take precedence, at least in this humble reefers opinion.
TL;DR All lights will grow corals. I have found no difference between the MH, T5 and LED's.
Examples of my setups under varying light sources
Metal Halide
T5
LED
These last picture are on a one week old setup that was upgraded from the small reef shown above. Running Radion G5's. The corals lost quite a bit of color in the move, so perhaps its not the best example, but in a few weeks time they will look right again.
One of the greats from the past! Glad to see you’re still around!Lots of back and forth in this thread, and I don't want to delve too deeply into the fray but will offer some of my own experiences with a variety of lighting options.
Over the past 25 years that I have been reefing, I have used a variety of lighting methods and found success with them all. In short, I have found no discernable difference in growth and or coloration of corals between MH, T5 and LED. The differences strictly come down to cost, tank location/setup, and personal preferences.
Well, simple answer is that my current system of LED's have produced similar growth and coloration when compared to the T5's that I have used in the past.(RADION G5)
SPS have done well and colored up nicely but there are a few quirks I would like to point out in comparison to my experiences with T5 and even Metal Halide:
Again, it depends on the end user. If you like to tinker and have complete control and crazy lighting schedules then by all means jump into LED. Quite a few in this hobby are deep into the tech and in many cases more thought goes into those variables than the actual inhabitants, aquascape and overall tank. People spend many thousands of dollars on the fancy tech yet start a new setup with dry rock. It boggles the mind. But, this is my opinion. I am old school and do not even run a controller. I spot check PH and temperature daily and will test alkalinity once a week. Provided that everything is in line I leave the system alone. I do not tinker or deviate from the plan.
- While the spread is fairly even, there are still some hot spots. While they do not affect SPS too much they do bother Zoas. In some cases, the Zoas would lighten up and shrivel until moved to a shadier spot.
- Adding the diffusers made a HUGE difference. Ecotech should have included them as standard equipment. I personally would not run the Radion G5's without a diffuser. Once added, I had more even growth and less disparities with my LPS/ZOAs.
- LED's were the best choice for my specific situation. If I didn't already have a couple G5's I would have gone with an 8x80W T5 fixture. In-wall, I would have run Metal Halide in Lumenarc III reflectors. I have found nothing that can reproduce the look of MH. LED and T5 are flat in comparison.
- Another thing to note is that there are too many variables when it comes to LED. There are templates built into the units but with the amount of options at your fingertips I believe it causes more issues than it solves.
- One of the biggest issues I have experienced and heard from fellow reefers is how to correctly set the intensity. Even after using a PAR meter you still have discrepancies and issues. Plus, reefers as a whole tend to tinker too much and these large deviations from the standard and proven templates such as AB+ create many a headache. If you stick to the templates and stray too far, you will find success with the lights. That of course is provided that you have correctly set the intensity.
- The beauty of T5 is that the guesswork has been taken out and you are getting the best results out of the box. The spectrum and intensity is factory set and done so with the purpose of growing and coloring up corals.
If I was starting this setup fresh I would have gone with 100% T5 and saved myself a good bit of money. Who knows, in time I may end up going that route but for now I am happy with the Radions. Besides, I wouldn't put too much stock into the lighting itself. Flow and good live rock will always take precedence, at least in this humble reefers opinion.
TL;DR All lights will grow corals. I have found no difference between the MH, T5 and LED's.
Examples of my setups under varying light sources
Metal Halide
T5
LED
These last picture are on a one week old setup that was upgraded from the small reef shown above. Running Radion G5's. The corals lost quite a bit of color in the move, so perhaps its not the best example, but in a few weeks time they will look right again.
I’ll echo the dry rock sentiment. It’s been a nightmare.Lots of back and forth in this thread, and I don't want to delve too deeply into the fray but will offer some of my own experiences with a variety of lighting options.
Over the past 25 years that I have been reefing, I have used a variety of lighting methods and found success with them all. In short, I have found no discernable difference in growth and or coloration of corals between MH, T5 and LED. The differences strictly come down to cost, tank location/setup, and personal preferences.
