LED lighting or MH in a nano tank?

Mark Nishimura · 02/16/2010, 09:59 PM

Does anybody out there have any experience with the JBJ 28 gallon reef tank with the LED light set-up? Does the LED work as advertised? Any experience appreciated.

carlosdaccach · 10/02/2011, 09:21 PM

i dont own one but at the store where i buy my animals there is one as display and the colors are much better than MH. they have it full with australian lps and the colors are amazing.

lordofthereef · 10/03/2011, 01:14 AM

I did my own led setup and I am happy with it. The biggest draw in a nano is heat. With LEDs you can get away with fans for cooling depending on the ambient room temperatures. With the halides you will almost certainly need a chiller.

rovster · 10/03/2011, 07:43 AM

Defintely LED because of heat issues. That small tank will heat up quickly, unless you compensate for that with chiller, external fans, etc. The JBJ 28 LED does look sweet!

Sugar Magnolia · 10/03/2011, 07:45 AM

Another vote for LED's. MH will definitely need some type of cooling, whether it's a chiller or fans. I have 250W of MH obver my 30g cube and if I don't turn on the fan, the temp will rise as much as 6 degrees.

DustinB · 10/03/2011, 07:53 AM

Be sure and check out an LED setup in person. I've done 2 different setups and I absolutely hate the look.

firebirdude · 10/03/2011, 08:29 AM

Used LEDs inside the hood of my 29g Biocube, then a hanging MH running open top. I kid you not, the LEDs in a closed hood ran cooler. In fact, when the fans in the hood kicked on with the LEDs, I'd actually LOSE .5-1 degree. Yes. My tank ran hottest at night. lol

carlosdaccach · 10/03/2011, 01:31 PM

does anyone know if a tank with LEDs will get more glare on the glass than a tank with MH when there is to much external light?

michaelr · 10/03/2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia

Another vote for LED's. MH will definitely need some type of cooling, whether it's a chiller or fans. I have 250W of MH obver my 30g cube and if I don't turn on the fan, the temp will rise as much as 6 degrees.

Ehh i dont know i have never had a problem with my coralife aqualight pro (it has 250 watt MH) heating up. Granted i do have a bigger tank

jwolcott · 09/10/2012, 08:25 PM

Nanos usually have a hood, and heat and hoods don't work. If it was me I'd buy a less expensive tube lite tank and install an ai sol led. Or better yet chuck the hood altogether.
Good luck

Kip Hodges · 10/01/2012, 11:34 AM

I threw an el-cheapo aquatraders led fixture into my 14g, it does have an annoying blue light in the center, but it was cheap fast and easy until I can figure out how to add 2 or 3 LEDs to wash out the blue. I'm keeping it.

Ruffoj926 · 10/01/2012, 02:56 PM

There is simply no reason to use metal halides in 2012. You'd be running your air conditioning all the time.

jimmy frag · 10/01/2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruffoj926

There is simply no reason to use metal halides in 2012. You'd be running your air conditioning all the time.

its all about preferance isnt it, not what "you" prefer

frogmaster421 · 10/01/2012, 03:23 PM

i heard that theyre crap

coralsnaked · 10/01/2012, 03:33 PM

Well I have 4 JBJ 28 tanks and I run CF in all of them w/ additional 20watts of LED giving me a total of 125 watts in 25 net tank gallons. (The back of the tank is not covered or lighted and contains 3 gallons) Net lumens is 5 per gallon and you can grow anything in there. I choose CF because regardless of LED or not I am going to have heat problems in S. Texas where my home sometimes is 85+ degrees while I am out. Therefore I put the additional $400 costs in the chiller and the end result is the same in intial output. The 20 watt LEDs I've added gives me the visual look I go for and the little extra boost in lumens for SPS. Now i do have to change bulbs every 9 months a $35 cost. I would stay away from the JBJ LED Intermediate as the wattage is too low for many corals. On the other hand the Pro has the needed wattage and comes with a dimmer. The look of LED color on many illuminating corals is vibrant, however the color spectrum of MH will bring out better color on non illuminating corals. So like everything else preference should be dictated by stocking list. Oh yea and many fish illuminate better under LED as well.

PS no glare on glass from LED either.

