The better lighting?

[Andrew L]

Just on opinion do you guys think SPS growth in general is better using a well known brand of led something like AI or ecotech compared to metal halide? What have you guys seen better in growth?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Just on opinion do you guys think SPS growth in general is better using a well known brand of led something like AI or ecotech compared to metal halide? What have you guys seen better in growth?

Defenitely, however more so with DIY, using the latest tech. You can get the same power with about half of the wattage of mh. Violets, reds, and cyans are very important in color rendition, you can get incredible growth from just the Royal Blues (455nm is the best) and the cool whites (preferably 7550k), but like I said the other colors are needed to have good colors. I have seen a lot of sticks grow much better, as well as montis and other sps. Lighting is just one factor, if your tank is not very stable, your corals will not grow well under either light, so keep that in mind.

 

[Chameleon]

Some corals do better under halides and some do better under LED...cant make a great generalizations here.
Vividaquarium did a good comparison tank

 

[Andrew L]

yeh like what im saying is if you have stable conditions, but the main difference was just the lighting (LED vs. Halide) what is the better. It seems like Led is a good choice, but for some reason I see halide produce a darker more healthy color with good growth with alot of SPS.

 

[Chameleon]

Like previously mentioned both are great choices and grow corals well. Some corals grow better under halides and some under LEDs...neither is better. I go with LEDs personally because of the lower cost associated with LEDs. Halides are more proven over long times, but numerous people have had great success with LEDs they just haven't been around long enough to see what they can do for a tank 5-10 years down the road.