Well, simple answer is that my current system of LED's have produced similar growth and coloration when compared to the T5's that I have used in the past.(RADION G5)
SPS have done well and colored up nicely but there are a few quirks I would like to point out in comparison to my experiences with T5 and even Metal Halide:
Again, it depends on the end user. If you like to tinker and have complete control and crazy lighting schedules then by all means jump into LED. Quite a few in this hobby are deep into the tech and in many cases more thought goes into those variables than the actual inhabitants, aquascape and overall tank. People spend many thousands of dollars on the fancy tech yet start a new setup with dry rock. It boggles the mind. But, this is my opinion. I am old school and do not even run a controller. I spot check PH and temperature daily and will test alkalinity once a week. Provided that everything is in line I leave the system alone. I do not tinker or deviate from the plan.
- While the spread is fairly even, there are still some hot spots. While they do not affect SPS too much they do bother Zoas. In some cases, the Zoas would lighten up and shrivel until moved to a shadier spot.
- Adding the diffusers made a HUGE difference. Ecotech should have included them as standard equipment. I personally would not run the Radion G5's without a diffuser. Once added, I had more even growth and less disparities with my LPS/ZOAs.
- LED's were the best choice for my specific situation. If I didn't already have a couple G5's I would have gone with an 8x80W T5 fixture. In-wall, I would have run Metal Halide in Lumenarc III reflectors. I have found nothing that can reproduce the look of MH. LED and T5 are flat in comparison.
- Another thing to note is that there are too many variables when it comes to LED. There are templates built into the units but with the amount of options at your fingertips I believe it causes more issues than it solves.
- One of the biggest issues I have experienced and heard from fellow reefers is how to correctly set the intensity. Even after using a PAR meter you still have discrepancies and issues. Plus, reefers as a whole tend to tinker too much and these large deviations from the standard and proven templates such as AB+ create many a headache. If you stick to the templates and stray too far, you will find success with the lights. That of course is provided that you have correctly set the intensity.
- The beauty of T5 is that the guesswork has been taken out and you are getting the best results out of the box. The spectrum and intensity is factory set and done so with the purpose of growing and coloring up corals.
If I was starting this setup fresh I would have gone with 100% T5 and saved myself a good bit of money. Who knows, in time I may end up going that route but for now I am happy with the Radions. Besides, I wouldn't put too much stock into the lighting itself. Flow and good live rock will always take precedence, at least in this humble reefers opinion.
TL;DR All lights will grow corals. I have found no difference between the MH, T5 and LED's.
Examples of my setups under varying light sources
Metal Halide
T5
LED
These last picture are on a one week old setup that was upgraded from the small reef shown above. Running Radion G5's. The corals lost quite a bit of color in the move, so perhaps its not the best example, but in a few weeks time they will look right again.
Nonya
Valuable Member
I just acquired an additional five Gen3 Pros, giving me 12 total, enough for two very large tanks I'll be setting up this summer. They're doing a great job growing SPS, LPS and softies in a temporary 110G. I'm looking forward to the POP on a massive scale.
Bpb
2500 Club Member
Finally someone with clout says it on here. I say this all the time and everyone ignores it or shrugs and says “eh, maybe”. Quality live rock makes the absolute biggest impact on coral health. Period. Flow is second
Bpb
2500 Club Member
Whatever you say it is, pal
JCOLE
Grower of the Small Polyps
What's funny is it is always the ones that you can tell have absolutely no experience or very little experience that seem to know everything.
"Hey, I am a Doctor"
"Where do you practice"
"I dont, but I have read a lot of books, so....just trust me"
"Hey, I am a Doctor"
"Where do you practice"
"I dont, but I have read a lot of books, so....just trust me"
JCOLE
Grower of the Small Polyps
I wasn't referring to the number of posts. Just the posts themselves.
The reaction score to the number of post says something though....
areefer01
2500 Club Member
Popularity? Cool kids club? Heavy post count via lounge threads...
This isn't related to you but I am more of a show me your display and length of time sort of person now. Too much bias in this hobby as you can see in this very thread...
Hope you are doing well!
JCOLE
Grower of the Small Polyps
Nothing to do with popularity. It's just the Troll type of posting from so many that is obvious. Again, you can usually get that from the message count to reaction score.
And I agree. Those with proof of successful experience are the ones I listen to. Just chatter from the rest.
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