Happy Reefing

jimmy frag · 10/01/2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coralsnaked

Well I have 4 JBJ 28 tanks and I run CF in all of them w/ additional 20watts of LED giving me a total of 125 watts in 25 net tank gallons. (The back of the tank is not covered or lighted and contains 3 gallons) Net lumens is 5 per gallon and you can grow anything in there. I choose CF because regardless of LED or not I am going to have heat problems in S. Texas where my home sometimes is 85+ degrees while I am out. Therefore I put the additional $400 costs in the chiller and the end result is the same in intial output. The 20 watt LEDs I've added gives me the visual look I go for and the little extra boost in lumens for SPS. Now i do have to change bulbs every 9 months a $35 cost. I would stay away from the JBJ LED Intermediate as the wattage is too low for many corals. On the other hand the Pro has the needed wattage and comes with a dimmer. The look of LED color on many illuminating corals is vibrant, however the color spectrum of MH will bring out better color on non illuminating corals. So like everything else preference should be dictated by stocking list. Oh yea and many fish illuminate better under LED as well.

PS no glare on glass from LED either.

Happy Reefing

imglad you are happy with your choice of lighting and happy to hear they work well with your set up

jimmy frag · 10/01/2012, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frogmaster421

i heard that theyre crap

its all about preferance, MH, LED, and T5 are all great. sume manufacturers are better than others.

Ruffoj926 · 10/10/2012, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy frag

its all about preferance isnt it, not what "you" prefer

Preference does not really play a role in the comparison.

Metal halide:
Excellent quality of light
High power
High heat
Bulbs need replacing

LED:
Excellent quality of light

twilmot · 10/10/2012, 02:27 AM

LED for sure. Heat was big for me when I put LED's on my Nano, Plus on that size tank you won't break the bank on either going the DIY method of LED's or buying a LED unit. I won't get into the arugment on which one is a better light source but, LED- no replacement bulbs for a long time, less power used, and less heat. I still have a scar from where I burned my arm on a MH light bulb at work, crap is hot....

jimmy frag · 10/10/2012, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruffoj926

Preference does not really play a role in the comparison.

Metal halide:
Excellent quality of light
High power
High heat
Bulbs need replacing

LED:
Excellent quality of light

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

C4rN4gE · 10/10/2012, 07:24 AM

Sanjay made the comment at MACNA that it was cheaper to buy an LED setup for 2-3 years, and then replace it with whatever is available then, than to go MH and have to replace bulbs.

yogoshio · 10/10/2012, 07:28 AM

This Sanjay is right. Between energy savings and bulb replacement, LED is cheaper. On another forum a member actually pulled his energy bills and did a yearly comparison and saved about $250 a year from 2 250 watt halides to two Radions. Over the course of three years, energy savings alone is $650, and that doesn't include the savings from not replacing halide bulbs every 6 months.

SaltyWenStirred · 10/10/2012, 08:08 AM

I have LEDs. I like the look of MH's better. That's what they have in my LFS. However, I didn't want the heat issue. Ultimately, you have to decide what is most important to you.

freeswimmingfis · 10/10/2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruffoj926

There is simply no reason to use metal halides in 2012. You'd be running your air conditioning all the time.

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"

freeswimmingfis · 10/10/2012, 11:44 AM

To the OP, sorry bout the rant.
A properly designed LED would be fine for your tank.

02/16/2010, 09:59 PM	#1
Mark Nishimura Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 1	LED lighting or MH in a nano tank? Does anybody out there have any experience with the JBJ 28 gallon reef tank with the LED light set-up? Does the LED work as advertised? Any experience appreciated.

10/03/2011, 01:14 AM	#3
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	I did my own led setup and I am happy with it. The biggest draw in a nano is heat. With LEDs you can get away with fans for cooling depending on the ambient room temperatures. With the halides you will almost certainly need a chiller. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

10/03/2011, 07:45 AM	#5
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	Another vote for LED's. MH will definitely need some type of cooling, whether it's a chiller or fans. I have 250W of MH obver my 30g cube and if I don't turn on the fan, the temp will rise as much as 6 degrees. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

10/10/2012, 08:08 AM	#23
SaltyWenStirred Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 245	I have LEDs. I like the look of MH's better. That's what they have in my LFS. However, I didn't want the heat issue. Ultimately, you have to decide what is most important to you. __________________ Innovative Marine 38g Nuvo Tank; Skkye 92W LED light Innovative Marine AuqaGadget - Skimmate Protein Skimmer, midsize Innovative Marine MiniMax All-In-One Media Reactor (PhosGuard) Nikon D90 35mm

10/10/2012, 11:44 AM	#25
freeswimmingfis Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Katy Tx Posts: 622	To the OP, sorry bout the rant. A properly designed LED would be fine for your tank. __________________ 60x24x24, 2-AI Hydra 26HD, PM R36+ sump, WB HY-5000 pump, 2 MP40 WES, BRS Duel reactor, LifeReef Skimmer, Red Sea 50 Ozone

10/02/2011, 09:21 PM	#2
carlosdaccach Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 28	i dont own one but at the store where i buy my animals there is one as display and the colors are much better than MH. they have it full with australian lps and the colors are amazing.

