I would really like to know how long leds last.
Seems everyone upgrades every couple years.
Are their any studys on leds that plot their output over several years over a reef tank in the real world?
Maybe I missed them.
Anyone have a link?
I really like the orpheks but the Radions on 14k setting look real close to my 14K MH.
Leds are cheaper if you buy cheap ones.
I ran black boxes and they work.
Top of the line leds are not cheap if you run a large tank.
My next upgrade will be 3x my current 120 and will be MH and high end leds, the best of both world, imo.
And this is exactly the arguments as far as cost to run MH.
Sure you don't have to upgrade your LED's, but you probably will.
That cost is never calculated in to the cost difference between LED and MH.
Plus your right about no one really knows how long they last or if they keep their same spectrum and PAR. Like everything else, if there is no money to be made in conducting these types of test, no one will do them. Not to mention the makers risks of revealing the "real long-term numbers" under aquarium conditions.
I would like to see a link too.....