LED lighting or MH in a nano tank?

[ken55]

I just noticed that this thread has been bouncing around for over 2 1/2 years and it was the only question the OP ever asked.

[freeswimmingfis]

Originally Posted by ken55

I just noticed that this thread has been bouncing around for over 2 1/2 years and it was the only question the OP ever asked.

Hahaha...good catch.... looks like the eggs on my face!

[ken55]

Originally Posted by freeswimmingfis

Hahaha...good catch.... looks like the eggs on my face!

Nahh, not laughing at you... Laughing at the thread itself.

It struck me as funny that all this time has passed and the subject is still debated as much today as it was then. Also that both sides still use the same points. I guess this kind of proves the point once and for all. There is more than one way to light a tank and they all work.

That and the one question OP.

[Ruffoj926]

Originally Posted by jimmy frag

..............Preference does play a role in it, I have mine and you have yours

So you prefer more heat, lower efficiency, and short-life bulbs. With zero advantages.

[Ruffoj926]

Originally Posted by freeswimmingfis

Do you have first hand knowledge and experience using both LED and MH?
I have been in this hobby for almost 20 years, I have seen lots of changes but, MH is not some antiquated system. It is the tried and true method for lighting.
Yes, MH do put out heat. Yes, the bulbs have to be replaced about once a year.
I have 2 250 watt 20000k Radiums and 2 VHO Super Actinics over my 156g tank. Old school or successful? Look at the pic of my tank and decide for yourself.
Yes I run a chiller, and fans in my canopy. I will not be changing to LED any time soon. IMHO, LED is just not there YET. I do think that LED will (could) be the lighting choice in the near future, but not yet. If it was, then there would not be so many changes, updates and "new" color options.

Now, if I had a smaller tank, like the OP JBJ 28g, I doubt if I would put a MH over it. I would prob use a DIY LED, and try to get the combo of LED's as close to 20000k as I could.

BUT, there is no reason for you to say that "There is simply no reason to use metal halides in 2012"

I did not mean to offend you. Your tank looks very nice. What I meant was that somebody just entering the hobby would need to have a vey compelling reason not to buy LED's. There is sufficient evidence at this point that they provide equivalent growth rates as metal halides.