10/03/2011, 07:43 AM	#4
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	Defintely LED because of heat issues. That small tank will heat up quickly, unless you compensate for that with chiller, external fans, etc. The JBJ 28 LED does look sweet!

10/03/2011, 07:53 AM	#6
DustinB Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,532	Be sure and check out an LED setup in person. I've done 2 different setups and I absolutely hate the look.

10/03/2011, 08:29 AM	#7
firebirdude User and Abuser Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,836	Used LEDs inside the hood of my 29g Biocube, then a hanging MH running open top. I kid you not, the LEDs in a closed hood ran cooler. In fact, when the fans in the hood kicked on with the LEDs, I'd actually LOSE .5-1 degree. Yes. My tank ran hottest at night. lol

10/03/2011, 01:31 PM	#8
carlosdaccach Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 28	does anyone know if a tank with LEDs will get more glare on the glass than a tank with MH when there is to much external light?

09/10/2012, 08:25 PM	#10
jwolcott Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakley, Ca Posts: 169	Nanos usually have a hood, and heat and hoods don't work. If it was me I'd buy a less expensive tube lite tank and install an ai sol led. Or better yet chuck the hood altogether. Good luck

10/01/2012, 11:34 AM	#11
Kip Hodges Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: St. Louis Posts: 76	I threw an el-cheapo aquatraders led fixture into my 14g, it does have an annoying blue light in the center, but it was cheap fast and easy until I can figure out how to add 2 or 3 LEDs to wash out the blue. I'm keeping it.

10/01/2012, 02:56 PM	#12
Ruffoj926 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 94	There is simply no reason to use metal halides in 2012. You'd be running your air conditioning all the time.

10/01/2012, 03:23 PM	#14
frogmaster421 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: rochester Posts: 58	i heard that theyre crap

10/01/2012, 03:33 PM	#15
coralsnaked Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Austin / Port Aransas, TX Posts: 1,479	Well I have 4 JBJ 28 tanks and I run CF in all of them w/ additional 20watts of LED giving me a total of 125 watts in 25 net tank gallons. (The back of the tank is not covered or lighted and contains 3 gallons) Net lumens is 5 per gallon and you can grow anything in there. I choose CF because regardless of LED or not I am going to have heat problems in S. Texas where my home sometimes is 85+ degrees while I am out. Therefore I put the additional $400 costs in the chiller and the end result is the same in intial output. The 20 watt LEDs I've added gives me the visual look I go for and the little extra boost in lumens for SPS. Now i do have to change bulbs every 9 months a $35 cost. I would stay away from the JBJ LED Intermediate as the wattage is too low for many corals. On the other hand the Pro has the needed wattage and comes with a dimmer. The look of LED color on many illuminating corals is vibrant, however the color spectrum of MH will bring out better color on non illuminating corals. So like everything else preference should be dictated by stocking list. Oh yea and many fish illuminate better under LED as well. PS no glare on glass from LED either. Happy Reefing

10/10/2012, 02:27 AM	#19
twilmot Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 159	LED for sure. Heat was big for me when I put LED's on my Nano, Plus on that size tank you won't break the bank on either going the DIY method of LED's or buying a LED unit. I won't get into the arugment on which one is a better light source but, LED- no replacement bulbs for a long time, less power used, and less heat. I still have a scar from where I burned my arm on a MH light bulb at work, crap is hot....

10/10/2012, 07:24 AM	#21
C4rN4gE Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 56	Sanjay made the comment at MACNA that it was cheaper to buy an LED setup for 2-3 years, and then replace it with whatever is available then, than to go MH and have to replace bulbs.

10/10/2012, 07:28 AM	#22
yogoshio Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 163	This Sanjay is right. Between energy savings and bulb replacement, LED is cheaper. On another forum a member actually pulled his energy bills and did a yearly comparison and saved about $250 a year from 2 250 watt halides to two Radions. Over the course of three years, energy savings alone is $650, and that doesn't include the savings from not replacing halide bulbs every 6 months.