halide vs LED

[floridascape]

If there is a previous thread explaining the core differences between the two, can someone please direct me there. If not my main question is what are the pros/cons of going with a newer halide fixture vs. a Newer LED, I know very little about all of the products out and have been trying to figure out what would be best for my current setup... 54g corner drilled/overflow 2" sandbed 55lbs of well established rock 5gallon sump with bio balls 850g/hr pond pump cant remember who makes it... currently running 4 t5's (1) 12000k odysea daylight (1) 50/50 odysea (2) 36" atinics. any all suggestions will be greatly appreciated, Im very lost...

[OneReef]

Yes, there are many threads on this topic, not sure where though. The bottom line if I remember is that there are many benefits of LEDs over MH, no heat, adjustability of color and PAR, no bulb replacement every year to name a few. MH benefits are less initial cost outlay (depending on what you get) and people say a more full color spectrum. Those are the main ones if I recall

[floridascape]

thank you, my biggest issues so far are the heat associated with a MH, and the cost of having to replace bulbs... I guess my next question is what is the growth difference between the two? my corals all live and grow slowly under all the t5's but I want them to thrive! If I buy an led/halide fixture to supplement my t5's is there going to be a noticeable difference in growth? I don't want to break the bank but i would like to get something that's gonna give me that full spectrum im looking for.

[moliken]

well, it seems to me that with 4 t5's you can have a more precise to your needs spectrum than you can with 1 mh. it's the intensity, i believe, the par that makes mh the choice of many.

[GSMguy]

If your comparing the cheap oddessey MH light with modern LED fixtures like Ecotech and AI the pros for LED will vastly outweigh the pros for the halide.

If you were to compare LED to real modern halide setups that use decent ballasts, bulbs, and reflectors the halide will have some advantages those mainly being better spread and PAR. The LED will use less electricity and has more controlability

I think the biggest problem you will have is trying to run a reef tank with Bio Balls.

[floridascape]

What's the reason you say that? I've seen no problem running the balls so far?

[GSMguy]

Running the Balls?

[reefermad619]

Leds will usually have better par. Most par meters can't accurately read the blue spectrum
That LEDs produce. But that's also depends on led count, brand, optics and so forth.

[robertcedgar]

Over time, bio balls tend to collect gunk and become nitrate factories. You'd be better placing live rock/rock rubble in your sump....better yet, a refugium, which will eat nitrates. Most reefers don't use bio balls. Only a few with heavy bioload fish only systems still do....

[aquaticartist]

...nevermind...